EP2014833A2

EP2014833A2 - Sound-resistant and sound-absorbent noise barrier

Info

Publication number: EP2014833A2
Application number: EP08003554A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giampaolo Tizzoni
Original assignee: Ceis Costruzioni Edili Stradali SpA; URBANTECH Srl
Current assignee: URBANTECH Srl
Priority date: 2007-07-11
Filing date: 2008-02-27
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Also published as: ITPI20070080A1; EP2014833A3

Abstract

Sound-resistant and sound-absorbent noise barrier 101 constituted by in plant preassembled modules 1.0 Each module comprises panels 2 in "Porenbenton" overlapped on each other by means of tie bars 17 fitted to a supporting base. The panels are then packed to each other realizing the module 1 that is transportable for the laying in loco.

Each panel 2 constituting the module, has two slots 4' in correspondence to the lateral faces within which rest two supporting vertical posts 4 that support each module. The slot is such that, preferably, the post is hidden inside of it.

Moreover a solidifying fuid casting 10, allows the creation of a groove-and-tongue profile that makes easy and functional the lateral coupling between a module and another one during the laying of the barrier. Moreover there are no visible supporting elements that interrupt the continuity of the same barrier.

A combination of horizontal 50 and vertical 60 holes can be realized on the barrier to improve its soundproofing and sound damping features.

Description

Technical Field

The present ivention regards the protective barriers' technical field. In particular it refers to the technical field of the sound-resistant and sound-absorbent barriers.

State of the Art

The different structure and material types commonly used for the realization of noise barriers, allow to obtain different outcomes.
In particular there are, according to the material used, noise barriers typically "sound-absorbent" and others typically "sound-resistant".
The "sound-absorbent" feature of a barrier represents the quantity or the percentage of the sound absorbed from the barrier respect to the quantity of the sound reflected toward the source. In this case the "sound-absorbent" is measured with a sound transmitter and receiver placed on the same side of the barrier.
On the other hand the feature of "sound-absorbent" represents the amount of sound that does not pass to the opposite part of the barrier respect to the sound transmitter. In this case the sound transmitter and the receiver will be positioned in the two parts that are opposite respect to the barrier.
It is clear how these two features are antithetic respect to each other, but it is also evident how both of them are important to obtain an efficient noise barrier. It is also clear how important is a coexistence of the two features.
Indeed, the sole sound-absorbent forces, for example in a street passed through by cars, to put protections on both sides and for a long range. Indeed, a good sound-absorbent barrier protects well what is found "behind" the protections, but on the other hand, the sound "bounce back" on the same barrier from one side of the street to the other, to then hit against build-up area in the distance.
On the other side the "sound-absorbent" as far as its efficiency, allows always the passage of a certain measure of noise through the barrier, although the "bounce-back" effect of the noise is highly contained.
To limit the streets or areas in general and protect them from the noise, are used protections constituted by panel systems that are sustained by supporting elements. The panels are put side by side to each other and supported by vertical structure that remain on sight. Beyond the typical features of sound-absorption and sound-barrier of the material used, these structures do no allow an efficient damping of the noise since there are points of discontinuity caused by the vertical post at sight.
In EP1172484 is, for example, described a particular sound barrier according to the features mentioned above. In particular it is made by a supporting base 2 that supports the panel systems 10 which are inserted inside frames fitted to the supporting base 2.
However this particular structure is in such a way that does not allow a continuity of the noise-control panel system. The noise-control structure does not result to be homogeneous and provided with continuity, but is interrupted by the vertical supporting and retaining elements. Naturally, this determinates a deep inefficiency of this sound-control devices, since the interruption of structural continuity makes fall the sound-control capacity in correspondent to the interruption of the panel system.
Moreover these particular panel systems are sound-absorbent but not much sound-barrier (28/32 db). They are, indeed, generally constituted by metal, plastic, transparent plastic or similar material, and thus hardly machinable and expensive. Therefore the realization of eventual grooving or other engravings in order to rise the sound-absorption of the panel, is impossible to make in loco and must be planned at the moment of the planning. In this way eventual changes to the same panel are impossible and consequently the modification of the entire sound-control structure is required. Moreover, the eventual reinforcements to be inserted inside the sound-absorbent panel system, as for example nets or bars, result to be very expensive.
There are sound-controlling barriers, made in concrete, which are very sound-resistant (40 dB) but not much sound-absorbent, and with the flaw of being too heavy. This forces to realize both a supporting structure in reinforced concrete and an apposite appropriate fundament of opportune dimensions able to support them when installing in loco.
At last, these barriers are assembled entirely on the site rising considerably both the installation's costs and timing.
With the aim to cut down the realization's costs of these sound-controlling devices, it is often recur to use pre-existent structures on which are adjusted panels to accomplish somehow the sound-absorbent function.
For example, in WO2005/071166 is described a very simple panel able to absorb the noise, and which is integrated to a pre-existent structure, as a guardrail of a street or a simple fence. However, opposite to such a constructive simplicity, there are many limitation in the matter of the functionality of this device.
The sound-controlling panel system shall be, indeed, joined to the pre-existent structure in a firm and safe way, to be able to resist to the wind, weather conditions, and also to shocks. This forces the same panel system to have a height limited and proportional to the height of the pre-existent guardrail or fence that works as a support. We are therefore forced to limit the dimensions independently from the real sound-controlling necessities. This way, for example, the noises released from aloft sources will not be efficiently screened.
Moreover, is anyway difficult, also in this case, to obtain both an excellent sound-absorption and sound-isolation.

