Model of a benefit/cost ratio analysis for comparison of environmental noise barriers

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2010

Authors

António P. O. Carvalho (Author) FEUP; Pedro D. S. Oliveira (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: NOISE-CON 2010

Pages: 1-12

NOISE-CON 2010 (26th annual conference of the INCE, Institute of Noise Control Engineering) held jointly with the 159th Meeting of the ASA, Acoustical Society of America

Baltimore, Maryland, EUA, 19 a 21 de Abril de 2010

Indexing

Scopus

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Physical sciences > Physics > Acoustics

Other information

Abstract (EN): The choice for an economically ideal solution of environmental noise barrier must acknowledge both the cost of its main components and the benefits it can provide, through time. An algorithm based on benefit/cost ratio (BCR) analysis was created to achieve a systematic analysis tool. It calculates the BCR for any potential noise barrier. The cost of a barrier can be described with known or quantifiable parameters such as barrier height, thickness, materials, initial investment costs, maintenance costs, replacement costs due to accidents, etc. The benefits associated with a solution are defined by computable parameters such as sound absorption, sound reduction, insertion loss, and even intangible parameters such as its visual impact and environmental impact. Each benefit is weighed regarding its importance. Using the necessary parameters it is possible to calculate the BCR of a barrier for any number of years of a life expectancy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12