WO1999031326A1

WO1999031326A1 - Acoustic/visual barrier, ridge like, hollow structure

Info

Publication number: WO1999031326A1
Application number: PCT/IL1998/000599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reuven Adivi
Original assignee: Reuven Adivi
Priority date: 1997-12-14
Filing date: 1998-12-10
Publication date: 1999-06-24
Also published as: IL122596A; AU1503799A; IL122596A0

Abstract

A sound and/or visual barrier system (1) combining the good properties of wide earth ridges plus those of upright walls (3). At the same time, the hollow inside (6) of the barrier is to be used as a conduit for infrastructure as pipes or cables for electricity, communications, water, gas, fuel, etc. As foundation for the barrier, a drainage concrete ditch (28) may be used to minimize land consumption for the total along highway or rail artery services requirement.

Description

Acoustic / Visual Barrier. Ridge like. Hollow Structure.

Array of invention.

The present invention deals with a system for acoustic and/or visual barrier, to be

used for division between noisy transport arteries or industry zones and between

5. dwelling zones. The hollow structure of b-arrier enables to use the area and inside

thereof .as a major duct for infrastructures -and other use.

Background.

As a result of constant rise of motorization rates, combined with surge of

environment values and with growing density of metropolitan regions - the need

10. and use of acoustic and other barriers is rapidly growing.

Concrete and metal walls, as well as earth and stone ridges, are popping in land

strips dividing between road and rails to domestic quarters.

The common solutions are of two basic types, and some combination thereof.

A. Upright walls , made of reinforced concrete, blocks, metal, plastic, glass etc.

15. The walls are situated adjacent to the noise origin as close as possible. Common

height of walls: 3-7 Meters.

B. Earth ridges, usually with vegetation, with or with no stone terraces. Common

top of ridges 3-7 M. from highway level. Width of ridge base: 14-30 M. A

variant of this solution may be a ridge of earth / rocks confined with boards or

20. mesh of any material. This kind of ridge is less land consuming, but still consumes some meters of a strip.

C. Combined barriers: e.g. a small earth ridge, with an upright wall on top of it.

This kind of combination consumes about 15 M. width of land, while top of

barrier is located 8-9 m. off the curb of the road.

5. Analysis: Advantages of upright walls are:minimal land consumption, good

acoustic effectiveness.

Disadvantages: Imprisonment feeling of protected people, stress on drivers close

to wall, high costs, radiating of noise in direction of the road.

Advantages of using ridges as barriers: Good visual integration in environment,

ιo. keeping options to add lanes to road, using ridge as dump area to fill surplus earth.

Possible planting gardens, better noise absorption. Disadvantages of ridges: Large

land consumption (see above), no space for infrastructures, distance of ridge peak

from origin of noise reduces effectiveness, high maintenance costs.

Brief description of the invention.

The presented invention provides a different and improved solution compared to

existing methods described above. The invention deals with an acoustic - visual

barrier especially to be used for separation between high capacity roads and rails

5. and between residential areas. The barrier consists of two inclined walls

connected to each other on top. The structure is hollow and empty except infra

structures installed inside, and in some cases structural elements. Cross section

of the structure may be triangle, trapezoid and similar. The .angle of the wall

facing the source of noise should be about 15% for best radiation of noise

ιo. towards the sky.

Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within

required standards.

Using barriers as ducts for metropolitan infrastructures depends heavily in

efficient town planning authorities and land developers to provide long and

15. consecutive stripes for this purpose.

Barriers may also be installed on top of existing underground pipes and conduits,

provided they are strait enough, keeping possible maintenance afterwards. In

suitable locations / cases the hollow barrier may be utilized for special crops (e.g.

growing of mushrooms) or for dwelling of animals (e.g. sheep, goats, turkeys.).

20. A/M options for utilization of space are not conditional for the invention. Detailed description of invention.

The present invention deals with an acoustic - visual barrier especially utilized to

separate between noisy transport .arteries or noisy industries and between

residential - education - health structures.

