WO2016020870A1

WO2016020870A1 - Supporting structure for a noise barrier

Info

Publication number: WO2016020870A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/055969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giampaolo Tizzoni
Original assignee: Giampaolo Tizzoni
Priority date: 2014-08-06
Filing date: 2015-08-06
Publication date: 2016-02-11

Abstract

Supporting structure (1) for a noise barrier (6) comprising a metal sheet (2) with a longitudinal development axis (A) and with a first (3) and a second wing (4) parallel to each other, a webplate (5) being fixed therebetween. The wings (3, 4) and the webplate (5) each have a main development direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis (A). The metal sheet (2) has a first portion (8) insertable into the ground to define a foundation of the noise barrier (6), and a second portion (9), having a first fixing surface (10) for soundproofing and/or insulating panels (12); the structure (1) comprises an auxiliary element (13) fixed to one of the wings (3, 4) and/or to the webplate (5), the auxiliary element (13) has a second fixing surface (11); the fixing surfaces (10, 11) are substantially coplanar.

Description

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR A NOISE BARRIER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a supporting structure for a noise barrier. Noise barriers comprising the supporting structure according to the invention are useful for acoustically insulating areas where there is loud environmental noise of artificial origin, such as a road with heavy traffic, for example. Such a noise barrier can be used for example to separate a highway from an adjacent residential area so as to isolate residents from the traffic noise.

BACKGROUND ART

A noise barrier of known type is shown in figure 12. Such a barrier comprises a plurality of supporting structures similar to those described in the known art document WO 2012/017460. Each supporting structure is formed by a metal sheet 100 which is vibro-driven into the ground. The supporting structure has a "Z"-shaped cross section and comprises a pair of wings 101 on which panels 102 are attached, made of concrete or lightweight concrete or aerated concrete or other material.

The metal sheet in particular comprises a first part which remains above ground and to which the mentioned panels are attached, and a second part which is instead driven into the ground by means of vibro-driving. A plate which serves as a rest for the panels 102 is welded between the two parts, perpendicular with respect to the metal sheet 100.

As mentioned above, the metal sheet 100 has a "Z" cross section for different reasons. Firstly, a shape of this type makes the vibro-driving into the ground easier, because any rocky elements in the ground can be avoided by the metal sheet 100 during the vibro-driving. Contrarily, this is not possible for profiles closed on three sides (for example, of the "C" or "H" type) and any hard obstacle would block the metal sheet thus preventing or making the vibro-driving difficult. Furthermore, a "Z" profile has increased bending inertia in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement of the panels 102. Bending inertia which is orthogonal with respect to the panels is necessary because the panels 102 are subjected to stresses such as the thrust of the wind, for example.

Disadvantageously, the above-described noise barrier 102 has considerable safety limitations. The two sections of the barrier are indeed offset from each other along a direction perpendicular to the panels. Subsequently, the panels 102 will also be arranged offset and not aligned. Therefore, an outer edge 104 of the panels 102 remains visible after the installation of the barrier. Thus, the noise barrier 102 is not suitable for operating as a safety barrier, i.e. it is not suitable for operating as a containment in the carriageway of a vehicle because the visible edges 104 of the panels 102 constitute a hazardous element as they are exposed to the direct impact of a vehicle, and they do not allow such a vehicle to slide thus continuing its travel in the carriageway. A car which might impact the panels 102 at edge 104 would then be seriously damaged, thus placing the safety of the occupants in danger. The known noise barrier 102 is therefore not approvable for use as a barrier for containing vehicles in the carriageway. Therefore, such a barrier requires being positioned at a certain distance from a guardrail, so that the deformation due to the collision of a vehicle is such as not to involve the noise barrier.

A noise barrier as that shown in figure 8 normally has a planimetric overall width - i.e. transversal with respect to the carriageway - of about 170-280 cm (distance from the guardrail to the noise barrier). This fact, combined with the non-coplanar arrangement of the panels 102 and with the planimetric overall width (i.e., transversal with respect to the carriageway) of the barrier of about 80-90 cm results in a overall width on the side of the carriageway of about 250-370 cm. Disadvantageously, it is not always possible to have at disposal a band of such size on the side of the road for installing the noise barrier. This aspect therefore precludes the installation of the barrier where the space is not available.

