LIVING NOISE BARRIER

In the late 1980s, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) became aware of "living" noise barriers being used along European roadways. After corresponding with German colleagues and completing a feasibility study, WisDOT undertook an experimental project to construct a 158 m (520 ft) long living noise barrier. The structure consisted of a recycled plastic frame filled with soil and planted with vegetation. The barrier was evaluated over a 2-year period for structural performance, maintainability, aesthetic appearance, vegetation performance, public opinion, and costs. This report documents the investigation, design, construction, and the gradual deterioration of the structure. The project was terminated after a 30 m (100 ft) section of the barrier collapsed. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that living noise barriers are not cost effective and should not be pursued by WisDOT. Furthermore, based on the strength and temperature characteristics of plastic, WisDOT's experience with Recywall, and other instances where plastics were used in a structural capacity, it is the recommendation that non-reinforced plastics, either virgin or recycled, not be used as structural members of any kind.

• Record URL:
  • http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/wifep-02-98livingbarrier.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Environmental Services Unit, 141 NW Barstow Street
  Waukesha, WI  United States  53187-0798

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • SCHMIDT, R
• Publication Date: 1998-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 44 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Costs; Maintenance; Noise barriers; Performance; Plastics; Public opinion; Soils; Structural analysis; Technology; Vegetation
• Geographic Terms: Europe
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Society; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00748246
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: WI/FEP-01-98,, WisDOT Project 93-02,, Final Report
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 21 1998 12:00AM