5. The barrier consists of two inclined walls connected to each other on top. The

structure is hollow and empty except infra structures installed inside, and in some

cases structural elements. Cross section of the structure may be triangle,

trapezoid and similar. The angle of the wall facing the source of noise should be

about 15% for best radiation of noise towards the sky.

ιo. Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within

required standards.

Common preferred structure is triangular, dimensions: base 2-5 meters wide,

height 3-10 m.

Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within

15. required standards. It is possible to attach to walls racks / containers with plants,

or to plant special clinging vegetation that might cover the walls with green

appearance. Addition of vegetation is optional only. Following is a description of three samples of numerous possibilities to

implement a barrier. Users may choose any of them, or others, as found fit to

local conditions or architectonic preference. Using the following samples does

not limit the extent of patent cover.

5. Fig. 2 & 6 describe barrier made of large pre-fabricated boards based on proper

foundations, connected to each other by the top. Boards may be of different

materials as mentioned above.

Fig. 3 & 10 describe barrier made of small pre-fabricated boards installed on kind

of pillars that , in turn, are based on proper foundations. The pillars are shaped as

ιo. triangles, thus resulting with a similar view of structure. Boards may be of

different materials as mentioned above.

Fig. 13 & 17 describe barriers similar to the former, but using only one wall

towards the source of noise. On the other side a wire mesh may be installed, to

enable vegetation to climb and cover the inside, whatever is there.

15. Important note: If barrier need to be located along curved road, boards of

different sizes should be fabricated to offset the different lengths required, if

curving is vertical, steps should be designed for foundations, accordingly.

The innovation and advantages combined in the proposed invention is summarized

as follows: a) Minimal land requirement as compared to earth ridges. By the same token the

angling of the walls + the climbing plants offer to the spectators, drivers and

dwellers alike, a lesser threatening view. On top of it, the narrow land stripe used

may be utilized for some very good uses.

5. In some cases, where no public land exists between the road .and private property,

it may be found possible to construct the barrier on private land and let the

owners to utilize the structure for storage or else.

b) The barrier system according the invention is a light and cheap structure due to

the leaning of the 2 walls on one another.

ιo. c) The barrier may be designed of relatively light units, 400-500 kgs. each.

Therefor it may be manufactured in industrial plants and assembled in site by light

truck borne cranes. Thus minimizing labor time in field and possible obstruction

for traffic. In the case of barriers of complete segments, with no poles- larger

cranes are required - but assembly time is reduced.

15. d) The proposed barrier system, avoiding noise penetration to protected areas.

also contributes considerably to reduce resonance of noise in opposite direction.

This due to the inclined walls reflecting resonance toward sky, and partly to

"clinging" plants attached to the walls. e) The pipes, cables and other infrastructures installed inside the barrier benefit

better defence from impact of weather , at the same time are better accessible

for maintenance and alterations. Thus reducing public expenditure and adding to

profits of utilities owners.

General Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 - Generalized scheme of hollow barrier.

Fig. 2 - Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, flat walls..

Fig. 3 - Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, stepped walls.

5. Fig. 4 - Side angled view of hollow barrier, flat walls, with planted containers.

Fig. 5 - Front view of hollow barrier, stepped walls, with planted containers.

Fig. 6 - Option for erection of complete segments, no poles, on top of ditch.

Fig. 7 - Option for erection of segments, with temporary stands.

Fig. 8 - Option for erection of segments, temporary pole, detail.

ιo. Fig..9 - Another option , with a top beam for reinforcement.

Fig.10 - Another option , step like walls with concrete pillars.

Fig. l 1 - Step like walls, concrete pillar, detail.

Fig.12a - Detail of (Fig.10) interface between step and flower box.

Fig.12b - Detail of (Fig.14) interface between step and flower box.

15. Fig. 13 - Single inclined wall, concrete pillar.

Fig. 14 - Step option, resting on metal poles.

Fig. 15 - Step option, metal poles, detail of pole.

