A study on the standard for determining airborne sound insulation performance of sound barrier panels

Sound barrier walls are one of the most effective alternatives for reducing environmental noise on roads and railways in the city center. The insertion loss of the sound barrier against road traffic noise is the sum of the sound transmission loss, sound absorption loss, and sound energy reduction due to the diffraction attenuation of the sound barrier. The sound transmission loss of the sound barrier is one of the important factors that determine the insertion loss of the sound barrier and is a basic indicator that determines the performance of the sound barrier. Nevertheless, there is not a separate standard in Korea for measuring the acoustic transmission loss of sound barrier panels. There are only a few conditions in KS F 4770 series that stipulates on the general material of sound barrier panels. This thesis examines the necessity of the acoustic transmission loss measurement and evaluation standards of sound barrier walls, and seeks a measurement method in a free sound field (anechoic chamber) sound receiving room considering the characteristics of sound barrier walls installed in external spaces, unlike indoor building materials. In addition, a single number evaluation method using a reference spectrum was proposed so that the sound insulation effect according to various installation places such as roadside or railroad side can be easily displayed.