BS EN 14389-1:2007 defines the means for evaluating the acoustic durability of Road Traffic Noise Reducing Devices.
Road Traffic Noise Reducing Devices alongside roads are not only required to fulfil their acoustic function and structural design requirements in accordance with appropriate standards, but also to maintain their performance for a reasonably economic working life.
The acoustic elements have to resist the actions of agents within the roadside environment that could significantly degrade their performance.
In BS EN 14389-, the sound absorption is characterised by the single-number rating of sound reflection DLRI as defined in CEN/TS 1793-5. The airborne sound insulation is characterised by single-number rating of airborne sound insulation DLSI as defined in CEN/TS 1793-5.
The acoustic characteristics of a Road Traffic Noise Reducing Device can deteriorate significantly over the duration of its working life if it is not installed or maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, or if the materials are not appropriate for the roadside environment.