In this respect, it is noted that there is a need to dispossess a larger area for the construction of new roads, with subsequent increase in costs. Furthermore, when the noise barrier is located on a slope, the further it is from the roadbed, the greater will be the need for the supporting structure because the height of the barrier with respect to the road surface will be increased by the difference in height between the road surface and the driving point of the barrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a supporting structure for a noise barrier which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art. In particular, a first object of the present invention is making available a supporting structure for a noise barrier which allows such a barrier to be given a significantly improved passive safety level for motorists. Another object of the present invention is to make available a supporting structure for a noise barrier capable of making the barrier type approvable as a safety barrier. Yet another object of the present invention is to make available a supporting structure for a noise barrier capable of reducing the lateral overall width of the barrier. Not last, the object of the present invention is to provide a supporting structure which is reliable and easy to make at competitive costs.

The technical task explained and objects specified are substantially achieved by a supporting structure for a noise barrier comprising the technical features explained in one or more of the appended claims. In particular, the supporting structure according to the invention comprises a metal sheet having a longitudinal development axis. Such a metal sheet comprises a first supporting wing, a second supporting wing parallel to said first wing and a webplate fixed transversely to said wings with respect to the wings. The wings and the webplate have a main development direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis. The metal sheet has a first portion insertable into the ground to define a foundation of the noise barrier, and a second portion which defines a first fixing surface for insulating panels of the noise barrier. The structure comprises an auxiliary element fixed to one of said wings and/or to the webplate of said metal sheet. Such an auxiliary element defines a second fixing surface for said panels. According to the invention, the first fixing surface and the second fixing surface are substantially coplanar.

Advantageously, the presence of coplanar fixing surfaces allows the insulating panels to be arranged in coplanar manner, thus avoiding the edges of the panels from constituting a hazard for motorists. This allows the noise barrier to be approved as safety barrier, by possibly fixing a guardrail to the noise barrier so as to reduce the overall width on the side of the carriageway, which is significantly reduced, thus overcoming the drawbacks of the known art.

LIST OF THE DRA WINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a supporting structure for a noise barrier, as disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a supporting structure for a noise barrier according to the present invention;

- figure 2 is a perspective view of the supporting structure in figure 1 ;

- figure 2a is a second perspective view of a second embodiment of a supporting structure for a noise barrier according to the present invention;

- figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of respective components of the supporting structure in figures 1 and 2;

- figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are top views of respective embodiments of the supporting structure according to the present invention; and

- figure 6 is a top view of a further embodiment of a supporting structure according to the present invention;

- figure 7 is a perspective view relative to a further embodiment of a supporting structure according to the present invention;

- figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail of the supporting structure in figure 6;

- figure 9 is a plan view of a noise barrier comprising a plurality of supporting structures according to the present invention;

- figure 10 is an enlargement of the detail VII indicated in figure 6;

- figure 1 1 is a plan view of a portion of noise barrier comprising the supporting structure in figure 6; and

- figure 12 is a plan view of a noise barrier known from the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numeral 1 in figures from 1 to 5d indicates a supporting structure for a noise barrier 6 according to the present invention. The supporting structure 1 comprises a metal sheet 2 which has a longitudinal development axis "A". As shown in figure 1 , in use, the metal sheet 2 is driven vertically into the ground and serves the function of supporting a section 7, 7' of a noise barrier 6 (as also shown in figures 6 and 7). Within the context of the present description, the expression "supporting a section of the noise barrier" means that section 7, 7' is attached to the metal sheet 2, which supports the section against horizontal stresses to which it is subjected. Furthermore, "section" 7, 7' of barrier 6 for the objects of the present invention means the part of barrier 6 which, in use, is included between two supporting structures. Each section 7, 7' comprises at least one panel 12. Each section 7, 7' preferably comprises a plurality of soundproofing and/or insulating panels 12. Each panel 12 extends between two adjacent supporting structures, as shown in figures 9, 10 and 1 1 , which are commented on below. Such panels 12 are known per se to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be further described.

With particular reference to figure 1 , the metal sheet 2 has a first portion 8 insertable into the ground. In practice, the first portion 8 serves the function of stably embedding the metal sheet 2 into the ground so as to support the panels 12 of the noise barrier 6. In other words, the first portion 8 of the metal sheet 2 defines a foundation of the noise barrier 6.

