Performance of a noise barrier within an enclosed space

The present study involved experimental, theoretical, and numerical analyses of the insertion loss provided by rigid noise barriers in an enclosed space. The existing classical diffuse-field theory may be unable to predict the actual sound pressure level distribution and barrier insertion loss for indoor applications. Although predictions made by the ray tracing method at high frequencies are reasonably satisfactory, the method is computer-intensive and time-consuming. We propose a new formula that incorporates the effects of diffraction theory and the reflection of sound between room surfaces. Our results indicate that the present formula provides more realistic and practical predictions of the barrier insertion loss than existing approaches.