Disclosure of invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to supply a noise filtering barrier that resolves all the above mentioned inconveniences.
In particular the aim of the present invention is to give a noise filtering barrier that has both excellent sound-absorption and sound-isolation features.
Moreover the aim of the present invention is to give a sound-filtering barrier that is light, allowing this way installations that do not require hefty and expensive fundaments.
It is also the aim of the present invention to give a sound filtering barrier that is economical and easily pre-assembly in plant, to then be installed in loco.
It is also the aim of the present invention to give a sound-filtering barrier that is versatile and adjustable to any required applications.
These and other aims are obtained by the present sound filtering barrier, able to delimitate a general area or a transition course, that comprises at least a panel with a predetermined height, placed along said area or transition course, and supporting elements, characterized by the fact that in correspondence to at least one side face (2') of the panel (2) is obtained a slot (4') with a predetermined depth inside which it is placed at least a vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to the slot (4') and such to define a module (1), for which said module (1) result to be movable for an installation in loco.
In this manner it is obtained a modular structure that is easily movable and has at least a supporting element intended to sustain the structure and placed inside an apposite site derived laterally.
Moreover the module (1) is able to be joined to at least another module (1) placed on its side in correspondence to the respective lateral faces (2') defining a barrier (101) with a corresponding length, the respective lateral faces (2') of the panels (2) constituting at least said two modules (1) placed side by side to each other result to be adjacent covering up the at sight supporting elements.
This way the noise isolation quality of the barrier is optimised, since there are no structural elements that interrupt the continuity of the panel system. Moreover the eventual addition of modules allow to change the length of the barrier 101.
Moreover the vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to the slot (4') of the panel (2), is connected firmly to a second vertical supporting post rigidly joined inside a second slot relatively to a second panel and defining a second module (1) place side by side to said first module (1) in a way that said lateral sides of said panels result to be in contact to each other along their entire length.
This last one represents one of the many possibilities of connection between the modules.
According to the preferred configuration of the invention, in correspondence to each of the two respective lateral faces (2') of the panel (2) is obtained a slot (4') with a predetermined depth, inside which it is respectively placed a vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to the respective slot (4') in a manner to define a module (1), said predetermined depth of said slot (4') is such that each respective vertical supporting post (4) is totally contained inside of it, said module (1) can be rigidly joined to a second module (1) placed side by side to said first module (1) in a way that said lateral faces of the respective panels result to be in contact to each other along their entire height realizing a continuous sound-controlling barrier (101)without vertical post at sight.
According to the preferred configuration of the invention each module has, therefore, two posts rigidly joined to it and totally hided inside the slots 4.
Advantageously each module (1) comprises a plurality of panels (2) overlapped to each other in a way to change the overall height of each module (1).
According to a preferred solution each module (1) constituting said barrier (101) is supplied with two vertical posts, which are immerse into a concrete casting 10 adjusted according to a groove-and-tongue joint and such to allow the approach of the modules so that the respective lateral faces are in contact to each other for their entire height.
This way, thanks to the groove-and-tongue joint realized in plant, each module 1 is ready for the installation in loco simply by placing it on the apposite curb. Thus, result to be fast both the assembling of the barrier 101 in loco and its eventual length variance in a future.
Therefore the panel (2) overlapped and firmly joined to the respective two vertical supporting posts (4) inside the respective slots, determinates a modular type structure that is independent and self-supporting.
Advantageously the panels (2) are made in autoclaved aerated concrete, also known as "Porenbeton".
The advantages of this material are that it is light and not expensive, beyond the fact that is easily machinable.
Advantageously it is possible to connect firmly a plurality of modules (1) to each other in a way to change the gross length of said barrier (101).
Moreover each panel (2) constituting said module (1) comprises at least a hole (17'), which passes through its entire height, within which are inserted appropriate compacting means.
Advantageously all the panels (2) constituting a module (1)are supplied with two holes (17') placed with a predetermined distance between them, each of the two is coaxial to the correspondent two holes (17') of the panel (2) placed above and/or down and in a way such to be able to insert compacting means through the entire height of the module (1).
The compacting means comprise at least a tension rod (5), with its respective plate in base contrast (12)inserted inside the hole (17') of the overlapped panels, and drafting means.
The drafting means comprise, on the other hand, an upper plate 17 for a pre-tensioning of half screwed bolts 18 such that the module 1 made by said pluralities of panels (2) and by said two vertical posts (4)is pre-assemble at site and entirely transportable for the laying.
This allows to easily compact each module, maintaining the panels that constitute it, stable between them, and transport the whole for the laying.
As already mentioned the advantage of the Porenbeton is its workability. This makes it possible to realize on each panel that define a module a plurality of vertical holes (60) along their entire height.
Moreover there are a plurality of horizontal holes (50) with a predetermined depth that is lower respect to the section of said panels (2) intersecting said vertical holes (60) in a manner to create a variable number of helmhotz cavity resonators that increase the sound-absorption of said module.
Advantageously the slot (4') has a height coinciding with at least a portion of said height of said panel (2).
Alternatively the slot (4') has a height coinciding with said height of said panel (2).
Moreover, at least one vertical supporting post relative to a module (1) connects firmly to a second module (1) abreast to it, inserting inside the respective second slot (4') of said second module a groove-and-tongue joint so that said respective lateral faces of said panels constituting the module will result to be in contact to each other along their entire height.
This connection requires then a backfilling 10 during the installation after the positioning.
Moreover, alternatively, at least a slot of a module is bereft of its respective supporting post (4) and such that the exceeding portion of the vertical supporting post (4) of the first module (1) is incoming into said second lateral slot of said second module in a way that the respective lateral faces of said module (1) result to be in contact to each other along their entire height.
This represents an alternative solution respect the preferred one.
Thus the barrier (101) is made by two module (1) placed side by side and alternatively provided with and bereft of the vertical posts (4).
Moreover the stable connection of said vertical supporting post (4) inside said slot of the panel (2) is obtained by means of a plate (15) or similar, firmly joined respectively to the slot and to the vertical supporting post by means of bolts, screws or similar.
The connection of the vertical supporting post of the panel to the second slot of the second panel is made through connection means such as screws, bolts and similar.
The stable joint of the vertical supporting post of the panel to the second vertical supporting post of the second panel is realized by means of metallic plates (25) or similar fixed on the respective vertical supporting posts through screws, bolts and similar.
Moreover the space volume defined by the slots (4') is further on filled up with a concrete casting 10 once the module (1) is assembled, said fluid defines a groove-and-tongue joint to facilitate the connection between a module and the other.
The solidifier fluid is concrete, cement or similar.
On the panels are obtained appropriate notches able to damp the sound intensity and the design of the module.

