Reducing low-frequency noise radiation from a concrete box girder bridge using acoustic short circuits

Low-frequency noise (20–200 Hz) radiated from concrete box girder bridges on urban viaduct railway lines is a significant source of disturbance to nearby residents. Many researchers have investigated methods which can be used to effectively reduce this bridge noise. Currently, most of the methods are based on the principles of vibration isolation and/or absorption. This paper, after modelling and analysing the contributions of various parts of a concrete box girder bridge to the total noise radiated from the bridge, presents a study on the potential in bridge noise control of making holes to create acoustic short circuits on the bridge wings. It is found that by this means the bridge noise can be reduced by up to 6.8 dB at standard-specified measurement points. Additionally, a 3dB-effectiveness distance ratio design method for acoustic short-circuiting is proposed, which effectively reduces bridge noise and achieves stable noise reduction outcomes.