Fig. 16 - Combined option, flat walls, resting on metal poles.

Fig. 17 - Combined option, stepped wall, metal poles, single wall.

20. Fig. 18 - Combined option, flat walls, concrete pillars. Fig. 19 - Combined option, flat single wall, metal poles.

Fig. 20 - Combined option, stepped single wall, concrete pillars.

Fig. 21 - Combined option, flat wall, concrete pillars.

Fig. 22a - Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, notched.

5. Fig. 22b - Detail: pre fabricated stressed concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22c - Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, perforated, absorbing..

Detailed description of drawings.

Fig. 1 - Generalized scheme of hollow barrier.

The barrier , with inclined walls (3), separates between highway (a) and housing

ιo. area. The empty space inside the structure (1) is to be used as conduit for pipes,

cables and other infrastructure .

Fig. 2 - Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, flat walls..

Typical section of barrier with flat walls. In between the source of noise (a) and

receptor (b) , two inclined walls (2) are connected by leaning on each other. On

15. the walls planted boxes may be fixed, or any other decoration. The structure is

based on longitudinal or traverse foundations (4) to meet local ground

requirements. Along the structure (some times inside) a drainage ditch (c).

Fig. 3 - Generalizes scheme of hollow barrier, stepped walls. Sample of barrier with step like walls. As described above (Fig.2 ), but walls (2)

may be shaped as steps for convenience of construction or for architectonic

reasons.

Fig. 4 - Side angled views of hollow barrier, flat walls, with planted containers. 4a

5. shows the inside of the barrier with spacing adjustable rods (28), two walls (1),

and two planted boxes (3). 4b show the connecting gadgets (26) and the planted

boxes (1).

Fig. 5 - Front view of hollow barrier, stepped walls, with planted containers.

The wall plates (2) may be made of any material with acoustic properties, 25-40

ιo. kgs per sq.m. Poles, if required, are shown by broken lines (5). On the wall are

attached planted garden boxes (3). Flowers and clinging plants (6) soften the

otherwise harsh view of barren walls. Location of foundations, if required, is

marked by (4).

Fig. 6 - Option for erection of complete segments, no poles, on top of ditch. The

15. barrier is manufactured in plant of complete segments containing two walls (2a),

connected to each other by metal rods (25,26) on top and adjustable telescopic rods (29) down. The segments to be placed on foundations (27), that may be used

as a drainage ditch (28) for rain water coming from road (31), through release

cells (30). The placing notches (27b) on top of foundation to be filled with

cement grout after segments are placed and offset correctly. Beneath the

5. foundation (27a) a flattening layer of concrete should be placed. Close to the top

(32) rods should be attached for placing of cables or pipes, as well as the

spacing rods (29). The main advantages of this option: saving space by using the

same space for ditch and barrier, closer placing of barrier to source of noise,

minimal work along existing roads.

ιo. Fig. 7 - Option for erection of segments, with temporary stands.

This option is also for assembly of segments using a temporary stand (5) to lean

the segments against during erection. Again a segment of two walls (1, 2 ),

connected to each other on top by flexible metal connectors (26) . In this specific

option the walls may be transported to site , flat, like a closed folder. The

15. temporary stand (5) helps to open the closed "folder" while being lowered to

place. After fixing the segment to foundation (4), the telescopic legs (6) may be

lowered and stand moved to next segment. Then connection rods may be installed

for stabilization of the structure and for pipes and cables installation.

Fig. 8 - Option for erection of segments, temporary pole, detail. Detailed drawing of temporary stand. Item (6) stresses the legs to be lowered or

dismantled to move the stand forward.

Fig..9 - Another option , with a top beam for reinforcement.

All previous described options may have a beam on top (8) to improve acoustic

5. effectiveness and add a planting box on top. Two more boxes (3) may be added on

foundations (4), while connecting trusses (4a) should be cast between

foundations. Inside a metal structure (5) is used to bear the walls (2) and any

other loads. Foundations (4, 4a, 4b). An opening for men to pass, (6).

