Sonobex Acoustic Barriers

Environmental noise, defined as noise emitted from all sources except industrial workplaces,
is an important global public health problem. The most common source is road traffic which
accounts for over 90% of unacceptable noise levels in the EU. More than 40% of Europe’s
total population are exposed to traffic noise levels exceeding 55dB (the threshold at which
the WHO has found noise becomes a serious problem for people) with associated health
issues including sleep disturbance, depression and even Cardiovascular Disease. In 2011, the
WHO stated that > 1Mn healthy life years are lost p.a from traffic-related noise in Western
Europe.
Acoustic barriers for use against traffic noise have been in operation since the late 1950’s,
typically as earth mounds or timber fences. Despite the significant increase in the road usage
over the past 60 yrs, advancements in barrier technology have been minimal, with 75% of all
highway acoustic barriers installed still in the form of traditional timber fences with a typical
performance of circa 6dB (A)
With the recognition of the significant impact of Environmental noise on human health,
increasing pressure is being placed on the Transport sector to deliver improvements in noise
mitigation including the introduction of CE marking and in-situ testing for all barriers,
targeting a reduction of at least 20dB which is significantly higher than the current capability
of traditional technologies.
Based on a patented metamaterial design that provides the unique ability to control and
manipulate sound, Sonobex, aim to address this need through the development of an advanced
acoustic barrier for road & rail applications capable of up to 30dB(A) reduction, far
exceeding any current designs. Furthermore it offers the potential to be manufactured at a cost
comparable to conventional timber barriers. If successful the technology has significant
potential in wider markets including Industrial Manufacturing and in Electrical sub stations.