• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.65-73
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• 2013

PURPOSES : This study is to suggest future development direction and application of environmental noise barriers as multi-functional soundproof wall. METHODS : Based on the literature review, case study and patent search, research and patent trend were investigated. Patent search was conducted by Patent searching tools, 'Focust'. RESULTS : As environmental noise barriers, Vegetative soundproof wall, photovoltaic soundproof wall, and air-pollution reduction soundproof wall were investigated. First of all, In Korea, Vegetative soundproof wall is being developed mostly as soundproof wall that has vegetation foundation inside, to meet the domestic condition with 23 patent applications. Second, Photovoltaic soundproof wall is being developed mainly with efficiency of photovoltaic system rather than soundproofing. And it is limited to one generation solar cell technology, although Solar cell technology is developing at a rapid pace. On the other hand, for reducing air-pollutant by soundproof wall, a variety of methods are being suggested (filtration, adsorption, and photocatalytic oxidation), and one of them, adsorption are applied for developing air pollution reduction soundproof wall in Korea. CONCLUSIONS: The above soundproof wall is not simple structure, but road facility applied fusion technique. Therefore, as one system, it is difficult to harmonize due to various considerations for design factor. However, if it's possible that a benefits of one system apply to another system, Synergy effect may be created. In the foreseeable future, soundproof wall may be considered as a road system using fusion technique rather than just functional facility. Therefore, substantial studies for applying multi-functional soundproof wall on the road are needed for the future.