Transitions and Terminals: Innovative solutions for black spots
Roads shorten distances and bring people closer together. That’s why it is so important to ensure their safety as much as possible, so that they reach their destination safely, be it their work, their family or their friends. The different national, regional and local administrations keep the main black points of our roads identified and updated, and from Metalesa, we have been participating in a number of projects that aim at providing safe solutions to these specific locations for many years. A clear commitment to remodel our roads includes equipping them with new infrastructures that fulfil the purpose of ensuring road safety. In this scenario is where we act.
Cullera-Favara Section: One of our latest Road Safety projects
During the last two years, work has been done in Cullera on the construction of a section that will undoubtedly represent a milestone for the improvement of the communication routes in the area.
As José Luis Ábalos, Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda points out, "this action will translate into an improvement in road safety by creating an alternative route to that of the current national highway as it passes through both towns."
The truth is that residents have been demanding the completion of this infrastructure for a long time, and finally, they will be able to count on the Cullera and Favara bypass, a section included in the A-38 corridor, which represents the largest investment in this matter of infrastructures that the central government has never carried out in the Valencian region of Ribera Baixa.
Metalesa in the project: installation of transitions and terminals
At Metalesa we have been in charge of installing more than 15,000 meters of META16 metal parapet with containment level H3. We invite you to sit down to enjoy this impressive video where you can see the result of so much work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd_MFsbvDIk
But the objective of this article is to present the transitions and terminals, other road safety products that are very unusual in Spain, but undoubtedly essential on the roads, and which will become more widespread as soon as our leaders and public administration technicians acquire greater sensitivity for the situations they avoid.
Blackhead removal with transitions and terminals
The black points or accident concentration sections (TCA) are sections of the road network in which a large number of traffic accidents occur each year.
From the Cullera City Council, they affirm that this work "was of vital importance to prevent more people from losing their lives." In addition, Oro Azorín, mayor of Favara, also believes that it will offer the town a great increase in road safety.
Municipal sources in Cullera also assure that it is good news for the entire Valencian Community because the black spots on the roads that have suffered, especially the populations of the coast, are being eliminated.
Transitions for roads
The installation of transitions for roads allows the union between containment systems of different nature, that is, it connects two safety barriers of different cross section or different level of containment, such as a metal parapet and a New Jersey-type concrete barrier.
At Metalesa we have an approved Transition designed in a versatile way, that is, it allows us to connect both our META13, containment level H2, and our META16, containment level H3, to a contiguous concrete barrier.
It is a device designed and manufactured entirely by Metalesa, and approved according to the French standard NF-058, which implies that the transitions that we install have been shock tested on a full scale according to said standard. We are the only Spanish company that has tested transitions between different containment systems on a full scale because we have decided to be ahead of our competition. We believe that the French standard represents the future of what the European standard will establish, which is currently being drafted by the standardizing technical committees to which Metalesa belongs.
What are the advantages of installing a highway transition?
- System reliability: In the event of a side impact of the vehicle, it behaves like a conventional metallic barrier, thus guaranteeing the containment and adequate redirection of the vehicle.
- Easy to repair and repair parts available from stock.
- Anti-corrosion treatment: We offer various finishing options for road transitions, both hot-dip galvanized and thermo-lacquered, as a treatment that combines both processes.
Road Terminals
Highway terminals are placed at the ends of containment systems such as parapets or metal barriers, to ensure greater safety against a frontal impact with said completion. We have a wide range of models with different characteristics and certificates, all of which have been tested by means of tests in an accredited laboratory according to the EN 1317 standard.
We offer supply and installation of three models:
Model T50 - 50KM/H
This terminal is ideal for urban environments, in areas whose maximum permitted speed does not exceed 50 km / h.
Model P2 - 80KM/H
Terminal P2, unlike Model T50, is used on highways, where the permitted speed is not higher than 80Km / H. We have several designs of road terminals.
Model P4 - 110KM/H
This terminal is also designed to be installed on highways, but on high-speed roads. We have several homologated models of anchoring to the ground, both for concrete and earth ground.
Undoubtedly, projects such as the construction of the Cullera-Favara Section, which include infrastructures for road safety such as our transitions and terminals, show that there really is a commitment to make the roads safe roads that serve what we commented at the beginning of this article: bring people closer. For more information call us at 96 088 99 44 or send us an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
Noise protection in private areas
Does the noise of your neighbors or the noise of the cars passing by your street annoy you? Is there a leisure area or an industry near your home? Your home should be a place of peace and tranquility, but not rarely there are annoying noises that deprive us of it, especially in villas or urbanizations. Our concern to improve people's quality of life has led us to develop a range of acoustic screens with the goal of making life more comfortable.
Acoustic Insulation for chalets
We use acoustic screens/barriers for villas and urbanizations in order to attenuate the noise that comes from outside. To install them, we take into account the following factors:
Acoustic Barrier height
Acoustic screen/barrier for chalets are usually over two meters high because the screen must be higher than the source that produces the noise, be it cars or the bustle of people in your residential area. In any case, the optimal solution will be defined after carrying out an acoustic study that identifies its intensity by zones with a noise map. As a secondary aspect, the higher, the greater visual screen to guarantee privacy.
Composition of the acoustic screen
At Metalesa we design, manufacture and install different types of acoustic screens/barriers for chalets made of different materials. All of them serve to attenuate noise, but it is true that, depending on the situation, the environment, the architecture of the house or other factors, some will be more suitable than others. Later we will show you the types of acoustic screens for chalets that we manufacture in Metalesa, with special emphasis on Metagreen acoustic screens, also known as vegetal panels.
