DIN EN 1793-1 - EuroAcoustic

This page outlines the focus, verification methods, and relevance to clients of the DIN EN 1793-1 standard, which applies to the acoustic performance of road traffic noise reducing devices.

Overview

DIN EN 1793-1 is the German national adoption (DIN) of the European standard (EN) that forms part of the series for Road Traffic Noise Reducing Devices.
Specifically, Part 1 of this standard specifies the laboratory test method for measuring the intrinsic characteristic of sound absorption of flat noise reducing devices (e.g., sound barriers, panels, or cladding) designed for use alongside roads, retaining walls, or in tunnels.
It uses a reverberation room to create diffuse sound field conditions to accurately measure the proportion of sound energy that a device absorbs, rather than reflects. This provides a repeatable and comparable measure of a product’s inherent ability to mitigate reflected traffic noise.

Scope of Accreditation

Our certification under DIN EN 1793-1 confirms that our noise reducing devices comply with the specific requirements for measuring sound absorption performance, resulting in the following certified performance:

Weighted Sound Absorption Index ( $\mathbf{D L}_{\mathbf{A}}$ ): $\mathbf{9\,\text{dB}}$
Absorption Performance Group: The tested system is assigned to the group of sound absorption properties A3 ( $\mathbf{D L}_{\mathbf{A}} = 8\,\text{to}\,11\,\text{dB}$ ).

The scope ensures:

High Intrinsic Performance: Verification of the product’s strong inherent sound absorption property, placing it in the second-highest performance group (A3).
Testing Conditions: Compliance with the laboratory procedures using a diffuse sound field as specified in the standard and referencing the methodologies of EN ISO 354.
Coefficient Determination: Accurate calculation of the sound absorption coefficient ( $\alpha_{\text{NRD},i}$ ) in one-third octave frequency bands, which led directly to the reported A3 grouping.

Testing and Verification

Verification of performance to DIN EN 1793-1 requires specialized laboratory acoustic testing to measure how effectively the device absorbs sound energy.

Test Parameter	Certified Result/Classification	Performance Measure
Weighted Sound Absorption(DLa)	$\mathbf{9\,\text{dB}}$	Single-number rating representing overall absorption efficiency.
Performance Group	A3 (High Absorption)	The classification confirms high performance (8 to 11dB)
Frequency Range	Compliant (100 Hz to 5000 Hz)	Ensures absorption is measured across the full range of typical road traffic noise.
Test Arrangement	Compliant with EN 1793-1	The product was tested with joints and posts reflecting real-world installation.

What This Means for Our Clients

Choosing our products, which are tested and certified to DIN EN 1793-1 with an $\mathbf{A 3}$ classification, offers critical benefits for road infrastructure projects:

Superior Acoustic Performance: You are guaranteed a product with a verified high sound absorption rating ( $\mathbf{D L}_{\mathbf{A}} = 9\,\text{dB}$ ). This $\mathbf{A 3}$ classification is essential for projects where maximum reduction of reflected traffic noise is required.
Compliance with High Specifications: The $\mathbf{A 3}$ rating ensures that the product meets the most demanding acoustic specifications commonly required by public sector and highway authorities for sound barrier materials.
Informed Decision Making: The quantifiable and independently verified performance data allow for precise acoustic modelling and accurate prediction of the noise mitigation achieved, enabling reliable project design.
Effective Noise Mitigation: By installing A3-rated barriers, the potential for noise reflection toward nearby unprotected areas (e.g., across the road or behind the barrier) is effectively minimized, enhancing the overall noise reduction solution.