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  • 1.  Resources Regarding Raised Berms as Property Barriers

    Posted 09-21-2018 03:36 PM

    Does anyone know of any resources that address the values to property of installing raised earthen berms to separate the property from roads.  I am looking at the issue of the damage impact on a piece of property that was protected (sound, aesthetics, privacy, accident barrier, etc.) by a berm, that a road adjustment condemnation would now eliminate.  If ASCE has any resources regarding raised berms as property barriers, it might be very helpful.  



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    Bryan Hickey Aff.M.ASCE
    Shareholder/Attny
    Greer SC
    (864) 240-3246
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  • 2.  RE: Resources Regarding Raised Berms as Property Barriers

    Posted 09-22-2018 10:59 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 09-22-2018 10:59 AM
    I am of the opinion that the raised berm may occupy more space because of the stability requirement. I mean angle of repose however noise wall if properly designed will be the best option due to less area at the base will be required. However, it may also be depending upon how much space is available at site. 

    Thanks and regards 

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    Ejaz Khan S.M.ASCE
    Director
    Pakhtunkhawa Highways Authority
    Islamabad
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  • 3.  RE: Resources Regarding Raised Berms as Property Barriers

    Posted 09-23-2018 08:33 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 09-23-2018 08:32 AM
    I'm not much into this area, but I would agree with Ejaz on the advantage of a wall properly designed.
    For a Long barrier wall, you might consider a precast concrete solution: Posts of H-cross section, with horizontal precast planks spanning between the slots of the H posts. You might need to prop the posts for added lateral resistance.

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    Neil Kazen, M.Eng., M.Sc., P.Eng.
    FASCE, FCPCI, FEC,
    Retired Structural Engineering Manager, Transportation Division, SNC-Lavalin
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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  • 4.  RE: Resources Regarding Raised Berms as Property Barriers

    Posted 10-19-2018 12:42 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-19-2018 12:41 PM
    The best resource for information on highway noise barriers, berms ,etc. is the US DOT , Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), both technical and more general.    The link is offered here....  Noise - Environment - FHWA
    Dot remove preview
    Noise - Environment - FHWA
    The law requires promulgation of traffic noise-level criteria for various land use activities and further provides that FHWA cannot approve the plans and specifications for a federally aided highway project unless the project includes adequate noise abatement measures to comply with the standards.
    View this on Dot >


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    Kenneth Polcak M.ASCE
    Senior Transportation Engineer - Acoustics
    Maryland Dept of Transportation State Highway Administration
    Baltimore , MD
    (410)545-8601
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