Brief description of drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be clearer with the description of some of its pattern realization that follows, made to illustrate but not limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a continuous sound-controlling barrier, in particular is visible how the sound barrier is made of modular elements (1) that are prefabricated and placed close to each other in adherence.
Figure 2, shows in section and view a module constituted by the in plant assemblage of its main elements.
Figure 3 shows a particular configuration of the invention that improves the sound-controlling features through refraction.
Figure 4 shows in section the coupling groove-and-tongue profile of two overlapped panels.
Figure 5 and 6 show in detail the assemblage of the structural elements.
Figure 7 shows the supporting structure of the barrier constituted by two vertical supporting posts that statically support the entire system.
Figures 8, 9, 10 and 20 show the lateral joining typologies between the panels and thus between the modules.
Figure 11 show another view of the barrier.
Figure 12 and figure 13 show, according to another solution of the invention, a basic module and an additional module of a composed barrier.
figure 14 shows the joining point of the composed barrier with external flanges on both sides.
figure 15 shows the joining point of the composed barrier but with external flange on only one side.
figure 16 shows the joining point of the composed barrier but with a retraction flange.
figure 17 shows the assemblage phase of a composed barrier with a retraction connection.
figure 18 shows schematically a barrier module provided with drillings and notches on its surface.
figure 19 shows schematically a joint between two barrier modules where a panel is not connected to posts.

