Controlling noise is an important concern in many environments, be they urban, suburban, or industrial. It’s important to ensure comfort and productivity, and there are many potential ways in which organizations and municipalities can take steps to achieve it. Precast concrete sound barrier walls are an excellent example.
In many cases, these types of barriers are required by regulations such as the Noise Control Act. Still, whether mandatory or optional, precast concrete sound barrier walls provide an exceptional option for many noise reduction purposes, helping provide more peaceful environments.
How Precast Concrete Sound Barrier Walls Work
Precast concrete walls provide effective noise reduction by blocking, reflecting, or absorbing sound to prevent it from reaching sensitive areas. Reflective barriers send noise back toward its source, while absorptive barriers neutralize sound waves altogether.
Precast concrete sound barrier walls are particularly effective when dealing with noise from high traffic levels or industrial applications. There are many factors that determine how effective barriers are, including height, thickness, and materials. But in most cases, a considerable level of sound reduction can be achieved, making things sound half as loud to the human ear.
The Advantages of Precast Concrete Sound Barriers
There are many potential benefits when it comes to using precast concrete to construct sound barriers. Concrete is a very dense material, which positions it among the most effective choices when you’re looking to block out noise. It gets the job done even in high-traffic areas where significant reduction is needed.
Furthermore, precast concrete sound barrier walls are also durable and low-maintenance, quintessential qualities to have in areas that require extensive sound barriers. Coupled with customization by way of various textures and finishes, concrete is remarkably versatile and capable of providing both practical and aesthetical solutions for residential and industrial applications alike.
Reflective vs. Absorptive Barriers
The two most commonly used types of sound barrier walls are reflective and absorptive. Reflective barriers made of solid precast concrete, as explained earlier, deflect sound waves away from noise-sensitive areas, redirecting them back toward their source. You’ll often see these types of barriers along highways and industrial areas.
Absorptive barriers, on the other hand, don’t reflect noise at all, so there isn’t a concern about that reflected noise causing issues at the source. Instead, these barriers incorporate porous materials and textured surfaces to capture and dissipate sound altogether. In turn, absorptive barriers are the better choice for residential neighborhoods.
Concrete Sound Barriers in Urban Environments
Precast concrete sound barrier walls are widely used in urban environments. They serve as effective noise reduction solutions for residential communities within cities, protecting them from the significant noise caused by throughways that often experience heavy traffic.
You’re likely to find concrete sound barriers around a variety of specific properties within cities as well. Schools, hospitals, and office buildings, for instance, often implement concrete sound barriers. That’s because these types of facilities are often located in densely populated areas that are likely to create a lot of noise. Sound barriers are thus necessary to provide and maintain a calm and productive environment.
Concrete Sound Barriers in Industrial and Commercial Settings
Plenty of industrial and commercial settings are virtually epicenters for loud noises. Heavy machinery, manufacturing processes, and transportation can all contribute to excessive sound. Thankfully, though, precast concrete sound barrier walls isolate areas to prevent sound from traveling too far. Concrete is also most likely to physically withstand these potentially harsh environments as well.
Commercial areas including malls, hotels, and office buildings often use sound barriers to reduce external noise and maintain a pleasant environment throughout. Concrete is also preferred in these particular applications thanks in part to its flexibility in terms of aesthetic finishes and visual appeal.
Getting the Most Out of Your Precast Concrete Sound Barrier Walls
One of the primary reasons why concrete is so widely used for sound barriers is its versatility. You can take advantage of a variety of customization options to achieve a specific style. Textures including brick, stone, and stucco not only improve the style of your concrete walls but also improve its sound-absorbing properties.
With so many customization possibilities available, you can find concrete sound barriers that meet both the aesthetic and functional requirements for any type of project. The flexibility for properties ranging from residential neighborhoods to industrial complexes ensures that precast concrete fits the bill for any type of construction.
Cost Considerations for Sound Barrier Solutions
Cost is a major factor to consider when soundproofing your property, as large amounts of material are often required. Once again, precast concrete shines here as one of the most effective solutions. Not only is its initial cost attractive, but it is also durable and requires minimal maintenance.
Other noise reduction solutions may require more elaborate installations using specialized materials. Simple precast concrete gets the job done while fulfilling key requirements for effectiveness, cost, and longevity.
The Environmental Benefits of Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is also an environmentally friendly choice for sound barriers. Many other methods involve the generation of additional waste or the use of more limited resources just to achieve the bare minimum.
Precast concrete, on the other hand, is manufactured efficiently to reduce energy and material waste. The long lifespan of the concrete barriers also means fewer resources are needed on a lifecycle basis. As such, projects that target sustainability should consider precast concrete sound barrier walls for noise reduction.
Discover Your Precast Concrete Sound Barrier Solution
Precast concrete sound barrier walls are among the best solutions for many noise reduction applications. Whether they are to be used in residential, industrial, or commercial areas, you can find a range of effective options for noise reduction with concrete walls. You’ll also have customization options to ensure a perfect match for your property’s aesthetics.
It’s easy to find the right choice for your specific sound barrier needs by going with American Precast Concrete. We offer a variety of concrete walls and fences in many unique styles. You won’t have to compromise on the style of your property when dealing with noise. Reach out today to find the perfect match for your noise reduction needs.