Building up on the so far reached innovation and improved effect, we want to:

• Focus on further development of innovative designs, constructions, materials and effects increasing the shielding efficiency of noise barriers.
• Study acoustic phenomena of, and inside sound barriers in theory and practical application.
• Scientific evidence of the refraction edge performance of different shapes, materials and dimensions: extinction and/or modulation of noise by interference.
• Search and evaluate new materials and surfaces (introducing nanotechnology) in their absorptive or interference behaviour.
• Create and evaluate new designs: optical appearance and attractive design
• Psychoacoustic performance: less and friendly noise perception.
• Rigid function within overall road and track design; heavy duty, high durability, climatic resistance, shock resistance and crash performance.
  
  

Basic designs and ideas of CALMA-TEC and MIZAR will be discussed and analysed together with absorption material partners (CELLOFOAM and ISOLITH) and research and scientific institutes. “Friendly noise” quality, absorption and interference know how, optimised shape, static, construction, and material technology results will be integrated in design of innovative noise barrier types. Selected types will be built and tested as prototypes, possible implementation.
As a result of the cooperative attempts revised and qualified types of noise barrier technology are developed.

The following criteria will be applied in the discussion and search for results and solutions:

• Environmental performance: acoustic and psycho acoustic performance to comply with health and well-being.
• Static and dynamic performance (heavy duty, endurance, shock resistance), climatic resistance (ice, water, temperature, dirt, fire).
• Design acceptance (optical appearance & design) and applicability (practical performance)
• Feasibility and impact on market
  
  

Expected achievements/impact

CALM TRACKS & ROUTES is intended to provide improved and qualified noise abatement technology.
Based on the already acquired know how and experiences of the participants, the CRAFT-Project is intended to help to consolidate scientific evidence and research in the field of refraction edge performance (absorption and interference). Design and construction should offer best cost-benefit products to the market.
The initial step will be to specify soundscapes (friendly, healthy… noise), as the result of noise shielding, found and measured behind barriers and to get knowledge about effects on people. These soundscapes should then serve as benchmarks in digital simulation, design and material quality. Static and dynamic calculations determine construction and design concept of future prototypes.

The Project CALM – TRACKS & ROUTES is a Cooperative Research Project of the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Commission. The project’s research work is carried out with the financial support of the European Community.

Project background
The European Parliament and Council have established new standards of tolerance versus traffic noise: reduction of dB (A) to current standards.
To meet these improved environmental standards, more effective noise barriers are requested, better noise abatement technologies, new absorptive materials and higher sound screens, eventually tunnels will be necessary.
Impacts of traffic noise are widespread and harmful to people (heart attacks, stress, inability to sleep, aggravated aggression). Noise is the biggest challenge to mitigate in towns and country.
Our project is dealing with noise protection walls with improved noise shielding abilities through special shaping and new absorptive qualities of material and construction.