The barrier temporarily blocks the passage.
A barrier is a physical obstacle that prevents passage or access to a site . It is usually a wooden or metal fence that, depending on needs, is raised or lowered so that one can, or cannot, move forward.
The difference between a barrier and a fence , wire fence or fence is that the barrier temporarily blocks passage. These elements have a mechanism that allows them to be moved to free the path whenever desired.
At a general level, anything that blocks or hinders the progress of something is called a barrier. We can talk about an ice barrier , an acoustic barrier , etc. Barrera is also a common surname in several Latin American countries.
On public roads
We can find different types of barriers on public roads. A common example occurs at level crossings (that is, at the point where a railway line intersects with a street, highway or other path intended for automobiles and/or pedestrians). These barriers serve to coordinate traffic : when a train approaches the level crossing, the barrier lowers so that cars cannot cross the track. This is how accidents are avoided. Once the train has left the level crossing behind, the barrier goes up.
It is also common for barriers to be installed at tolls and parking lots . In these cases, the barrier blocks the passage until the driver pays the corresponding fee, either to go through the toll or to enter the parking lot. After payment, the barrier is lifted.
Some barriers are manual and require a person to raise and lower them. Other barriers are automatic and have a system and sensors to operate without the need for human intervention.
ice barrier
An ice shelf is a structure formed by accumulation of ice. At sea, this type of wall usually occurs in cold or polar regions. These barriers can be floating or connected to the coast, and can present challenges to navigation and shipping.
In cities with cold climates, ice shelves can form on certain buildings due to the freezing of water. This can cause safety issues and structural damage. In engineering, an ice barrier can be a construction designed to control the flow of water and prevent ice from forming in unwanted places, such as in dams, pipelines, and drainage systems.
In sports such as ice hockey , an ice barrier refers to the walls surrounding the rink to keep the puck and players within the playing area.
Acoustic barrier
An acoustic barrier is a structure or device designed to reduce or block the transmission of sound between two areas. These barriers are commonly used in environments where noise control is important, whether to protect sensitive spaces or to prevent the spread of unwanted sounds.
The main function of an acoustic barrier is to reduce the amount of sound that is transmitted from one side of it to the other. This is achieved through the absorption, reflection or diffraction of sound waves. The materials used for its construction include wood, metal, concrete and plastic.
An acoustic barrier prevents the passage of unwanted sounds from one point to another.
Acoustic barriers are used in various applications, such as:
- roads and railways : in urban and suburban environments, to reduce traffic or train noise, thereby improving the quality of life of people living nearby;
- industry : In noisy industrial facilities, noise barriers can protect workers and nearby communities;
- construction – can minimize noise caused by heavy machinery and construction activities, mitigating disruption to nearby residents;
- room isolation – In environments where privacy and quiet are required, such as recording studios, conference rooms, and doctors' offices, acoustic barriers are used to prevent sound from leaking into or out of these areas;
- Environment : They can be used to minimize the impact of human noise on wildlife and ecosystems.