Apart from offering an exceptional soundproofing, NUDEC PMMA sheets, ranging from 15 to 20 mm, have an excellent optical quality as well as
a high outside stability which makes its properties remain practically unchanged. One more reason: they are totally recyclables.
The main function of noise barriers is to avoid noise transmission from side to side of themselves. Generally, sheets are set out around the
pollutant source, avoiding by this way that noise reaches the population center.
Apart from being governed by the sonorous absorption rate of the material, the soundproofing projects takes every day more into account
their adjustment in the urban landscape which surrounds them. Therefore, the plastic turns into the ideal material.
During the last years, the urban projects set aside for protecting population from noise pollution have become usual, coming from industrial zones as from transport ways, such as roads, motorways
or railways.
Acoustic barriers: assembly and certificates
Stability and mechanical resistance conditions demand a minimum plastic sheet thickness of 15 mm. This provides an optimum superficial mass (kg/m2) to the acoustic barrier, which guarantees a noise reduction superior to 25 dB (A). In the case of NUDEC PMMA 15-20 mm this value is 32-33 dB.
Assembling NUDEC PMMA sheets as noise barriers
It is crucial to pay special attention to the fastening system of the sheets to the support structure (generally using standard steel profiles IPE, HEB,…). Mounting the sheets requires allowance for thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring acoustic sealing of joints. It is necessary to respect the movements of expansion and contraction of the material.
The sheet should be strongly fixed but should allow thermal expansion and contraction. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is 7 x 10-5 . oC-1, much higher than metals frequently used for the frames (laminated steel). Most materials undergo dimensional changes of expansion and contraction, due to alteration in temperatures and humidity.
For this reason, expansion joints should be used in order to allow slight movement between both parts of the structure. Expansion joints should be made of a material compatible with PMMA and the profiles.
European Certification and tests
NUDEC PMMA 15 and 20 mm thick sheets meet with European Directive 89/106/EEC requirements, according to Standard EN 14388 (Road traffic noise reducing devices). Please find below a list of the tests carried out:
· EN 14388. Road traffic noise reducing devices.
·EN 1793-2. Road traffic noise reducing devices.
Part 2: Intrinsic characteristics of airborne sound insulation
·EN 1794-1. Road traffic noise reducing devices.
Non- acoustic performance.
Part 1: Mechanical performance and stability requirements:
Annex A: Wind load and static load.
Annex B: Self weight.
Annex C: Resistance against stone projectiles.
Annex E: Dynamic load due to snow clearance
·EN 1794-2. Road traffic noise reducing devices.
Non- acoustic performance.
Part 2: General safety and environmental:
Annex B: Risk of falling debris.
Annex E: Light reflection.
