Optimizing the Acoustic properties of the RUCONBAR noise barrier

Noise barriers are a widely used solution to mitigate sound propagation, with performance depending on material and design. This study evaluates the acoustic performance of RUCONBAR, a sustainable noise barrier made from concrete and recycled rubber granules from end-of-life tires. Laboratory tests using a Kundt’s tube were conducted to measure the absorption coefficients of three different material compositions. Based on these results, one sample was chosen for more detailed analysis. Additionally, acoustic simulations were carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics for three different barrier designs: a flat surface, a slanted top, and a triangular-shaped absorbing layer. Among the three, the triangular design showed the greatest insertion loss and the lowest sound levels received, indicating the best overall noise reduction. These results highlight how both selecting the right material and carefully designing the geometry play a key role in improving acoustic performance.