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General Engineering Science Fair Project

Does Sound Barrier Design Reduce Highway Noise?

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Does Sound Barrier Design Reduce Highway Noise? | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Are you curious about how sound barriers can reduce highway noise? Join us in this experiment to find out which type of barrier is the most effective!

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that a sound barrier will reduce noise and that a concrete or wooden barrier will more effectively reduce highway traffic noise when compared to an earth berm or vegetation.

Method & Materials

You will measure decibel readings with and without a sound barrier, count traffic, and compare different types of sound barriers to see which is the most effective in reducing highway noise.
You will need 3 digital decibel meters, 3 decibel meter calibrators, a hard hat, a safety vest, 3 clipboards, a 30m tape measure, a 5m tape measure, 3 watches, and a camera.

Results

The results indicate that the sound barrier did reduce highway noise, and the earth berm had the greatest noise reduction at all decibel meter positions, and the concrete wall had the second highest noise reduction at all of the decibel meter positions.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting and unique because it allows us to compare different types of sound barriers to see which is the most effective in reducing highway noise.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include testing different types of sound barriers, such as metal or plastic, or testing different distances from the sound barrier.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!

Related video

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