The metal sheet 2 further comprises a second portion 9 which defines a first fixing surface 10 for said panels 12. Further details concerning such a first fixing surface 10 will be provided in a subsequent section of the present description.

With reference in particular to figure 2, the supporting structure 1 comprises a plate 18, which serves the function of support for the panels 12. In particular, plate 18 develops on a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal development axis A of the metal sheet 2. Plate 18 is preferably welded to the metal sheet 2, so as to separate the first portion 8 from the second portion 9 of the metal sheet.

More specifically, the metal sheet 2 comprises a first supporting wing 3 and a second supporting wing 4. Such supporting wings 3, 4 are configured as two substantially plane portions of the metal sheet 2, which are parallel to each other. Figure 3 shows the detailed configuration of the metal sheet 2 of the structure in figure 2. In particular, the supporting wings 3, 4 each comprise a first edge 3a, 4a and a second edge 3b, 4b, which develop in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal development axis A.

The metal sheet 2 also comprises a webplate 5 fixed to the supporting wings 3, 4. Webplate 5 is configured like a further flat portion which develops transversely with respect to the wings 3, 4. More specifically, webplate 5 and the supporting wings 3, 4 define a "Z" profile considered according to a plane orthogonal to the development axis A. With reference to figure 3, webplate 5 preferably connects the first edge 3a of the first wing 3 with the second edge 4b of the second wing 4. The wings 3, 4 and webplate 5 each have a main development direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis "A" of the metal sheet 2. Furthermore, it is noted that both the wings 3, 4 and webplate 5 extend along both the portions 8, 9 of the metal sheet 2. The wings 3, 4 and webplate 5 are preferably obtained through a bending process starting from an initially flat metal sheet.

It is noted that in the embodiments described and illustrated, the first fixing surface 10 is defined in particular on the second wing 4. In alternative embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the first fixing surface 10 could be defined on the first wing 3.

With reference to figure 2, the supporting structure 1 comprises an auxiliary element 13 fixed to one of the wings 3, 4 and/or to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2. The auxiliary element 13 preferably extends along the whole length of the second portion 9 of the metal sheet 2. Instead, the auxiliary element 13 does not extend along the first portion 8 of the metal sheet 2, i.e. under plate 18.

According to the present invention, the auxiliary element 13 defines a second fixing surface 1 1 for the panels 12 of the noise barrier 6. Such a second fixing surface 1 1 is substantially coplanar to the first fixing surface 10 defined by the metal sheet 2. More specifically, the auxiliary element 13 is fixed to one of the wings 3, 4 and/or to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 so that such fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 are coplanar.

It is therefore noted that the supporting structure 1 as a whole defines two substantially coplanar fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 , but keeps the "Z" profile of the first portion 8 of the metal sheet, so as to facilitate the vibro-driving thereof into the ground. Furthermore, the presence of the auxiliary element 13 allows the inertia of the supporting structure 1 - i.e. the resistance to bending - to be further increased with respect to a direction orthogonal to the panels 12.

In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary element 13 only partially or discontinuously extends along the longitudinal development axis "A" of the metal sheet 2. As shown in figure 2A for example, the auxiliary element 13 can comprise a plurality of segments 13a, 13b, which, as a whole, define the second fixing surface 1 1 . With respect to the solution in figure 2, in the case of discontinuous development, the second fixing surface 1 1 will therefore have a smaller extension than the first fixing surface 10 defined by the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2, but in any case sufficient to allow fixing the panels 12.

In further detail, the auxiliary element 13 is preferably fixed to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. More preferably again, the auxiliary element 13 is welded to said first wing 3. In alternative embodiments, the auxiliary element can be fixed to any one of the wings 3, 4 or to webplate 5. As an alternative to welding, the fixing mode of the auxiliary element 13 can be any type of attachment known to the person skilled in the art.

In greater detail, the auxiliary element 13 is configured as a beam 14 having a constant section along a direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis "A" of the metal sheet 2. More specifically, beam 14 has a cross section with at least one closed cell 15. Such a section is considered on a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal development axis "A" of the metal sheet 2. Within the context of the present description, "closed cell" means any polygon delimited by one or more parts of the metal sheet 2 and by the auxiliary element 13. Such a polygon can also have curved sides. Advantageously, the presence of said "cell" contributes to conferring bending rigidity to the supporting structure 1 . More specifically, the auxiliary element 13 comprises a further wing 16 arranged coplanar with respect to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. Said wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13 has a substantially rectangular, flat shape which defines a first edge 16a and a second edge 16b, opposite to each other, which develop parallel to the longitudinal development axis A. The auxiliary element 13 is preferably configured so that the first edge 16a of said further wing 16 is facing the second edge 4b of the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2 according to a substantially coplanar arrangement. It is noted that the second fixing surface 1 1 is defined on the further wing 16 so as to be coplanar to the first fixing surface 10.

