8/2005 – Noise and blast barriers to the rescue

Engineer: Fred Laker of ICOS. Contractor: Decorton Retaining.

These two noise and blast barriers installations were constructed by Decorton Retaining. Both have Terraforce gravity walls at a steep angle facing the buildings to be protected, backed with an earth berm, level top and sloping away at 45º.

1. Noise and blast barrier at an airport

Terraforce gravity walls at a steep angle facing the buildings to be protected, backed with an earth berm, level top and sloping away at 45º

Noise and blast barrier at an airport

Storm water drain pipe

2. Blast barrier next to a school adjacent to an American embassy

The barriers are between 2m and 5m high and serve to protect two vulnerable buildings while at the same time resulting in significantly reduced noise levels.

Blast barrier at  a school next to an American embassy

Gravity walls at a steep angle facing the buildings

Both are to be planted with hardy ground covers where soil erosion could develop into a problem. For aesthetic reasons, plants will be established on the wall, facing the one building as well.

Walls are backed with an earth berm, level top and sloping away at 45º