Impact of Soundproofing Wall of Tunnel on Particulate Matter and Noise

The Seoul metropolitan government has installed soundproofing walls in road tunnels to improve the tunnel environment for pedestrians. To evaluate the efficiency of these soundproofing walls, we measured noise levels and concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$ and ultrafine particles (UFP) in tunnels with or without these walls. Although noise and UFP levels were significantly lower in the tunnels with soundproofing walls, $PM_{2.5}$ levels were significantly higher: but were significantly lowered by use of a ventilation system. When $PM_{2.5}$ and noise levels were simultaneously measured in a tunnel with soundproofing wall, noise level was significantly reduced but $PM_{2.5}$ level was significantly higher. It is concluded that the soundproofing wall can protect pedestrians from noise, but not PM. Installation of a ventilation system is recommended for protection of pedestrians in tunnels with soundproofing walls.