Noise Pollution Control Using Sound Barriers in Urban Areas
Understanding the Urban Noise Challenge Noise pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges in modern cities. Rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle numbers, expanding highways, and continuous construction contribute to sound levels exceeding safe limits. Unlike air or water pollution, noise is invisible, which often leads to its risks being underestimated. However, long-term exposure to excessive noise can negatively impact physical health, mental well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. Sound barriers have become a vital solution in urban planning, offering a practical and scalable method to control noise at its source and along transmission paths. Primary Sources of Urban Noise Pollution Urban noise mainly stems from transportation and infrastructure activities. Road traffic is the largest contributor, particularly in cities with dense highways or mixed traffic conditions. Heavy vehicles, constant honking, braking, and high-speed movement ...