Description of some chosen pattern realizations

With reference to figure 1, it is represented a barrier 101 according to the invention, composed by the assemblage of modules 1 pre-assembled in plant and placed close to each other in adherence with the groove-and-tongue joint. In this way it is obtained a barrier with any lenght depending on the needs. The height of the barrier, and therefore of each module 1, is obtained by overlapping each panel 2 constituting each module 1. Thus, the barrier has a variable expansion, both in length and in height, according to the noise protection needs of the track and of the territory.
In particular the assemblage of the barrier happens on the installed vertical ledge, adequately dimensioned depending on the geometric features of the barrier, of the installation place and of the soil. The vertical ledge follows the altimetry of the road route, so that the modules 1 of the barrier always lean on a horizontal place compensating the variations of the elevation with height variance from each module.
The type of joint to the ground is anyway prior art and equivalent systems can be easily used, without moving apart from the present inventive concept.
With reference to figure 2, is further on described the single module in its unit and the single important component that constitute it. In particular it is described the supporting structure of the module realized with two vertical posts 4 that support statically the entire system under the wind, seismic, and weight action. The profiles of the posts could be of any kind, as for example of HEA or similar.
Each single panel 2, overlapped to obtain the desired height of the module, is joined to the two vertical posts 4. In particular, each panel in correspondence to its two lateral faces 2', have a slot 4' within which it is inserted and placed the vertical posts 4.
Joining means will be then used to firmly join the two vertical posts 4 inside the respective slots 4'. In particular, as still shown in figure 2, it could be used L shaped plates 15 screwed respectively on the post and on the upper surface of each single panel.
Other joining systems could be anyway used without having to move apart from the present inventive concept.
As still shown in figure 2, the slots 4' have such a depth to receive inside , according to the preferred configuration of the invention, the entire vertical posts 4 which, therefore, "vanish" inside of them.
In this way, as highlighted in figure 1, it is possible during the installation to join to each other more modules 1 that have been pre-assembled in plant, so that there are no visible supporting elements. Indeed, the modules placed side by side to each other will match perfectly to each other along the lateral sites and will result in contact along their respective heights. It is possible this way to change the length of the structure 101 without having never supporting elements that interrupt the continuity to the detriment of the sound-isolation and noise-absorption capacities of the same.
In particular, as highlighted in figure 8, 9, 10, and 20, the joint between two panels, and therefore, consequently, also between a first and a second module that are adjacent one close to the other, can happen according to other equivalent modes.
Referring to figure 8, for example, two male connector plates 25 are welded along the head of the post 4 of one of the two modules to be joined, while in the other post relative to the second module placed on the side is left a female slot in a way to create a groove-and-tongue joint. After the laying of the modules, it is preferable to make a finishing concrete casting 10 inside the sites 4'to make the structure more firm and to avoid any kind of discontinued point (look also at figure 2).
Referring to figure 9 (preferred configuration), a sole connector plate 25 is welded along the vertical axis of the post 4. As in the preceeding case, in the other module it is left a female slot to create a groove-and-tongue joint. In this way, it is necessary to make in plant the finishing concrete casting 10 to obtain the groove-and-tongue joint sites. This solution is preferable in a curve laying situation of the barrier as it follows better the profile. Moreover all the module that constitute the barrier 101 result to be ready for the installation or in loco with a groove-and-tongue joint that helps the coupling. It is clear how, also in this case, it is efficient the approach of the modules, which will perfectly match without leaving any visible supporting post that interrup the continuity of the barrier.
With reference to figure 10 (preferred configuration for the straight routes) it is realized a male/female pattern inside the formwork of the head made, still, through the finishing concrete casting 10 realized in plant.
referring to figure 20 it is alternatively realized a male-female pattern inside the formwork of the head still made through the connecting casting 10. Also this solution is preferred in a curved laying situation as it follows better the profile.
For the realization of the casting 10 it can be used thin aerated concrete Rck 250 (sand and concrete), with fluidifying and antishrinkage additive.
Without moving apart from the present inventive concept, according to a second preferred realization pattern of the invention, nothing would avoid to approach one to the other the modules, alternatively constituted by panels 2 that have supporting elements 4 and panels 2 that don't, and therefore with their respective empty site 4' (look at figure 19). In this manner it would be enough to use a supporting element 4 that has a greater depth respect to the site 4' withing which it is inserted, and to make the connection to the adjacent panel by simply using the exceeding part of the post that will be inserted into the empty site 4' of the corresponding panel. The connection can then be made in a traditional manner, with screws, bolts and similar or with the finishing casting 10.
