Integrated photogrammetric-acoustic technique for qualitative analysis of the performance of acoustic screens in sandy soils

Abstract: In this work we present an integrated photogrammetric-acoustic technique that, together with the construction of a scaled wind tunnel, allows us to experimentally analyze the permeability behavior of a new type of acoustic screens based on a material called sonic crystal. Acoustic screens are devices used to reduce the noise, mostly due to the communication infrastructures, in its transmission phase from the source to the receiver. The main constructive difference between these new screens and the classic ones is that the first ones are formed by arrays of acoustic scatterers while the second ones are formed by continuous walls. This implies that, due to their geometry, screens based on sonic crystals are permeable to wind and water, unlike the classic ones. This fact may allow the use of these new screens in sandy soils, where sand would pass through the screen avoiding the formation of sand dunes that are formed in classic screens and drastically reduce their acoustic performance. In this work, the movement of the sand and the resulting acoustic attenuation in these new screens are analyzed qualitatively comparing the results with those obtained with the classic ones, obtaining interesting results under the acoustic point of view