Noise barriers along high-volume roads reduce traffic noise using either normal-weight materials, such as concrete or brick, or
lightweight materials, such as metal, composites, fiberglass, or acrylic. Although the Virginia Department of Transportation’s
(VDOT) current concrete noise barriers have proven durable, some lightweight metal noise barriers have failed prematurely
because of corrosion, prompting the need to better understand the field performance of lightweight alternatives. This project
aimed to improve the life-cycle management of VDOT’s noise barrier inventory through field evaluations of lightweight
barriers, development of an inspection and asset management framework, and unmanned aerial system (UAS) trial inspections

Infrastructure Assets: Geotechnical, Highway Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Monitoring & Adjustment, Performance Based Planning & Programming