Noise Barrier (Highway Acoustic Barriers)

What is a Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)?

A noise barrier is an acoustic structure designed to prevent noise from heavy traffic, industrial activities, or railway lines from reaching surrounding residential areas.

Typically made from reflective or sound-absorbing materials, these barriers reduce noise levels by altering the propagation of sound waves or absorbing their energy, bringing them below international limit values. Today, noise barriers have become an integral part of urban planning in many countries, particularly in high-traffic regions such as Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Noise Barriers Against Urban Noise

In urban areas, vehicle traffic, metro lines, and heavy pedestrian activity are significant sources of noise. According to the European Union Acoustic Directives, prolonged noise above 55 dB can have adverse effects on human health. For this reason, acoustic barriers installed along city streets, especially near residential zones, play a critical role in improving quality of life. Transparent panels, composite barriers, and green wall systems are among the modern solutions that provide effective noise reduction without disrupting urban aesthetics.

Yente High-Performance Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

Noise pollution is one of the most disruptive challenges in modern urban environments. Traffic, industrial activity, and dense construction contribute to continuous environmental noise, negatively affecting quality of life and well-being. Yente’s high-performance noise barriers provide an effective, long-term solution to control noise while preserving environmental aesthetics.

Yente Noise Barriers combine advanced acoustic insulation technology, durable materials, and compliance with both EU and relevant U.S. standards. Designed to meet modern technical and architectural requirements, Yente solutions balance functionality with visual harmony, creating quieter and healthier urban spaces.

German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer noted in Parerga and Paralipomena that sensitive, intellectually developed individuals are particularly affected by noise. He emphasized that silence is essential for concentration, reflection, and emotional clarity. Guided by this philosophy, Yente creates spaces that allow for silence amidst today’s urban noise.

Technical Performance and Durability of Noise Barriers

Yente Noise Barriers are engineered for total cost of ownership (TCO) considering transportation, installation, maintenance, and long-term performance. Key features include:

• Maintenance-free design: Resistant to UV radiation, frost, humidity, salt, and chemical vapors. Coatings, connectors, and support structures are rigorously tested for corrosion and durability.
• Fire safety compliance: Flame-retardant materials meet international standards including EN 13501-1, ASTM E84, and ISO 1182.
• Modular and flexible: Easily relocatable or upgradable to adapt to changing project requirements.
• High-quality aluminum construction: Lightweight, durable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable.

Sustainability and Resource Efficiency of Noise Barriers

Yente integrates sustainability throughout design and production:

• Design phase: Modular components reduce waste; 93% of aluminum used is recycled. Maintenance-free design minimizes environmental impact.
• Production phase: Energy-efficient machinery, closed-loop water systems, and recycling programs reduce energy and resource consumption. Local suppliers with environmental management systems are prioritized.
• Traceability: Every material and component is recorded digitally and physically for quality control, regulatory compliance, and project documentation.

Yente noise barriers deliver reliable, visually harmonious, and sustainable solutions to urban noise pollution. By combining acoustic performance, fire safety, and environmental responsibility, our barriers enhance quality of life while supporting ecological balance.

How Are Noise Barriers Manufactured?

The production of noise barriers requires the combination of durability and acoustic performance. The manufacturing process typically begins by integrating high-density core materials with panels made of metal, concrete, polycarbonate, or composite materials. Acoustic-absorbing barriers often use mineral fiber, polyurethane foam, or micro-perforated metal layers.

Products are tested in accordance with EN 1793 (acoustic performance) and EN 14388 (design, production, and installation) standards. Additionally, surface resistance to UV radiation, corrosion, and climatic stress is evaluated through ISO 9227 salt spray tests and cyclic aging tests.

How Do Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers) Work?

The operating principle of noise barriers is based on creating a “sound shadow zone” in acoustics. The barrier forms a physical obstruction between the noise source and the receiver, preventing the direct transmission of sound waves. Reflective barriers bounce sound waves back toward the source, while absorptive barriers capture a significant portion of wave energy on their surfaces. This reduces echo and reverberation substantially.

