Sustainable Materials for Acoustic Barriers in Urban Infrastructure: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26439/ciic2025.8667Palabras clave:
sustainable acoustic barriers, sound absorption, recycled materials, environmental impact, civil engineeringResumen
Noise pollution is a major environmental and public health issue in urban areas, leading to the extensive use of acoustic barriers in transportation and infrastructure projects. Traditionally, these barriers have relied on synthetic materials with high acoustic efficiency but considerable environmental impact. This study presents a systematic review of 65 scientific publications published between 2015 and 2024, examining the acoustic performance, environmental impact, durability, and technical feasibility of materials used in acoustic barriers. The review compares conventional synthetic materials with natural, recycled, and hybrid alternatives, using indicators such as noise attenuation metrics, sound absorption coefficients, and life cycle assessment results. The findings show that natural and recycled materials can achieve competitive acoustic performance in specific frequency ranges and application contexts, particularly in urban and moderate-noise environments, while offering clear sustainability advantages. However, limitations persist in low-frequency attenuation, long-term durability, and large-scale implementation under real operating conditions. Hybrid materials emerge as a promising compromise between acoustic efficiency and environmental performance, although cost and technological barriers currently restrict widespread adoption. The study underscores the need for long-term field validation, standardized evaluation methods, and cost-effective production processes to support the integration of sustainable acoustic barriers in urban infrastructure.
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Derechos de autor 2026 Actas del Congreso Internacional de Ingeniería Civil (CIIC)
Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución 4.0.
