52 BARRIERS Installation of a noise barrier
DECEMBER 2013
www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk
“Made from recycled materials, the Tilon acoustic fencing system ticked all the sustainability boxes for our project. Due to the low weight of each plank, it was easier and safer to install than traditional timber panels. This helped with site logistics as the panels could be carried to diffi cult areas instead of relying on plant to load out. With the quick installation and easy distribution on site, we managed to maintain a short programme, reducing traffi c management disruption, and increasing the value for our client in the long term. ”
noise at bay Noise barriers are key to reducing increased traffi c noise on the UK’s busy highways
network. Steve Barnes, business development manager at Tilon Composites, updates Highways Magazine on the company’s activities in this area
Clients and contractors are always trying to source more innovative, sustainable, safer and quicker systems. As a manufacturer of noise barrier systems Tilon are always keen to listen to clients and their customers. These include section 2C installers, construction companies, noise and highways design consultants and end users such as the Highways Agency, Transport Scotland, the National Roads Authority and the Welsh Government.
Tilon noise barriers, manufactured in Ebbw Vale, Wales are becoming popular with many major suppliers to the highways industry. There are a number of benefi ts to the absorptive barrier system and each is relevant to many of the key partners involved in each scheme. What is key at present is that the safety of workers is paramount to a successful project. Tilon noise barriers aid safety in many different ways.
For up to three-metre high barriers no plant/MEWP or machinery is required to lift panels as the Tilon system is made from planks and h-sections.
Steve Barnes, business development manager at Tilon Composites, said: “According to most safety reports,
plant labour interface is the most common cause of accidents on site. Whilst this easier install may aid in costs associated to the project install, this is far outweighed by the increased safety given to workers on the site.
“Many construction companies I meet as part of my Tilon CPD sessions across the UK welcome any solution that aids their project with keeping workers safe and meeting tight deadlines.”
The lack of plant/machinery used on the site is also complemented by the fact that the Tilon noise barriers offer quieter installation. Some construction companies like Skanska are even seeking solutions where quiet install of any roadside project is welcomed.
One other benefi t of the Tilon barrier to many SC/MAC operators across the UK is the speed of install. The Tilon system allows rapid install which means savings in labour and less traffi c management.
Tilon noise barriers have been installed in many projects across the UK and most recently several sites in North Wales in 2012 whilst working in conjunction with the Welsh Government and the North Wales Trunk Road Agency. Opposite are some comments from different companies involved with the schemes and their thoughts on the safety and install benefi ts of Tilon.
Keeping
A55 noise barrier contractor Martin Peet, project manager, Dawnus
“The Tilon system is both lightweight and robust making it one of the simplest noise barrier systems to install. As each three- metre plank weighed less than 18kg it allowed a two-metre high fence to be completely installed without the need for any lifting platforms or cranes. As the site in question was on the crest of a steep embankment, with a narrow three-metre access track, the Tilon system offered the only realistic solution to enable us to minimise plant and operative interaction.”
A55 noise barrier installer Dan Raffl es, director, Barrier Services
“As an alternative to timber Tilon panelling worked well. Due to its lightweight construction installation it was problem free and did not require any heavy lifting equipment even on the taller three-metre fences. Once the posts were in place long lengths of Tilon panelling could be installed with relative ease. The fact that the product was lightweight meant that construction on a long and narrow site with access constraints was done with relative ease.”
A55 noise barrier project manager – YGC
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68