Each single panel 2 (look still at figure 2) is made in a sole homogeneous material and in particular in autoclavable aerated concrete called "Porenbenton". This material is typically sound-isolating and result to be lighter respect to the traditional concrete used, reducing, consequently, the costs of the realization of the fondation.
Moreover, this material is not stiff, therefore it absorbs eventual striking energies and has a very low specific weight that could correspond to 500 Kg/m³ ro 600 Kg/m³ or 700 Kg/m³, depending on the request, and consequently it does not constitute any kind of danger in case of breakdown of some pieces during an accident.
Other features that characterize this material are that it is a R=120' material, that means it is a great fire barrier, and therefore a further safety source for the buildings around the streets in case of accidents where are found cars on fire. Moreover, it is a material that does not need any kind of maintainance, indeed it completely inert, does not react, when in contact to corroding substances, oxidize or wear out. At last, it is a material that can be easily worked, even with groovings, and therefore give to the object a design, and also embellish it with graphics or graffiti on demand of the customer.
Thanks to its typical workability, it is also possible to improve its sound-absorbing qualities according to the needs, thanks to a specific drilling system made on the panels 2 that constitute the module 1.
In particular, according to another preferred configuration of the invention (look figure 18), it is possible to have a system of vertical holes 60 that go through the entire height of the module and intersect the horizontal holes 50, realizing this way a type of risonator of "Helmholtz". Both the axle base of the vertical holes 60 and the number of the horizontal holes 50 can be changend according to the sound-absoption value we want to obtain.
In particular, it is possible to supply each module 1 with only the vertical holes 60 and only after, in base of the future needs, realizeon the barrier the horizontal holes 50 in order to imrpove the sound-absorption features.
Being, moreover, the "Porenbeton" an easily machinable material, it is possible to realize on each module some groovings 51 that increase the sound-absorption features (look still at figure 18).
According to another preferred configuration of the invention and still thanks to the workability features of the material, it is possible to insert as the last panel of the sound barrier a noise reducer opportunately with a trapezoidal shape (loof at figure 3). Preferably a trapezoidal panel 103 is used with the face inclined toward the noise source, to improve the sound-barrier features, because of sound rays refraction.
Thus, as said, each single panel has two slots 4' in correspondence to its two lateral faces 2' in a way to be able to insert and join the respective posts (look at figure 2 and 11). Therefore, in order to "stack" one on the other each single panel, and obtain a module 1, it is realized a system of prestressed type through opportune compacting means.
In particolar (look at figure 6) the compacting means comprise two stainless tie bars that are threaded on the top 5 and have a plate in base contrast (12). The single panels 2 are inserted singularly one on top of the other on the tie bars while the plate 12 is in contrast. Opportune tie bars means will allow then the finishing of the panel's packing. In particular some bolts 18 will be screwed to the top thread of the two tie bar closing the panels through plate 17. In this way it is possible to realize a prestress that makes the set of the panels compact in a manner to have an enbloc and selfbearing module. For this aim each panel has two through holes 17' within which are inserted the tie bars 5 for their entire length and pack the pile.
In order to help the bearing of a panel on another one maintaining the hold, the upper and lower supporting base of the panel 2 can be worked according to the groove-and-tongue profile. In figure 4 it is indeed indicated the particular toothed profile 104 and 105 that allows the coupling of the two panels one on top of the other. Further components that can help the junction between the panels can be easily used, as for example mortar or similar.
It is now described a possible assembly procedure in plant of the sole module 1.
It is distinguished (look at figure 5 and figure 2) a first realization phase of a supporting base for the panels constituted by plates 11, 12, 13, and 14 that are welded to each other. In particular are positioned two lateral plates 11 that are joined respectively, for example through welding, to two metal plates 13 and afterwards are welded on these plates 11 the respective vertical posts 4.
The post will therefore have the same height of the finished sound-resistant barrier and will therefioe result to be joint to the plate 13 through plates 11.
Afterwards (look figure 6) the central plates 12, which have the two tie bars welded on them, are joined both to the central plate 14, and to the lateral plates 11 through the lateral plates 13. The plates are therefore joint to the respective plates through welding obtaining so a supporting base structure ready to receive the pile of panels 2.
Alternatively to the use of the central plate 14, of the lateral plates 13 and of the central plates 12, it is possible to join the lateral plates 11 with a U profile or with a sole plate or with a HEA 160 profile.
To make the supporting structure more rigid it is alternatively possible to weld also, both to the lateral plate 11 and to the post 4, two stiffening gusset plate 6, one internally and the other one externally (look at figure 7 and also figure 2). These have a double function; the first one is to make the joint between the post and the plate more stable, while the second one is to create some slots for the fitting tie bars in the foundation 102, visible in figure 5.
When the supporting structure is assembled, it is possible to insert the panels 2, but only after the two open lateral slots have been realized on them (look at figure 6 or figure 7). Only to illustrate but not limite the present invention, the slots could have 190x190x62.5 mm dimensions. Moreover are realized also the two through holes 17' that will receive the two tie bars 5.
