Combination of boundary element method and genetic algorithm for optimization of t-shape noise barrier

Abstract

This paper presents the acoustic and visual optimization of the T-shape noise barrier cap by using the Boundary Element Method (BEM) fused with the Genetic Algorithm (GA). This paper investigates whether the established methodology in reducing the traffic noise pollution can be applied to the geometry of the T-shape noise barrier cap. By performing the optimization with Genetic Algorithm, it is shown that it is possible to create a noise barrier that provides satisfactory acoustic efficiency at all audio frequencies, from 125 Hz to 1 kHz. The obtained noise barriers are shown to be more efficient compared to conventional wooden T-shape noise barriers. Furthermore, by considering the parameter termed "Visual Pleasantness" it is shown that the opaque barriers are perceived as visually unpleasant when compared to the transparent ones. Based on these findings an optimized design of plain transparent noise barrier which does not diminish the aesthetic performance is proposed.