The height of the barrier, material density, and panel surface geometry are the three key parameters that determine acoustic effectiveness.

Types of Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

1. Steel Noise Barriers
2. Aluminum Noise Barriers
3. Glass Noise Barrier
4. Concrete Noise Barriers
5. Advanced Composite Noise Barriers

Steel Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

Steel noise barriers are a cornerstone of modern noise mitigation, widely used along highways, bridges, and industrial zones for their exceptional strength, impact resistance, and long service life. Constructed from high-quality steel, these barriers provide durable protection against intrusive noise, ensuring that surrounding areas remain quieter and more comfortable.

To enhance durability, steel barriers are treated with galvanization or protective coatings, offering superior resistance to corrosion and harsh environmental conditions. In addition, perforated inner surfaces can be incorporated to improve acoustic absorption, reducing echo and reverberation. Their combination of structural robustness, long-term reliability, and acoustic performance makes steel noise barriers an ideal solution for high-traffic and high-impact environments, balancing functionality with long-lasting urban and infrastructural applications.

The advantages of steel noise barriers extend beyond their structural integrity:

Acoustic Excellence: Steel's dense nature and excellent vibration dampening properties make it an ideal material for noise attenuation. By effectively absorbing and reflecting sound waves, steel noise barriers significantly reduce the propagation of noise.

Design Versatility: Steel noise barriers offer versatility in design. They can be customized to align with different architectural styles, ensuring seamless integration with their surroundings while retaining their noise reduction capabilities.

Corrosion Resistance: Our steel noise barriers are treated with advanced coatings that enhance their resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, even in harsh environments.

Low Maintenance: The durability of steel translates to minimal maintenance requirements. This longevity ensures that your noise barrier investment remains effective and visually appealing over time.

Steel Noise Barrier Features

Applications of Steel Noise Barriers

Steel noise barriers find their applications in a multitude of settings:

• Transportation Networks: Along highways, railways, and urban transit routes, steel noise barriers reduce the impact of traffic noise on nearby communities.
• Industrial Complexes: Industrial sites often generate high noise levels. Steel noise barriers shield surrounding areas from the noise produced by heavy machinery and operations.
• Commercial Centers: In bustling commercial hubs, steel noise barriers ensure that outdoor spaces remain inviting and free from intrusive noise pollution.

The strength, acoustic performance, and design flexibility of steel noise barriers position them as an indispensable asset in the battle against noise pollution. By integrating steel noise barriers into your projects, you're not just investing in a physical barrier – you're investing in the creation of serene and harmonious environments.

Aluminum Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

Aluminum noise barriers are renowned for their lightweight yet durable construction, making them exceptionally easy to install and ideal for locations where structural load is a concern, such as bridges and viaducts. Their minimal weight reduces stress on supporting frameworks while still delivering robust acoustic performance, allowing for flexible design and quick implementation in a variety of urban and infrastructural projects.

Crafted from high-quality aluminum alloys, these barriers not only provide effective noise reduction but also combine aesthetics with functionality. Aluminum’s inherent resistance to UV radiation, corrosion, and environmental wear ensures long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. Additionally, their resilient design allows them to withstand diverse weather conditions, from intense sunlight to heavy rainfall and frost, without compromising structural integrity. As a result, aluminum noise barriers have become a preferred solution for modern noise mitigation, offering a harmonious balance of efficiency, durability, and architectural elegance.

Aluminum Noise Barrier Features

Aluminum noise barriers find applications in diverse settings:

• Highway Sound Walls: Along highways, aluminum noise barriers effectively mitigate traffic noise, creating a more peaceful environment for nearby residents.
• Urban Soundscapes: In bustling urban areas, aluminum noise barriers harmonize with modern architecture, enhancing public spaces while reducing noise pollution.
• Commercial Developments: Aluminum noise barriers elevate the acoustic comfort of commercial centers, allowing for undisturbed outdoor activities and interactions.