In case we want to improve the sound-absorbing features of the module, there can be, as already mentioned, realized on each single panel the through holes 60 and the horizontal holes 50 intercepting the holes 60.
To help the insertion operation, inside the panels there are sling hooks for their movement. The panels will then have to be inserted and piled up one on top of the other and the first panel will rest directly on the plates of the structure's base.
The panels will then have to be lifted and piled up one on top of the other in a manner to allow the holes 17' to be inserted inside the two tie bars 5, and clamp the whole with the drafting means for the closure, as screws, bolts and plates.
Moreover, with reference to figure 7, in correspondence to the lower surface relative to the lower panel, that is the one that comes in contact with the base of the supporting structure, must be realized an ulterior process that consists in a grooving that allow the embedding inside the panel of the stiffening gusset plates 6.
Afterwards it is possibile to insert one on top of the other the panels 2 inside the supporting structure, make the finishing casting inside the slots 4', and the tapping for the groove-and-tongue joints between the different modules. This way it is obtained a module with a predetermined height and ready for the installation and the laying in the chosen location. As already mentioned, to obtain the chosen length of the barrier, it would be enough to make the connection between a modular element and the following one as described in figure 8, 9, 10, and 20.
Moreover, all these solutions, hide the visible supporting elements, which result to be contained inside their site. Therefore the modules will be in contact to each other for their entire height and the concrete casting 10 will make the coupling more efficient.
To help the connection of the panel of the barrier, placed one on top of the other, the panels can further on be stuck by using mortar. In order, then, to facilitate the overlap of a panel on another one, the panels 2 (look at figure 4) can be worked in correspondence of their upper and lower surfaces according to toothed pattern 104 and 105.
Moreover to constrain each panel that constitutes the module with the vertical posts 4 placed inside the opened lateral sites 4', are used the plates 15 (look at figure 5), that are mechanically fitted to the vertical posts 4 through bolts and to the panels through tubola nails for autoclaved aerated concrete.
Moreover, at the end of the assembly procedure, it is also possible to insert a finishing casting, that can be aerated concrete or fluid rck concrete (sand and cement), in the commisure between panel 2 and the tie bar 5 in correspondence to the hole 17'.
After the panels 2 have been inserted and before the eventual finishing casting solidifies, it is necessary to clamp the vertical tie bars 5 through the two stop nuts 18 (look at figure 2 and figure 6). In this way, through for example a dynamometrical plier, it will be possible to clamp the panels to each other, packing this way the pile.
To finish the assembly of a countinuous monobloc sound-resistant barrier, it is then necessary to insert also two closing plates 19 on top of the respective vertical posts 4, wich must be directly welded on them (look at figures 2 and 6). This way the structure is closed and some eyebolts or hooks 20 are inserted on the tie bars 5, usefull for the lifting and movement operations of the module.
To process the installation in loco, it will be enough to move on site the single pre-assembled modules and join them in line one to each other as already described. In this manner not even one supporting element will be visible, making the surface completely homogeneous and prefectly suitable to accomplish the soundproof task.
Only to illustrate, and therefore to not limite the present invention, the panels 2 can be realized on project in different dimensions, with height that differs from 60 to 75 cm, length that differs from 50 to 600 cm, and depth from 24 to 50 cm, in a way to make noise-barriers for any kind of profile with any kind of sweep and slope. The elements, maintaning the same length and depth variations, can have a height tha varies from 120 cm to 500/600 cm.
The panels, according to a second preferred configuration of the invention, can have, similarly to what has been already described in figure 8, 9, 10, and 20, groove-and-tongue joints in correspondence to the lateral faces 2' of each panel, in a way to eliminate the points of discontinuity of the noise barrier and, in the same time, allow during the assemply phase, an easy and fast alignment of the modules.
Thanks to the great workability of the material, it is possible both to insert some transparent glazed parts, and to make some simple carving, for example longitudinal continuous or discontinuous, along the modules.
For a continous noise barrier it is anyway possible to use panels that have the same geometry of the ones in autoclavable aerated concrete but of another material as concrete, lightened concrete, cement and fiber glaglass, or polymeric die with or without fibers or similars without moving apart from the inventive concept.
Moreover it is possible to reinforce the stucture in "Porenbeton" with elements, as electro-welded net, inserted inside of it.
The fact that the barrier has the supporting structure incorporated inside the same panels ensures, moreover, a better aesthetic impact. This allows to install the barrier not only in places with high traffic density, but also to screen the noise sources, as industries located in urban units, allowing to build some decorative architectural elements. Thus, by combining the aesthetic value of the product with the possibility to install a barrier with a reduced height, allow to use it indifferently as a wall enclosure too.