According to the invention, the auxiliary element 13 comprises a plurality of connecting webplates 17a, 17b, 17c which serve the function of connecting the further wing 16 to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. The connecting webplates17a, 17b, 17c also preferably have a substantially rectangular, substantially "flat" shape and develop in uniform manner mainly along a direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis A.

In the embodiment shown in figure 5a, in addition to the further wing 16, the auxiliary element 13 comprises three connecting webplates 17a, 17b, 17c. In detail, the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 is connected to the first edge 3a of the first wing 3 by means of a first connecting webplate 17a, and is connected to the second edge 3b of the first wing 3 by means of a second connecting webplate 17b. Furthermore, the second edge 16b of the further wing 16 is connected to the second edge 3b of the first wing 3 by means of a third connecting webplate 17c. It is noted that the connecting parts 17a, 17b, 17c, together with the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2 and with the further wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13, define two closed cells 15 of the above-described type, thus further improving the overall bending rigidity of the supporting structure 1 thus assembled.

In the embodiment in figure 5b, the auxiliary element 13 comprises two connecting webplates 17a, 17b. A first connecting webplate 17a connects the second edge 16b of the further wing 16 with the second edge 3b of the first wing 3. The other connecting webplate 17b connects the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 with the first wing 3, and develops on a plane substantially perpendicular to the first wing 3.

In the embodiment in figure 5c, the auxiliary element 13 also comprises two connecting webplates 17a, 17b. One of these connecting webplates 17a connects the second edge 16b of the further wing 16 with the second edge 3b of the first wing 3. The other connecting webplate 17b connects the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13 with the second edge 3b of the first wing 3.

Unlike that shown in figure 5a, it is noted that in the embodiments shown in figures 5b and 5c, the connecting webplates 17a, 17b, together with the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2 and with the further wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13, define a single closed cell 15 with a substantially rectangular cross section. It is further noted that in such embodiments (figures 5b, 5c), the other connecting webplate 17b which connects the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13 with the first wing 3, is advantageously spaced from webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2. Indeed, space 44 comprised between webplate 5, the first wing 3 and the connecting part 17b can be usefully utilized due to the positioning of gripping means which grasp the supporting structure 1 to achieve the process of vibro-driving into the ground in addition to being a useful space for compensating for any errors in aligning the panels when they are laid.

In the embodiment in figure 5d, the auxiliary element 13 again comprises two connecting webplates 17a, 17b, however with a different arrangement with respect to that shown in figures 5b, 5c. More specifically, a first connecting webplate 17a connects the second edge 3b of the first wing 3 with the further wing 16, and is arranged perpendicular thereto. The second connecting webplate 17b instead connects the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 with the first wing 3, and is arranged perpendicular thereto. In this embodiment, the two connecting webplates 17a, 17b are therefore substantially parallel. Thereby, the connecting webplates 17a, 17b, together with the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2 and with the further wing 16 of the auxiliary element 13, define a single closed cell 15 with a substantially rectangular cross section. In particular, it is noted that the second connecting webplate 17b is also connected to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2 close to the second edge 3b so as to further increase space 44 comprised between webplate 5, the first wing 3 and said second connecting webplate 17b. This solution further facilitates the gripping of the supporting structure 1 thus, in the final analysis, optimizing the process of vibro-driving the structure into the ground.

Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment in which the auxiliary connecting element 13 comprises a further wing 16 and at least one connecting webplate 17 which develops on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 develops. In particular, the connecting webplate 17 connects the second edge 3b of the first wing 3 with the further wing 16. It is noted that the connecting webplate 17a, the first wing 3, the further wing 16 and webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 configure, as a whole, a closed cell 15 with a parallelogram cross section, in which such a section is considered according to a plane of section orthogonal to the development axis A.