The marriage of form and function in aluminium noise barriers aligns with our commitment to fostering auditory comfort without compromising on aesthetics. By integrating aluminum noise barriers into your projects, you're embracing innovation that resonates with both modern design principles and noise reduction goals.

Glass Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

Glass noise barriers provide a modern solution for urban noise control, effectively reducing sound while maintaining visual transparency. Constructed from high-strength laminated or tempered glass panels, they minimize acoustic intrusion without obstructing sightlines or natural light, making them ideal for highways, city streets, and residential areas. Their sleek design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also blends seamlessly into urban landscapes. Engineered to withstand impacts, weather fluctuations, and UV exposure, glass barriers offer a durable, low-maintenance, and visually harmonious approach to noise mitigation.

As innovators in noise barrier manufacturing, we understand that effective solutions must balance function and design. Glass noise barriers exemplify this philosophy, combining transparency with superior acoustic performance. These barriers redefine conventional noise reduction strategies, creating tranquil spaces while preserving visual aesthetics. Their versatility allows them to integrate into diverse environments, offering both auditory comfort and contemporary design excellence.

The benefits of glass noise barriers extend beyond their visual appeal:

• Transparency Options: Glass noise barriers come in various options, from clear glass for unobstructed views to frosted glass for a balance between transparency and privacy.
• Aesthetic Integration: These barriers seamlessly blend with their surroundings, enhancing architectural aesthetics while effectively mitigating noise pollution.
• Reduced Glare and Heat: Tinted glass options not only provide noise reduction but also reduce glare and heat, enhancing comfort in outdoor spaces.
• Minimal Maintenance: Glass noise barriers are easy to clean and maintain, contributing to their long-lasting effectiveness.

Glass Noise Barrier Varieties

Applications of Glass Noise Barriers

Glass noise barriers find applications in various settings:

• Residential Spaces: Glass noise barriers offer privacy and noise reduction without obstructing scenic views, making them ideal for residential settings.
• Commercial Areas: In commercial developments, glass noise barriers elevate outdoor spaces, allowing for productive interactions while minimizing noise disturbance.
• Public Installations: Glass noise barriers can enhance the ambiance of public spaces such as parks and plazas, providing a tranquil oasis amid urban clamor.

The fusion of visual harmony and auditory comfort in glass noise barriers aligns with our commitment to innovation. By integrating glass noise barriers into your projects, you're embracing a solution that not only reduces noise pollution but also elevates the ambiance of your surroundings.

Concrete Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

At the forefront of noise barrier innovation, we understand that some solutions are built to stand the test of time. Concrete noise barriers exemplify this commitment, offering robustness and reliability. In this chapter, we delve into the realm of concrete noise barriers – their attributes, advantages, and diverse applications – showcasing how they provide enduring noise mitigation in various environments.

Concrete noise barriers stand as monuments to resilience and durability. Crafted from high-quality concrete, these barriers epitomize solid construction, delivering unwavering noise reduction while enduring the challenges of different climates. By providing a substantial physical barrier against noise, concrete noise barriers underscore their role in creating tranquil environments.

The advantages of concrete noise barriers extend beyond their robust construction:

• Sound Absorption: Concrete's dense nature and textured surfaces contribute to effective sound absorption, making these barriers adept at reducing noise levels.
• Weather Resistance: Concrete noise barriers are designed to withstand diverse weather conditions, ensuring their longevity and sustained noise reduction capabilities.
• Structural Integrity: These barriers offer a solid and unyielding physical barrier against noise, creating a reliable defense for communities against intrusive sounds.
• Customizable Finishes: Concrete noise barriers can be customized with various finishes to align with different architectural styles and aesthetic preferences.

Concrete Noise Barrier Finishes

Concrete noise barriers find applications in diverse environments:

• Highway Corridors: Along highways and major roadways, concrete noise barriers mitigate traffic noise, enhancing the quality of life for nearby residents.
• Industrial Zones: In industrial areas, concrete noise barriers protect surrounding communities from the noise generated by manufacturing and operations.
• Commercial Complexes: In bustling commercial developments, concrete noise barriers shield outdoor spaces from the clamor of urban activities.

