The paper presents a retrospective study for selection of noise barrier for road traffic noise abatement. The work proposes the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) approach is selection of optimal road traffic noise barrier. The present work utilizes the fuzzy TOPSIS model proposed by Mahdavi et al. (2008) in determination of ranking order of various types of noise barriers with respect to the various criteria considered. It is suggested that application of this approach can be very helpful in selection and application of optimal noise barrier for road traffic noise abatement.

The paper presents application of Taguchi method in optimizing the sound transmission loss through sandwich gypsum constructions and those comprising of masonry concrete blocks and gypsum boards in order to investigate the relative influence of the various parameters affecting the sound transmission loss. The application of Taguchi method for optimizing sound transmission loss has been rarely reported. The present work uses the results analytically predicted on “Insul” software for various sandwich material configurations as desired by each experimental run in an L8 orthogonal array. The relative importance of the parameters on single-number rating, Rw (C, Ctr) is evaluated in terms of percentage contribution using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA method reveals that type of studs, steel stud frame and number of gypsum layers attached are the key factors controlling the sound transmission loss characteristics of sandwich multi-layered constructions.

The paper presents an extensive review investigating the practical aspects related to the use of single- number ratings used in describing the sound insulation performance of partition wall panels and practical complications encountered in precise measurements in extensive frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 kHz. SWOT analysis of various single number ratings is described. A laboratory investigation on a double wall partition panel combination revealed the significant dependence of STC rating on transmission loss at 125 Hz attributed to 8 dB rule. An investigation conducted on devising alternative spectrums of aircraft noise, traffic noise, vehicular horn noise and elevated metro train noise as an extension to ISO 717-1 Ctr for ascertaining the sound insulation properties of materials exclusively towards these noise sources revealed that the single-number rating Rw + Ctr calculated using ISO 717-1 Ctr gives the minimum sound insulation, when compared with Rw + Cx calculated using the alternative spectrums of aircraft noise, traffic noise, etc., which means that material provides a higher sound insulation to the other noise sources. It is also observed that spectrum adaptation term Cx calculated using the spectrum of noise sources having high sound pressure levels in lower frequencies decreases as compared to ISO 717-1 Ctr owing to significant dependence of Ctr at lower frequencies.

The uncertainty in the supply of crude oil, increasing the number of vehicles and rising air pollution, especially in urban areas, has prompted us to look for alternative fuels. It is understood that using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in IC engines could be a mid-term solution to these problems. It is well established that CNG has better combustion characteristics and low emissions compared to conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. In the present study, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the engine performance and exhaust emissions using various percentages of CNG in dual fuel mode. CNG was mixed in the intake manifold’s air stream, and diesel was injected after the compression of the CNG air mixture. This paper presents experimental results of 40%,60%, and 80% CNG in the air stream. Engine performance and emissions are presented and discussed at a speed of 1200 rpm to 1500 rpm in steps of 50 rpm. The results of the experiments showed that adding CNG to diesel engines in dual-fuel combustion significantly impacted performance and emissions. Compared to single diesel fuel combustion, dual fuel combustion increases brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) at all CNG energy shares and engine speeds. Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were increased, while nitrogen oxide (NOX) and smoke opacity were decreased in dual fuel combustion compared to single diesel fuel.