Therefore, by entering in detail in the preferred configuration, a monobloc barrier is found, as represented in figure 2, that comprises a number of panels 2, reiforced by double net in autoclaved aerated concrete, which can vary from a minimum of two to a maximum of six depending on the desired height. The panels are overlapped one on the other, through the groove-and-tongue profile of figure 4, and glued one on the other, in a way to create a firm and continueos barrier without discontinuities between the panels.
If the trapezoidal noise reducer is inserted, the last panel will be a trapezoidal one reiforced by double net in autoclaved aerated concretem which will be assebled in a way to have the surface raking toward the noise souce. This panel can have a depth that varies from 35 cm in the lower part to 50 or 60 or 70 cm in the upper part.
The panels are supported by a supporting structure in heat galvanized stainless that comprises two posts 4 and a supporting base to wich they are welded on. The posts are dimensioned to resist to the wind, or to eventual earthquakes. Moreover to improve the continuità of the panels, in site 4', realized to locate the vertical posts 4, it is made a finishing concrete casting 10, with tapping to obtain the groove-and-tail profile. This casting will optimize the coupling between the modules and, moreover, it will allow to fill up the empty spaces between the structure and the panels, improving further on the sound-absorbent feature of the barrier. Each module 1 is then placed side by side to each other, with the joints described in figures 8, 9, 10, and 20, obtaining this way the requested barrier.
Alternatively, to obtain variable heights with modules that comprise panels with different heights and dimensions, it is possible to use buil-up barriers made by the overlapping of two monobloc barriers that are then joined with a particular joint.
For example, referring to figure 12, it is shown a basic module of a built-up barrier constituted by a monobloc element 203 with height that varies from 250 to 375 cm, while in the upper part there will be a monobloc barrier 204 with height that can vary from 125 to 375 cm depending on the final requested height. Also for a built-up barrier it is possible to insert, in order to improve the sound-controlling features, a trapezoidal panel raking towards the noise source and with a thickness that varies from 35 cm in the lower part to 50 or 60 or 70 cm in the upper part.
The monobloc module with height from 250 cm to 375 cm inserted in the lower part of the built-up barrier, is composed by a number of panels that varies from 4 to 6.
The upper part of the built-up continuous barrier can be made by two, three or four panels reiforced with double net in autoclaved aerated concrete 2 height 62.5 cm, overlapped on each other, through the groove-and-tongue profile and glued. If the trapezoidal noise reducer 3 is inserted, the last panel will be a trapezoidal one reiforced by double net in autoclaved aerated concretem which will be assebled in a way to have the surface raking toward the noise souce.
Also in this case the assemblig phases are identical to the ones already described for a monobloc barrier and the indicated dimensions of the panels are not resticting. Any other dimension could be used without moving apart from the present inventive concept.
For the overlapping of the two modules it is sufficient to place the monobloc module with height 250 cm and assemble the other module on top of it, as shown in figure 14, joining the two module through batten plates. In particular, the structural joining of the two submodules can happen in many ways through the coupling in correspondence of the vertical posts 4.
With reference to figure 14, for example, the joining of the vertical posts 4 happens through the joint, by means of screw nuts, bolts with other perforated plates 21 joined to them.
With reference to figure 15, the fitting happens through screw nuts and bolts in correspondence to the same contact plates 21 on which the vertical posts 4 are welded. The difference respect to the preceding method is that in this case the bolts are placed inside the profile of the section bar and the access to the flange happens from an opening on the head of the panel.
With reference to figure 16 and in particular to figure 17, the coupling happens through a bayonet system, for which on top of the module that creates the base of the built-up barrier, an entire HEA 100 profile, which works as a support, is welded.
As mentioned before, the laying of the modules, independently from the adopted solutions, happens on the vertical ledge previously realized, with horizontal extrados plane, and with a minimum width that equals to the ones of the panels 2 placed above. The whole will have to be dimensioned according to the location, soil typology and to the height of the sound-barrier. In case of slope traits, the difference in height shall be overcomed by realizing steps with appropriate length. The laying of the barrier is dry and the modules 1 are mechanically fitted by means of tie bars drowned in the foundation casting in correspondence to the vertical posts 4.
With this method each module 1 is directly fitted and is independent from the other modules found on the vertical ledge, morover each module is statically independent from the others, this allows that each module could be removed anytime without demolishing the others.
The above description of a specific shape is able to show the invention from the conceptive point of view, in a way that others, by using the art, can modify and/or adapt in different applications this specific shape without any further research and without going apart from the inventive concept, and, therefore, it is intended that these adaptations and transformations will be considered as equivalent to this specific realization. The means and materials to make the many described functions can be of various nature without exiting the area of the invention. it is intended that the expressions or the terminology used have a simple descriptive aim and therefore not limiting.

