| (i) |
The intensity
for wind load and calculations for acoustic performance. |
| (ii) |
The quality
of the materials proposed to be incorporated in the barrier,
particularly those, if any, that are not included in the Material
Specifications. |
| (iii) |
That the
structural grades of materials used are in accordance with those
quoted in the calculations. |
| (iv) |
The supply,
transportation and storage of noise barrier materials. Workmanship,
particularly any pre-installation treatment required and the
method of fixing. |
| (v) |
That the
acoustic properties are maintained by the avoidance of gaps,
including gaps due to shrinkage or thermal movement. |
| (vi) |
Easy replacement
of parts following accidental or wilful damage. |
| (vii) |
Security
of components and nature of materials used to discourage wilful
damage. |
| (viii) |
Maintenance
access is provided at appropriate location. |
| Issues |
Consideration |
| A.
Effectiveness |
A1. |
Is there
any opening or gap that would reduce the Transmission Loss?
|
| A2. |
Is there
any residual noise impact at the noise sensitive receivers?
|
| A3. |
Will the
presence of the structure reflect sound excessively? |
| A4. |
Is the
size and alignment optimized for maximum noise benefit? |
| B.
Structural Integrity |
B1.
|
Can
the design withstand design loading conditions? |
|
B2. |
Is
the probability of fallen parts from the structure minimized
by design (e.g. by provision of catching or locking device to
prevent fallen parts? |
| C.
Compatibility with the Environment |
C1.
|
Has
visual impact been softened? |
| C2.
|
Is
the design compatible with the characteristics of its immediate
environs? |
| C3.
|
Can
the structure be designed to create a positive identity for
the neighbourhood? |
|
C4. |
Is
there space allowed for landscape planting? |
| C5.
|
Is
the module of the noise barrier compatible with rhythm of other
elements such as street lighting along the road or unit length
of parapet of elevated structure? |
| D.
Maintenance |
D1.
|
Is
the material capable of providing a pleasant visual impression
by regular maintenance? |
|
D2. |
Is
the design such that it facilitates maintenance, either by machine
or by manual labour? |
|
D3. |
How
often will replacement of parts be necessary? |
| D4.
|
Is
there any special requirement for access? |
|
D5. |
Has
a practicable arrangement been agreed with all relevant parties
for carrying out maintenance works to vegetated barriers? |
| E.
Safety |
E1. |
Will the
structure become a hazard upon a crash, or a fire by breaking
into splinters or by producing toxic fumes? |
| E2. |
Is the
design safe on traffic engineering grounds? |
| E3. |
Will the
structure obstruct fire engine/emergency access? |
| E4. |
Has head-light
glare been minimized? |
| F.
Ventilation |
F1.
|
If the structure is an enclosure (or semi-enclosure), has the
capability of natural (or forced) ventilation been checked?
|
| F2. |
If the structure is intended to serve other purposes, has the
ventilation load been taken into account? |
| F3.
|
Is
there sufficient space between the noise barrier and the building
to enable natural/sufficient ventilation of the lower floors
of the building behind the noise barrier? |
| G.
Lighting |
G1. |
If the
structure is an enclosure, has openings been provided at sidewalls
and/or roof to allow daylight penetration in order to save energy
cost? |
| G2. |
What would
be the operation hours of artificial lighting and has it been
taken into account in the design? |
| G3. |
If the
structure is a vertical noise barrier, has recess or adequate
space behind or in front of the barrier been allowed for the
installation and maintenance of road lighting column? |
| G4. |
If the
structure has a cantilever arm, will it affect the road lighting
system? |
| H.
Installation |
H1.
|
Is
a light weight construction preferred? |
| H2.
|
Will
the method of installation bring about the least amount of traffic
congestion? |
|