What Materials Are Used in Highway Noise Barriers?
As traffic grows worldwidely, highway noise has become a major concern for communities near by busy roads. The roar of engines and the constant hum of tires, both are the sound pollution which affects quality of life and health. Studies show that traffic noise can disturb sleep, cause stress, and even affect heart disease. One common solution is the highway noise barrier, which could absorb or block unwanted noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment. But many people may ask: What materials are used in highway sound barriers? Let's talk about this.
Here’s a breakdown of common materials used to build sound barriers on highways, along with their noise reduction performance and best-use scenarios.
1. Traditional Sound Barrier Materials
| Material | Noise Reduction (dB) | Features | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 5–10 | Durable, cost-effective, heavy | Low | Suburban roads, highways |
| Transparent acrylic or PC | 5–8 | Allows visibility, moderate acoustic performance | Medium | Urban areas, scenic routes |
| Fiberglass (FRP) | 6–10 | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant | Medium | City expressways |
2. Aluminum Noise Barriers: Modern and Reliable
Aluminum noise barriers are growing in popularity due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and consistent acoustic performance.
| Material Type | Noise Reduction (dB) | Features | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perforated aluminum acoustic sheet | 8–12 | Customizable patterns for sound absorption | Medium-High | Urban highways, overpasses |
| Aluminum foam panel | 30--40 | Modern look, weather-resistant | Medium | Urban mixed-use areas |
These materials not only block sound but also add aesthetic value to infrastructure projects.
3. Aluminum Foam: A Smart Noise Solution That Works in Real Life
Aluminum foam isn’t some lab experiment—it’s already hard at work in real-world noisy spots. Think highways, airport runways, or residential buildings near high-speed rail lines. Places where the noise makes you want to cover your ears.
It looks like a metallic sponge—lightweight, full of tiny pores. And those little holes? That’s where the sound disappears.
There are two types:
Open-cell aluminum foam is great at handling low-frequency rumbles, like heavy trucks or wind turbulence from fast-moving trains.
Closed-cell aluminum foam is more like a shield—it blocks high-pitched noise, and it’s also waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and tough enough to last through humid summers or rough weather.
You'll often find it hidden behind perforated aluminum acoustic sheets or built into aluminum honeycomb panels. For example, it’s already being used along highways around Beijing and on high-speed rail routes like the Shanghai–Nanjing line. In tests, it typically reduces noise by 30 to 40 decibels—and in real life, that means the difference between “annoying” and “totally manageable.”
So if you're dealing with all kinds of noise coming from all directions, aluminum foam barriers are seriously worth considering: modern, effective, and built to last.
Where Are These Materials Used?
Subways and Urban Transit
Have you ever taken the subway in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen? You probably noticed how the noise tends to echo through the stations—especially during rush hour when trains come fastly and loudly. For improving the experience, many new subway lines are now use perforated aluminum acoustic panels and aluminum foam insulation on tunnel and platform walls ,which help absorb sound and reduce harsh echoes. Therefore, A much more quiet and comfortable environment is created for passengers.
High-Speed Railways
When trains are running at speeds over 300 km/h, they produce more than just wheel noise but also aerodynamic turbulence, track vibration, and even pressure wave sounds. To reduce this impact, especially for people living along the routes, Major of China’s high-speed railways like the Beijing–Shanghai and Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong corridors have installed multi-layer aluminum foam barriers. These lightweight, noise absorbent panels help minimize the booming noise of high-speed travel, achieving soundproof effect.
Urban Architecture
In large cities, buildings near main roads face constant noise pressure from traffic. Today, more architects integrate perforated aluminum curtain walls into their designs—not just for beauty, but also for sound-friendly. Projects in Chengdu’s High-Tech Zone and new commercial centers in Guangzhou all use aluminum foam panels inside their wall systems. These materials help block out traffic sounds, creating quieter indoor spaces for offices and homes. It’s a small architectural choice that brings real comfort to city life.
Airports and Industrial Zones
Airports and industrial zones are very noisy. At Guangzhou Baiyun and Chengdu Tianfu airports, aluminum composite sound barriers are installed near runways and maintenance areas to block jet engine noise. These barriers also hold up well in bad weather.
In industrial parks like those in Suzhou and Wuxi, factories use aluminum foam panels and foam core boards on walls to reduce machine noise. These materials are lightweight, fire-resistant, and absorb a wide range of sound, making workspaces quieter and more community-friendly.
What’s the Best Material for Highway Noise Barriers?
If you’re looking for a high-performance, long-lasting solution, aluminum noise barriers—especially those using aluminum foam panels and perforated aluminum sheets—are an excellent choice. They balance soundproofing, durability, and modern design, making them ideal for highways, railways, subways, and urban settings.
Shenzhen Chinalco Metal provides reliable aluminum foam and acoustic barrier materials tailored for traffic and infrastructure projects. Please feel free to reach out for technical support or a quote.