Abstract
Factors which affect a noise barrier selection process are reviewed, the lateral placement and safety aspects are discussed, and the variety of materials from which noise barriers may be fabricated are considered. Construction costs are covered as well as the different levels of noise attenuation which could be expected from different barrier types. The degree of community acceptance, barriers with special acoustical properties, and the design, construction and maintenance of earth berm, timber and other barrier types are detailed. Experiences are described related to earth berm, timber, metal, stucco, concrete, concrete block, precast concrete block, and combination barrier types. (Author/publisher)