Noise barriers can be designed by working-stress design methods or load factor design. For the working-stress design method, the following load combinations should be considered:
Group I: D + E + SC
Group II: D + W + E + SC
Group III: D + EQD + E
Group IV: D + W + E + I
dead load
lateral earth pressure live load surcharge wind load seismic load ice and snow load
For load combination I, the stresses are limited to 100 percent of the basic allowable stresses. For load combinations II, III, and IV, the stresses are limited to 133 percent.
The AASHTO Guide Specifications state that, for the design of noise barriers in concrete, timber, or steel, the design should conform to either the AASHTO Bridge Specifications or an industry-recognized design specification. Such sources may be referred to for allowable stress values and other details. For masonry walls, detailed design criteria are presented in the AASHTO Guide Specifications. Other materials can be designed using established engineering principles and appropriate industry specifications.
