Robust design of noise attenuation barriers with evolutionary multiobjective algorithms and the boundary element method

Abstract

Multiobjective shape design of acoustic attenuation barriers is handled using a boundary element method modeling and evolutionary algorithms. Noise barriers are widely used for environmental protection near population nucleus in order to reduce the noise impact. The minimization of the acoustic pressure and the minimization of the cost of the barrier -considering its total length- are taken into account. First, a single receiver point is considered; then the case of multiple receiver locations is introduced, searching for a single robust shape design where the acoustic attenuation is minimized simultaneously in different locations using probabilistic dominance relation. The case of Y-shaped barriers with upper absorbing surface is presented here. Results include a comparative between the strategy of introducing a single objective optimum in the initial multiobjective population (seeded approach) and the standard approach. The methodology is capable to provide improved robust noise barrier designs successfully.