Sound Wall Barrier Structure With Nested Steel Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound wall barrier systems are vulnerable to vehicular impacts, leading to damage and destruction, and require significant space or stronger materials to enhance structural resilience, which is not feasible in urban settings with limited real estate.
Innovation Solution
A sound wall barrier system featuring a first barrier with a recessed cavity and angled flanges, interconnected posts, and a railing system, utilizing nested hollow steel sections and sound panels, which allows for increased structural resilience and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger, stronger materials are used to enhance structural strength, then the barrier can withstand more impact force, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested hollow steel sections where one hollow section is positioned inside another, creating a multi-layered structural configuration. This nesting arrangement increases structural strength and impact resistance without proportionally increasing the external dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system combines multiple materials including hollow steel sections, concrete barriers, and impact-absorbing materials in a composite structure. This composite approach allows the system to achieve enhanced structural resilience and impact withstand capability while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for urban environments.
2Reliability
If sound wall barriers are placed further away from the thoroughfare to reduce vehicular impact likelihood, then the barrier is safer from impacts, but the noise dampening effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a railing system positioned at the front of the barrier, which serves as a preliminary protective element that intercepts and deflects vehicular impacts before they reach the main barrier structure. This preliminary action reduces the likelihood of catastrophic damage to the barrier while allowing the barrier to remain close to the thoroughfare for effective noise dampening.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes impact-absorbing materials and energy-dissipating structures positioned between the railing and the barrier, which cushion and dissipate impact energy before it reaches the main barrier. This beforehand cushioning protects the barrier from severe impacts while maintaining its proximity to the thoroughfare for effective noise reduction.
3Reliability
If the barrier structure is made more complex to increase structural resilience, then the barrier can withstand more impacts, but the construction difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into modular segments including separate components such as hollow steel sections, concrete barrier units, and railing assemblies. These segmented components can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, reducing construction complexity while maintaining overall structural resilience through the coordinated interaction of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow steel sections serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, act as impact-absorbing elements, and function as noise barrier components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall construction while enhancing structural resilience.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound wall barrier system. The sound wall barrier system includes a first barrier having a first barrier end including a first recessed cavity, the first recessed cavity defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface; a first elongate post at the first barrier end positioned proximal to the first recessed cavity, the first elongate post including a central web and a post flange coupled to the central web; and a first angled flange coupled to the first barrier within the first recess cavity, wherein the first angled flange and the recessed back surface circumscribe at least a portion of the post flange.