Fig.. 10 - Another option , step like walls with concrete pillars.

ιo. The walls of barrier (1) are supplied as small panels (1) approximate. 4.00 by

1.00 by 0.12 m. The panels are assembled in site on concrete pillars (2) that are

stepped for this purpose.on top of each panel (1) a plant box (3) may be attached.

The pillars (2) have holes (5) to place through the cables and pipes. A large

opening (6) in the pole enables employees to move inside barrier while installing

15. and servicing the cables and pipes. The panels (1) may be made of reinforced or

pre stressed concrete or else. Panels may be decorated, or left to be covered with

plants.

A topping plate (8) serve the same function as described in fig. 9. The pillar

includes a hook (7) for lifting and assembly by crane. The pillar (2) stands and is connected to a basis (4a) which is cast or placed on a

levelling layer (4b). The pillar should be designed according the height required

by the barrier. More details for the pole - fig. 11.

Fig.. 11 - Step like walls, concrete pillar, detail.

5. Most details are described un fig. 10. (4a) shows concrete parts of basis that are

cast in plant together with pillar, while the rest of basis should be cast in site

after putting the pillar in place.

Fig.. 12a - Detail of (Fig.10) interface between step and flower box.

The interface between the plant box (3) and two adjacent panels (1). Means of

ιo. connecting the box to structure should be designed to fit size of box -and material

of panel.

Fig. 12b - Detail of (Fig.14) interface between step .and flower box.

S-ame as above (12a), but corresponding to metal pole, fig.14.

Fig. 13 - Single inclined wall, concrete pillar.

15. A cheaper solution to replace kind of barrier in fig. 10. Pre fabricated concrete

panels (1) attached to concrete pole (2). Holes (5) for pipes and concrete

foundation (4). On top a roof panel (8) with plant box (3). Fig. 14 - Stepped option, resting on metal poles.

Basic idea similar to fig. 10. except that poles ( 9, 10 ) are metal, not concrete.

The poles to be placed on foundations (4). The panels (1) placed on special racks

welded to poles, and the panels also fixed to poles -welded or screwed.

5. Top panel (8) , plant boxes (3), described earlier (fig. 10). Interface between wall

panels and internal structure (11) - see in Fig. 12b, opening (6) for men.

Fig. 15 - Stepped option, metal poles, detail of pole.

This drawing describes the metal pole to lean on it the barriers described in fig.

14 and 16. A structure made of two metal profiles (9), connected by smaller

ιo. profiles (10). The small profiles are serving two purposes: a. bearing the load of

walls leaning on the main ones (9), and b. bearing the infra - structures (pipes-

cables) that reside inside the barrier, opening (6) for men.

Eight variants, various combinations of the main options described above, are

shown in the next drawings 16-21.

15. Fig. 16 - Combined option, flat walls, resting on metal poles.

This combination , include flat walls (1) on metal structure. Vegetation boxes (3)

used only on top and at the bases. This combination is somewhat cheaper to make

and will last longer to be covered with vegetation. The poles (9,10) are as

described in fig. 15.

SUBSTΓΓUTE S ULE Fig. 17 - Combined option, stepped wall, metal poles, single wall.

This variant may be even cheaper than the previous one. Based on fig. 14, but

includes only one inclined wall (1), to be towards the source of noise. On the

opposite side a wire mesh may be fixed to help vegetation climb. Center pole

5. (9, 10) is described in fig.15.

Fig. 18 - Combined option, flat walls, concrete pillars.

This variant is combined of flat walls (1), concrete pillars (2) , as few vegetation

boxes (3) as needed, plus topping board (8).

Fig. 19 - Combined option, flat single wall, metal poles.

ιo. Similar to that described in fig. 16. Flat single wall (1), metal poles (9,10). The

missing wall substituted by a mesh for vegetation planted in boxes (3) plus

concrete bases.

Fig. 20 - Combined option, stepped single wall, concrete pillars.

Again "half structure" is described, vegetation only on the single inclined wall.