Concrete noise barriers are the embodiment of steadfast protection against noise pollution. By integrating them into your projects, you're choosing a solution that not only provides enduring noise reduction but also reinforces the sense of tranquility in your surroundings.

Advanced Composite Noise Barriers

In our pursuit of innovation, we recognize that the future of noise mitigation lies in the convergence of advanced materials. Advanced composite noise barriers epitomize this visionary approach, offering a blend of cutting-edge components that redefine noise reduction. In this chapter, we delve into the realm of advanced composite noise barriers – their composition, advantages, and dynamic applications – showcasing how they set a new standard in noise attenuation.

Advanced composite noise barriers embody the fusion of various materials, each contributing its unique attributes to the overall solution. By combining high-strength components, these barriers create a synergy that effectively mitigates noise while introducing new dimensions of versatility and performance.

Advantages of Advanced Composite Noise Barriers

The benefits of advanced composite noise barriers extend across multiple dimensions:

• Optimized Noise Reduction: The diverse components in advanced composites work in harmony to provide exceptional noise reduction, surpassing the capabilities of individual materials.
• Structural Efficiency: Composite materials offer high strength-to-weight ratios, enabling the creation of robust noise barriers that exert minimal structural load.
• Customizable Performance: Advanced composites can be tailored to specific noise reduction requirements, allowing for precise tuning of acoustic properties.
• Aesthetic Flexibility: The versatile nature of composite materials facilitates creative designs, enabling barriers that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Composite Noise Barrier Components

Applications of Advanced Composite Noise Barriers

Advanced composite noise barriers find applications across diverse environments:

• Urban Renewal Projects: In urban revitalization efforts, advanced composite noise barriers contribute to creating harmonious spaces amidst the urban landscape.
• Transportation Hubs: Around transportation hubs, these barriers minimize noise pollution from trains, buses, and bustling terminals.
• Mixed-Use Developments: In mixed-use complexes, advanced composite noise barriers ensure acoustic comfort for both commercial and residential areas.

Advanced composite noise barriers embody the future of noise mitigation, where material synergy elevates effectiveness and innovation. By incorporating them into your projects, you're embracing a solution that goes beyond conventional noise reduction, offering enhanced performance and dynamic adaptability.

• IGA DHMI Istanbul Airport Project
• Istanbul Noise Barrier
• Niger (Africa) Noise Barrier
• Bilkent Integrated Health Facility
• Highway Bridge Turkmenistan
• Arzu Bridge Turkmenistan

Technical Specifications of Yente Noise Barriers by Material Type

Applications of Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers)

Highway Noise Barriers

Highway noise barriers are designed to reduce high dB levels generated by heavy road traffic that affect nearby residential areas. In Europe, barriers along highways are commonly constructed at heights of 3–6 meters to achieve optimal acoustic protection.

Bridge Noise Barriers

On bridges, lightweight construction and resistance to wind loads are critical factors. Therefore, aluminum, polycarbonate, and composite panels are preferred to ensure both structural safety and effective noise reduction.

Railway Noise Barriers

Railway noise barriers address the high noise levels caused by locomotive vibrations and wheel-rail interactions. These barriers are manufactured according to the EN 16272 standard and feature specialized surfaces to absorb high-frequency metallic sounds, ensuring effective noise mitigation.

Highway, Bridge, and Railway Noise Barriers: Application Differences

While highway noise barriers are designed with wind loads and traffic safety in mind, bridge barriers prioritize dynamic loads and lightweight construction. Railway barriers incorporate vibration-damping layers to address high-frequency oscillations. Each infrastructure type has unique acoustic requirements, which dictate material selection and structural design.

Design Standards for Roadside Noise Walls (EN, ISO, FHWA Guidelines)

• EN 1793 & EN 1794: Acoustic performance and structural integrity standards.
• ISO 140 & ISO 10140: Laboratory acoustic measurement methods.
• FHWA Highway Noise Barrier Design Handbook (USA): Federal highway noise barrier design criteria.