Again with reference to figure 6, the auxiliary element 13 preferably comprises a first connecting strip 19 for connecting said further wing 16 to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2. Such a first strip 19 develops from the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 and is facing the connecting webplate 17. The first strip 19 preferably develops on a plane parallel to that on which the connecting webplate 17 and/or webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 develops.

The first strip 19 if fixed to webplate 5 by means of bolting or by means of any other equivalent process. It is noted that the first strip 19 is fixed so that the further wing 16 is coplanar to the second wing 4 and more specifically, so that the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 is adjacent to the second edge 4b of the first wing 4. In accordance with the objects of the present invention, said further wing 16 defines the second fixing surface 1 1 coplanar to the first fixing surface 10 defined by the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2.

Again with reference to figure 6, it is further noted that the auxiliary element 13 preferably comprises a further connecting strip 28 for connecting said connecting webplate 17 to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. Such a further strip 28 develops from the connecting webplate 17 and is facing the further wing 16. The further strip 28 preferably develops on a plane parallel to that on which the first wing 3 develops. The further strip 28 is also fixed to webplate 5 by means of bolting or by means of any other equivalent process, for example welding. More specifically, the further strip 28 is fixed to the first wing 3 so that a first edge 17a of the connecting webplate 17 is adjacent to the second edge 3b of the first wing 3, as shown in figure 6.

Figures 7 and 8 relate to a further possible embodiment of a supporting structure 1 according to the present invention, in which the structure of the auxiliary element 13 is amenable to that shown in figure 6.

With reference to figure 7, the auxiliary element 1 3 in this case too is fixed to the first wing 3 and to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2. The configuration of the latter conceptually corresponds to that shown in figure 3.

Figure 8 instead shows, in detail, the auxiliary element 13 which comprises a further wing 16 arranged coplanar to the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2. Such a further wing 16 defines a first edge 16a and a second edge 16b, opposite to one another, which develop parallel to the longitudinal development axis A. The auxiliary element 13 in figure 8 is connected to the metal sheet 2 so that the first edge 16a is substantially adjacent to the second edge 4b of the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2 according to a substantially coplanar arrangement. The second fixing surface 1 1 in this case too is defined on said further wing 16 so as to be coplanar to the first fixing surface 10.

Again with reference to figure 8, the auxiliary element 13 comprises a plurality of connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d which function is to connect the further wing 16 to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. In detail, each of such connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d connects a portion of the second edge 16b of the further wing 16 to a corresponding portion of the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. Such connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d develop on a plane substantially parallel to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d are spaced along a direction parallel to the longitudinal development axis A, preferably spaced equally by a predetermined distance H. Thereby, an access 24 (indicated in figure 7) to the space comprised between the auxiliary element 13 and the metal sheet 2 is defined between two contiguous connecting webplates (for example, 1 17a and 1 17b). Overall, a plurality of accesses 24 is defined, each of which can be advantageously utilized to connect the further wing 16 to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 and/or to connect the connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2.

Similarly to that provided for the embodiment in figure 6, also the auxiliary element 13 shown in figure 8 preferably comprises a first connecting strip 19 which develops parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Such a first strip 19 develops from the first edge 16a of the further wing 16 and is facing the connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d. The first edge 19 preferably develops on a plane substantially parallel to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2. The first strip 19 is fixed to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 so that the further wing 16 is coplanar to the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2. In this case too, such fixing can occur by bolting or by means of another equivalent process. Essentially, the first edge 19 serves the purpose of facilitating the fixing/connecting of the further wing 16 to webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2.

With reference to figure 7, each of the connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d also preferably comprises a corresponding connecting strip 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d which develops on a plane substantially parallel to the further wing 16 and which serves the purpose of facilitating the fixing/connecting of each connecting webplate 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2. Each strip 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d is facing the further wing 16 and develops from an edge 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the corresponding connecting webplate 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d. With reference to figure 7, each strip 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of each connecting webplate 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d is fixed to the first wing 3 of the metal sheet 2 so that the edge 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the corresponding connecting webplate 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d is adjacent to the second edge 3b of the first wing 3.

It is noted that the connecting webplates 1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d, the first wing 3, the further wing 16 and webplate 5 of the metal sheet 2 configure, in a whole,a plurality of cells 15 aligned and spaced along a direction parallel to the development axis A at a distance equal to distance H defined above. Each of such cells 15 has a parallelogram cross section, in which such a section is considered according to an axis orthogonal to the development axis A.