Claims

Sound filtering barrier, able to delimitate a general area or a transition course, that comprises at least a panel with a predetermined height, placed along said area or transition course, and supporting elements, characterized by the fact that in correspondence to at least one side face (2') of said panel (2) is obtained at least a site (4') with a predetermined depth inside which it is placed at least a vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to said site (4') and such to define a module (1), for which said module (1) result to be movable for an installation in loco.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 1, where said module (1) is able to be joined to at least another module (1) placed on its side in correspondence to the respective lateral faces (2') defining a barrier (101) with a corresponding length, said respective lateral faces (2') of said panels (2) constituting at least said two modules (1) placed side by side to each other result to be adjacent covering up the at sight supporting elements.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 1 and 2, where said vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to the site (4') of the panel (2), is connected firmly to a second vertical supporting post rigidly joined inside a second site relatively to a second panel and defining said module (1) place side by side to said said first module (1) in a way that said lateral sides of said panels result to be in contact to each other along their entire length.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 1, 2 and 3, where in correspondence to each of the two respective lateral faces (2') of said panel (2) is obtained a site (4') with a predetermined depth, inside which it is respectively placed a vertical supporting post (4) firmly joined to said respective site (4') in a manner to define a module (1), said predetermined depth of said site (4') being such that each respective vertical supporting post (4) is totally contained inside of it, said module (1) can be rigidly joined to at least a second module (1) placed side by side to said first module (1) in a way that said lateral faces of the respective panels result to be in contact to each other along their entire height realizing a continuous sound-controlling barrier (101) without visible vertical posts.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where each module (1) comprises a plurality of panels (2) overlapped to each other in a way to change the overall height of each module (1).
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where each module (1) constituting said barrier (101) is supplied with two vertical posts, which are immerse into a concrete casting 10 adjusted according to a groove-and-tongue joint and such to allow the approach of the modules so that the respective lateral faces are in contact to each other for their entire height.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said panels (2) overlapped and firmly joined to the respective two vertical supporting posts (4) inside the respective sites, determinates a modular type structure that is independent and self-supporting.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said panels (2) are realized in autoclavable aerated concrete, known also as "Porenbenton".
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where it is possible to connect firmly a plurality of modules (1) to each other in a way to change the gross length of said barrier (101).
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where each panel (2) constituting said module (1) comprises at least a hole (17'), which passes through its entire height, within which are inserted appropriate compacting means.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 10, where all the panels (2) constituting a module (1)are supplied with two holes (17') placed with a predetermined distance between them, each of said two holes of each panel being coaxial to the correspondent two holes (17') of the panel (2) placed above and/or down and in a way such to be able to insert compacting means through the entire height of said module (1).
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 10 and 11 , where said compacting means comprise at least a tension rod (5), with its respective plate in base contrast (12)inserted inside said at least one hole (17') of the overlapped panels, and drafting means.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 12, where said drafting means comprise, an upper plate 17 for a pre-tensioning of half screwed bolts such that the module (1) made by said pluralities of panels (2) and by said two vertical posts (4)is pre-assemble at site and entirely transportable for the laying.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where on said panels that define a module are realized a plurality of vertical holes (60) alonf their entire height.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 14, where there are a plurality of horizontal holes (50) with a predetermined depth that is lower respect to the section of said panels (2) intersecting said vertical holes (60) in a manner to create a variable number of "Helmhotz" cavity resonators that increase the sound-absorption of said module.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 1, where said site (4') has a height that coincides to at least a portion of said height of said panel (2).
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 1, where said site (4') has a height that coincides to said height of said panel (2).
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where at least one vertical supporting post relative to a module (1) connects firmly to a second module (1) abreast to it, by being inserted inside the respective second slot (4') of said second module a groove-and-tongue joint so that said respective lateral faces of said panels constituting the module will result to be in contact to each other along their entire height.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where at least a slot of a module is bereft of its respective supporting post (4) and such that the exceeding portion of the vertical supporting post (4) of the first module (1) is incoming into said second lateral slot of said second module in a way that the respective lateral faces of said module (1) result to be in contact to each other along their entire height.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 17 ,where said barrier (101) is made by two modules (1) placed side by side and alternatively provided with and bereft of said vertical posts (4).
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said stable connection of said vertical supporting post (4) inside said slot of the panel (2) is obtained by means of a plate (15) or similar, firmly joined respectively to the slot and to the vertical supporting post by means of bolts, screws or similar.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said connection of said supporting vertical post of said panel to said second site of said second panel is realized through connection means as screws, bolts, and similars.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said stable joint of said vertical supporting post of the panel to said second vertical supporting post of said second panel is realized by means of metallic plates (25) or similar fixed on the respective vertical supporting posts through screws, bolts and similar.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where the space volume defined by said slots (4') is further on filled up with a concrete casting 10 once the module (1) is assembled, said fluid defines a groove-and-tongue joint to facilitate the connection between a module and the other.
Sound filtering barrier, according to claim 24 and 6, where said solidifier fluid is concrete, cement or similar.
Sound filtering barrier, according to one or more of the previous claims, where on said panels are obtained appropriate notches able to damp the sound intensity and the design of the module.