BS EN 14388:2015

What is BS EN 14388- Specifications for road traffic noise reducing devices about? 

BS EN 14388 is a standard that serves specifications for road traffic noise reducing devices, enhancing the sound-absorbing properties and reduction of noise impact on traffic roads. 

BS EN 14388 specifies requirements for the following road traffic noise reducing devices: 

• Noise barriers 
• Claddings 
• Road covers 
• Added devices 

The devices in BS EN 14388 may include both acoustic and structural elements, where: 

• An acoustic element is an element whose primary function is to provide a noise-reducing device with sound insulation, diffraction and/or sound absorption, it is a part of the noise-reducing device to be used along roads. 
• A structural element is an element whose primary function is to support or hold in place acoustic elements, it is a part of the noise-reducing device to be used along roads. Depending upon the design of the noise-reducing device, structural elements may potentially be tested separately from acoustic elements. 

BS EN 14388 identifies the relevant characteristics of road traffic noise reducing devices, the corresponding methods of evaluation and specifies the provisions on evaluation of conformity and marking. BS EN 14388 covers acoustic, non-acoustic and long-term performance. 

Note: BS EN 14388 does not cover: 

• Aspects such as resistance to vandalism or requirements of visual appearance 
• Road surfaces or the airborne sound insulation of houses 

Who is BS EN 14388- Specifications for road traffic noise reducing devices for? 

BS EN 14388 on specifications for road traffic noise reducing devices applies to: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of noise reducing devices 
• Dealers and importers of noise reducing devices 
• Contractors and infrastructure developers 
• Construction, civil and design engineers 
• Road maintenance authorities 
• Inspection and quality assurance services 

Why should you use BS EN 14388-Specifications for road traffic noise reducing devices? 

A noise-reducing device (NRD) device is designed to reduce the propagation of traffic noise away from the road environment. They include noise barrier, cladding, a road cover or an added device. These devices may include both acoustic and structural elements. 

BS EN 14388 provides users guidance on the assessment and verification of constancy of performance- AVCP, including type testing, samples, testing, compliance criteria, shared results, factory production control and more, allowing users to enhance the performance of noise reducing devices. 

The adoption of BS EN 14388 allows users to develop and assess noise reducing devices for the reduction of noise pollution on traffic roads and neighbourhood urban areas.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 14388:2015 supersedes BS EN 14388:2005, which is now withdrawn. 

Changes in BS EN 14388:2015 include: 

• Two standards EN 1793-2 and EN 1793-6 are now specified for the measurement of airborne sound insulation, each with a specific field of application 
• Revision of Annex ZA according to Regulation EU 305/2011