These standards establish international guidelines for barrier height, material selection, wind load resistance, acoustic absorption, and reflection properties.

Fundamental Acoustic Principles Behind Noise Barriers

Noise barriers operate on diffraction, absorption, and reflection principles. By blocking the line of sight between the sound source and the receiver, barriers prevent direct sound wave transmission. Acoustic textures on panel surfaces absorb wave energy, reducing reflections and achieving noise reductions of 8–20 dB in the protected area.

Acoustic Performance Ratings: STC, NRC, and Absorption Classes

• STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures sound transmission loss; higher STC indicates better insulation.
• NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Sound absorption coefficient ranging from 0 to 1.
• Absorption Classes (A–E): Determined according to EN 1793-1, with Class A representing the highest performance.

Modern composite panels are typically certified with B3 reflection control and A3–A4 absorption classes.

Transparent Noise Barrier Panels: Polycarbonate and Acrylic Solutions

Polycarbonate and acrylic panels are preferred to preserve visibility and aesthetic appeal in urban environments. UV-stabilized coatings prevent yellowing and cracking while providing high impact resistance and glass-like transparency.

Anti-Vandal, Corrosion-Resistant, and Weatherproof Noise Wall Technologies

Modern noise barriers feature coatings resistant to scratches, graffiti, chemical reactions, and abrasion. Materials such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, anodized aluminum, and anti-graffiti finishes reduce vandalism impacts. Epoxy-based surfaces provide additional protection against corrosion in high-humidity climates.

Green Noise Barriers: Vegetated Walls and Eco-Friendly Acoustic Solutions

Green noise barriers are gaining popularity in Europe for their environmental benefits. Vegetated surfaces absorb sound energy naturally while improving air quality. Compost-based core systems and wood-composite blends offer sustainable acoustic solutions that combine efficiency with ecological responsibility.

Noise Barrier Installation

Installation begins with a site survey to determine foundation depth, followed by the placement of steel posts. Panels are then mounted, taking into account wind loads and thermal expansion. Railway applications often incorporate specialized vibration-damping connectors for added performance.

Noise Barrier Maintenance

Annual maintenance programs are essential to preserve barrier performance. This includes rust inspections, panel surface cleaning, repair of damage from breakage or vandalism, and renewal of UV protective coatings. For transparent panels, regular checks to prevent surface scratches are particularly critical.

Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers) Conclusion

Noise barriers are not only engineering solutions but also vital infrastructure for protecting human health and quality of life in modern cities. Through proper material selection, adherence to international standards, and high-quality installation, highly effective noise control systems can be provided for highways, bridges, and railways.

Noise Barrier Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary function of noise barriers?

Noise barriers are designed to mitigate noise pollution by reflecting, absorbing, and diffusing sound waves. Their primary purpose is to create quieter environments for communities, projects, and public spaces that are affected by noise from various sources, such as highways, industrial facilities, and urban activities.

What materials are noise barriers typically made of?

Noise barriers can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, glass, concrete, and advanced composites. The choice of material depends on factors such as the project's aesthetic preferences, environmental conditions, and required noise reduction performance.

Can Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers) be customized to match the surrounding environment?

Yes, our noise barriers can be customized to align with the architectural style and aesthetic preferences of the surrounding environment. We offer a range of finishes, colors, and design options to ensure seamless integration.

How do noise barriers affect property values?

Communities with reduced noise pollution often experience an increase in property values due to enhanced livability. Noise barriers contribute to creating serene living and working environments, making properties more attractive to potential buyers and tenants.

Do Noise Barrier (Acoustic Barriers) comply with regulations and ordinances?

Yes, our noise barriers are designed to comply with noise regulations and ordinances. We ensure that our solutions meet or exceed the required noise reduction standards, making the project approval process smoother and ensuring regulatory compliance.

How long do noise barriers typically last?

The lifespan of noise barriers varies depending on factors such as material, environmental conditions, and maintenance efforts. With proper care and maintenance, noise barriers can last for several decades while retaining their noise reduction capabilities.