It is noted that the particular shape of the auxiliary element 13 in the embodiments shown in figures from 6 to 8 advantageously allows the distance to be reduced between the first wing 3 and the second wing 4 of the metal sheet 2, distance measured along a direction orthogonal to the parallel development planes of the two wings 3, 4. Such an opportunity is allowed by the parallelogram structure of the cells 15 of the auxiliary element 13, which provides increased resistance and bending rigidity to the whole supporting structure 1 . The reduction of the distance between the wings 3, 4 of the metal sheet 2 advantageously translates into a reduction of the horizontal overall width of the supporting structure 1 .

The present invention also relates to a noise barrier 6 which comprises a plurality of sections 7, T each defined between two supporting structures. In this respect, figure 9 shows a portion of a noise barrier 6. In particular, a first section 7 is noted in such a figure, defined between a first supporting structure 1 and a second supporting structure 1 ', and a second section T defined between said second supporting structure 1 ' and a third supporting structure 1 ". Each section 7, T comprises a plurality of soundproofing and/or insulating panels 12, each of which is fixed between the corresponding supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 " at the first fixing surface 10. The panels 12 of the first section 7, for example, are connected to the first fixing surface 10 of the second supporting structure 1 ' and to the second fixing surface 1 1 of the first supporting structure 1 .

Figure 9 shows the coplanarity of the sections 7, T obtained in light of the coplanarity of the fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 of each supporting structure 1 , 1 ', 1 ". In accordance with the objects of the invention, the coplanarity of the sections 7, T advantageously increases the passive safety of the noise barrier 6, which can also be approved as safety barrier. This results in the possibility of containing the width, i.e. of reducing the space between the noise barrier and the carriageway and therefore the overall width of the barrier. In this respect, it is noted that a first side L1 of barrier 6 facing the road can also be utilized due to the positioning of a guardrail, which advantageously involves a further limitation of the overall width on the side of the road.

Figures 10 and 1 1 are detailed views of further peculiarities of barrier 6 according to the invention. In particular, it is noted that spacers 77 can be advantageously inserted between the panels 12 of two adjacent sections 7, T which serve the function of filling the space between the panels to compensate for laying defects and/or an incorrect driving verticality of the supporting structure 1 , 1 ', 1 ". Furthermore, filling such a space guarantees the acoustic insulation also in the case of an imperfect adherence of the panels 12 to the fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 of the supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 ".

Again with reference to figures 10 and 1 1 , according to a preferred embodiment, the noise barrier 6 can also comprise covers 55 having the function of hiding (for mainly aesthetical purposes or for any further acoustic insulation) the supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 " by a second side L2 opposite to the road in case of such a need. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 1 and 12, such covers 55 are defined by metal sheets shaped mainly as the arch of a circle. However, other shapes could be provided. It is noted that figure 10 shows a cover 55 for a supporting structure in the embodiment shown in figure 5a, while figure 1 1 shows a cover 55 for a supporting structure in the embodiment shown in figures 7 and 8.

The present invention also relates to a kit for making a noise barrier 6. Such a kit comprising a plurality of supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 " similar to those described above. Furthermore, the kit comprises a plurality of soundproofing and/or insulating panels 12 which are adapted to being fixed to the supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 ", in particular at the fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 . According to a possible embodiment, the kit also comprises a plurality of covers 55, each of which intended to cover a corresponding supporting structure 1 , 1 ', 1 ". From an operational point of view, the assembly of barrier 6 is very fast. Indeed, it is sufficient to bring the required number of supporting structures 1 , 1 ', 1 " to the site, embed them in the ground, preferably by means of vibro-driving, and then fix the panels 12 to the fixing surfaces 10, 1 1 so as to obtain the different coplanar sections 7, T of barrier 6. Depending on needs, the covers 55 of the supporting structures could therefore be assembled to complete barrier 6, and the spacers 77 could be placed between the panels 12 of adjacent sections 7, 7'.