15. This most economized variant uses half size of ground, and still may host some

infrastructure.

Fig. 21 - Combined option, flat wall, concrete pillars.

Similar to fig. 20, but flat wall. Concrete pole (2a), plant boxes (3) only on top

(8) and bottom. The pillar (2a) still has holes for pipes (5) and was described in

20. fig.s 10, IT. Fig. 22a - Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22b - Detail: pre fabricated stressed concrete wall section, notched.

These 3 drawings illustrate 3 possibilities, of numerous others, to manufacture

5. wall panels for the various barriers described.

22a, may be cast on site. 10-15 cm. thick. If required will have notches (12) to

enable fixing on poles with some overlap, (see fig. 14).

Stressed concrete panel (22b), will be manufactured in plant, 7.5-12.5 thick, may

also be notched (12), for a/m reasons.

ιo. Perforated panel (22c -13) should also be manufactured in plant. 10-15 cm. thick.

With an absorbing layer (14) attached if required.

In summary it need to be said that this invention include many variations, mostly

combined of 2 basic ones - those described in fig.s 2 .and 5. Human imagination

may add many more. Nevertheless, the basic ideas "starring" in this invention are:

15. Ridge-like green barriers friendly to drivers, passengers and residents without

waste of precious ground.

Barriers are hollow, to be used as conduits, saving more land and making

maintenance easier. Also help prevent mishaps of breaking lines through

negligence of contractors and heavy equipment operators. Most, sometimes all, components may be manufactured in plants. Thus achieving

high quality and low cost at any weather. Erection in site is simple, easy and fast.

Most variants of barriers may be dismantled and components reused at any time in

future days when roads are to be widened.

Claims

1. Acoustic and/or visual barrier system specially meant to seperate between

noisy highways or industries and between residential / office quarters, system

comprized of two inclined walls leaning on each other, or leaning on supporting

5. poles, At least one of the walls is inclined or arc shaped, and the two walls form a

shape of triangle or trapezoid or similar, with a narrow top and a wide base , while

interior space is hollow and enables movement of staff and installation of public

infrastructure.

2. Barrier system, according claim 1, while walls are inclined, forming in cross

╬╣o. section a symmetric triangle.

3. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the base is approximately 2-5 meters

long.

4. Barrier system, according claim 1, while height is approximately, 3-10 meters.

5. Barrier system, according claim 1, while on one or both of the walls vegetation

15. is grown to add to acoustic and/or architectonic properties.

6. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the inner space between walls and/or

ground beneath is used for pipes, cables, drainage, special crops, dwelling of

animals or storage.

7. Barrier system, according claim 1, while walls are manufactured of

20. pre-fabricated panels of concrete, or metal, or plastic materials, or combination.

8. Barrier system, according claims land 5, while planting boxes are fixed to

wall/s for vegetation to grow.

9. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the walls consist of panels that are

noise absorbing or noise diverting, adjacent to each other , all connected to

5. central poles.

10. Barrier system, according claim 9, while the panels are manufactured of

concrete, plastic, acrylic, glass, metal or any combination thereof.

11. Barrier system, according claim 9, while the central concrete pillars include

an opening for movement of people.

╬╣o. 12. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the central concrete pillars include

holes for installation of pipes, cables and other infrastructure.

13. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the central poles are based and

connected to foundations made of concrete, steel, wood blocks as required.

14. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the central poles are 2-12 m high,

15. base length 2-5 m, and structural thickness 10-30 cm.

15. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the top of structure ends with

horizontal line to fix an horizontal panel on.

16. Barrier system, according claim 1, while the central poles are made of steel

pipes or other steel profiles or composite materials.

17. Barrier system, according claim 1, while one ot the walls is substituted by a

metal or plastic or organic mesh to assist vegetation climb.

18. Barrier system, having the walls made of segments, each consist of two large

plates, leaning and connected to each other, with no need for central poles.

5. 19. Barrier system, mainly acoustic or visual, according the drawings shown and

explained above.