Modular Road Safety Barrier with Segmented Soundproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated systems combining barrier elements and soundproofing panels often have a high height-to-base area ratio, leading to issues with resistance to horizontal loads and requiring large, potentially deteriorating fixing elements, which can result in economic and structural challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular system where soundproofing panels are constrained in two points, one to the barrier element and one to the ground, using a frame with a discontinuous structural element and light fixing elements, distributing stresses and reducing the impact of horizontal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the soundproofing panel is placed above the barrier element with a single fixing point, then the connection strength is improved, but the barrier element and anchorages are oversized and the economic impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into multiple fixing points distributed along the interface between the soundproofing panel and barrier element. This segmentation allows the connection strength to be distributed across multiple locations rather than concentrated at a single point, thereby maintaining overall connection strength while reducing the size requirements of individual barrier elements and anchorages.
2Strength
If large dimension fixing elements are used to guarantee connection strength, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of concrete deterioration increases due to chemical attacks and differential thermal expansions
Solution Approach 1:
A distributed array of smaller fixing elements acts as intermediaries between the soundproofing panel and the concrete barrier element. These multiple smaller fixings distribute the mechanical and thermal stresses across a broader area, reducing the concentration of stress and chemical attack at any single point, thereby minimizing concrete deterioration while maintaining adequate connection strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system has a high height-to-base area ratio, then the soundproofing effectiveness is improved, but the resistance to horizontal loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system transitions from a single-point vertical connection to a distributed multi-point connection along the interface. This dimensional change in the fixing arrangement provides additional structural support that counteracts the increased leverage effect of the high height-to-base ratio, thereby improving resistance to horizontal loads such as wind thrusts and impacts while maintaining the necessary soundproofing height.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated and modular system (40) formed by the coupling of one or more barrier elements (12) and one or more acoustic insulation/absorption panels (11, 11', 11") to form soundproofing separating panellings in areas such as construction or industrial sites, sound barriers for railway or road lines. In particular, the system of the invention is useful for the abatement of the noise caused by construction sites due to structural and infrastructural works and by road traffic.