Claims

1 . A supporting structure (1 ) for a noise barrier (6), characterized in that it comprises a metal sheet (2) having a longitudinal development axis (A) and comprising a first supporting wing (3) and a second supporting wing (4), parallel to each other, said metal sheet (2) comprising a webplate (5) fixed to said wings (3, 4) and arranged transversely with respect to said wings (3, 4), said wings (3, 4) and said webplate (5) each comprising a main development direction parallel to said longitudinal development axis (A), said metal sheet (2) comprising a first portion (8), insertable into the ground to define a foundation of said noise barrier (6), and a second portion (9), which defines a first fixing surface (10) for soundproofing and/or insulating panels (12) of said noise barrier (6), said structure (1 ) comprising an auxiliary element (13) fixed to one of said wings (3, 4) and/or to said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2), said auxiliary element (13) defining a second fixing surface (1 1 ) for said panels (12), said first fixing surface (10) and said second fixing surface (1 1 ) being substantially coplanar.

2. A structure (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary element (13) is fixed to said first wing (3).

3. A structure (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary element (13) is fixed to said first wing (3) and to said webplate (5).

4. A structure (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that said auxiliary element (13) extends over the whole length of said second portion (9) of said metal sheet (2).

5. A structure (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that said auxiliary element (13) only partially or discontinuously extends along said longitudinal development axis (A) of said metal sheet (2).

6. A structure (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that said auxiliary element (13) extends only along the second portion (9) of said metal sheet (2).

7. A structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary element (13) comprises a beam (14) having a cross section with at least one closed cell (15), said cross section being considered on a plane substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal development axis (A).

8. A structure (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 7, wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a further wing (16) arranged so as to be coplanar with respect to said second wing (4) of said metal sheet (2), and wherein said second fixing surface (1 1 ) is defined on said further wing (16).

9. A structure (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a plurality of connecting webplates (17a,17b,17c) which connect said further wing (16) of said auxiliary element (13) to said first wing (3) of said metal sheet (2).

10. A structure (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that said wings (3, 4) and said webplate (5) extend along said first portion (8) and said second portion

(9) of said metal sheet (2).

1 1 . A structure (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 10, characterized in that said wings (3 ,4) and said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2) are defined by the bending of a metal sheet.

12. A structure (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said further wing (16) is connected to said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2) and wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a connecting webplate (17) which connects said further wing (16) with said first wing (3) of said metal sheet (2), said connecting webplate (17) developing on a plane substantially parallel to a plane on which said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2) develops.

13. A structure (1 ) according to claim 1 1 , wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a first connecting strip (19) for connecting said further wing (16) to said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2).

14. A structure (1 ) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a further connecting strip (28) for connecting said connecting webplate (17) to said first wing (3) of said metal sheet (2).

15. A structure (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein said first connecting strip (19) is facing said connecting webplate (17).

16. A structure (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein said further connecting strip (28) is facing said further wing (16).

17. A structure (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said further wing (16) is connected to said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2) and wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a plurality of connecting webplates (1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d) each of which connects said further wing (16) with said first wing (3) of said metal sheet (2), each of said connecting webplates (1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d) developing on a plane substantially parallel to a plane on which said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2) develops.

18. A structure (1 ) according to claim 17, wherein said connecting webplates (1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d) are spaced along a direction parallel to said longitudinal development axis (A).

19. A structure according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises a first connecting strip (19) for connecting said further wing (16) to said webplate (5) of said metal sheet (2).

20. A structure according to any one of claims from 17 to 19, wherein said auxiliary element (13) comprises, for each of said connecting webplates (1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d), a corresponding connecting strip (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) for connecting the connecting webplate (1 17a, 1 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d) to said first wing (3) of said metal sheet (2).

21 . A structure (1 ) according to claim 19, wherein said first strip (19) is facing said connecting webplate (17).

22. A structure (1 ) according to claim 20, wherein the corresponding connecting strip (28) for each of said connecting webplates (1 17a, 17b, 1 17c, 1 17d) is facing said further wing (16).

23. A noise barrier (6), characterized in that it comprises:

- at least a first supporting structure (1 ) and a second supporting structure (1 ') according to any one of claims from 1 to 22;

- a plurality of soundproofing and/or insulating panels (12) fixed between said supporting structures (1 , 1 ') at said second fixing surface (1 1 ) of said first supporting structure (1 ) and at said first fixing surface (10) of said second supporting structure (1 ').

24. A kit for making a noise barrier (6) comprising a plurality of supporting structures (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, a plurality of soundproofing and/or insulating panels (12) fixable to said supporting structures (1 ) at said first (10) and second (1 1 ) fixing surfaces.