Abstract

Noise pollution from road traffic poses a significant challenge in Mumbai , with growing concerns over its impact on human health and well-being. Efforts to mitigate this issue have driven research into improved noise barrier designs. Reflecting on the experience of a recent acoustic barrier design project, this study investigates common experimental errors encountered when working with scaled models in open field tests. The team tested three noise barrier designs in an open field, using amplifiers to simulate traffic noise in the range of 800–1200 kHz. Concrete panels for the models were created using 3D-printed templates. The tests revealed inconsistencies between the experimental results and initial expectations. All models reduced noise at measurement points across varying heights, with reductions ranging from 4 to 11 dB(A) at lower heights and 3 to 5 dB(A) at higher heights. However, the plotted data showed non-linear trends by height, complicating definitive conclusions. The study identifies critical lessons learned at each project stage, from conceptualization to prototyping and testing. These insights aim to improve future experiments involving scaled model prototypes, enhancing the effectiveness of noise barrier designs.