Ease to install
Acoustic screens for chalets or single-family homes should be located as close as possible to the source of the noise so that they can block out sound waves. We have different compositions in our catalog, but in general, they all contain a sound-absorbing material inside that captures the sound waves and makes them bounce inside until they disappear.
Our screens have a modular design that makes them very easy to place, even by the customer himself. Our offer includes assembly if the client so requests, but the client could carry out the installation himself.
Metagreen Acoustic Barrier: a great option
Metagreen acoustic screens for chalets, or green panels, are metallic anti-noise screens that are perfect to be placed in this type of residential area, performing a double acoustic and aesthetic function, thanks to their green appearance that adapts to all types of homes.
The interior of the Metagreen acoustic panel is identical to other models of screens, with rock wool inside to absorb noise. But on the side facing the house, a green plastic mesh is placed facilitating the growth of vegetation and making a more nature-like environment. This solution can also be implemented on the exterior face facing the street. Without a doubt, it is one of the best options when it comes to reducing noise in urbanizations.
From a regulatory point of view, like all the products manufactured and marketed by Metalesa, acoustic panels for chalets are tested based on current regulations. In this case, they have been acoustically tested according to the UNE EN 1793 standard and mechanically according to the EN 1794 standard. The latter guarantees that the noise reducing elements withstand wind loads in a robust way.
The Metagreen panel has numerous advantages, which we can specify in the following:
- Ecological and natural appearance.
- Excellent insulating and absorbent acoustic effect.
- Presents a long durability when going through an anticorrosion galvanized treatment.
- Panels made with recyclable and sustainable materials
- Ease of installation as it is a panel only 0.5 cm wide, which facilitates its handling. It is a lightweight construction that provides great acoustic insulation.
Other Acoustic barriers/ screens
Methacrylate acoustic screen for chalets
This type of insulating panel is made up of a polymethacrylate sheet with a thickness of 15 or 22 millimeters, and a bearing structure made up of HEA / HEB posts with a welded base plate, hot-dip galvanized, and painted with polyester powder paint.
They can be transparent or colored, your choice will depend on what best suits the style of your home. In addition, they are also easy to install, have long durability and provide optimal insulation.
Wooden acoustic screen for chalets
Like the Metagreen screen, the wooden acoustic barrier also provides a touch of 'nature', in addition, there is the possibility of making different combinations with vertical and horizontal boards, achieving different aesthetic effects.
The acoustic insulation is achieved thanks to the rock wool incorporated inside, with a black veil covering that protects the rock wool from inclement weather.
Design Acoustic Screen for chalets
Functionality does not have to be at odds with aesthetics, and the design acoustic barrier for chalets is proof of this. We design screens according to the needs of our clients and what we see the market demand, so that there are multiple possibilities.
Without a doubt, installing an acoustic screen in your chalet is a totally wise decision if what you are looking for is to isolate yourself from noise. On the one hand, you will be able to enjoy being calm in your house, oblivious to what happens outside and, on the other hand, you will achieve aesthetics and privacy. Also, if you decide to install the Metagreen acoustic screen, you will soon have a garden surrounded by greenery! An ideal home free from annoying noise.
To ask us for a quote or more information, do not hesitate to contact us. Call us at 96 088 99 44, or write to us at metalesa@metalesa.com.
Types and applications of railway equipment
Since our origins at Metalesa we have always been concerned about safety. Whether in urban environments or roads we have always worked to offer the best products with which to keep pedestrians and vehicles safe. But our scope of action does not stop there, we also have extensive experience in railway equipment products, and on this we would like to focus today’s article so that you know a little more about everything we can do for your railway project.
Products and regulations on railway safety
Like any product, there is a railway safety regulation that must be complied. In railway equipment, this corresponds mainly to the infrastructure managers (ADIF in Spain or SNCF in France). At Metalesa we have been working for many years on the deployment of the high-speed rail network in Spain, collaborating with the main companies in the sector and offering products that meet the highest quality standards.
Railings and fences type ADIF
In order to guarantee safety at the crossing points in railway infrastructures operated by ADIF, at Metalesa we have a complete range of specialized security systems that comply with the quality standards set by the network administrator.
With our range of ADIF-type railings and fences we can create a complete protection system for pedestrians on bridges, viaducts or other passage areas within railway infrastructures. When a project of these characteristics is presented to us, we carry out a study of the needs of the layout and manufacture any element that may be required.
Different anticorrosive treatments can be applied to our entire range of railings and fences. Depending on the characteristics of the project and client specifications, we can apply either a hot galvanized finish, or a thermo-lacquered finish or even a mixed application for more aggressive environments.
Railings and handrails for stations
At Metalesa we manufacture railings for stations with various shapes and materials to guarantee the safety of passengers, while adapting the product to the aesthetics of the place. We can manufacture them with various materials. Steel is the usual one, and under client requirement, the product can receive anti-corrosion treatments like hot-dip galvanization or thermo-lacquering to guarantee their resistance to deterioration caused by the weather and time.
We also manufacture stainless steel railings of different quality and with a wide variety of finishes, always adapting to the needs and aesthetics of the railway station.
Fences and station enclosures
Train, subway or tram stations need enclosure and fences systems that are resistant to high volume of traffic while complying with current regulations.
Regarding security systems to offer protection to people in areas close to stations or railway facilities, we have a wide variety of station enclosures and fences that we can manufacture to order to be able to solve and adapt to the requirements of the project.
The enclosure systems for railway stations are products that are often subject to inclement weather. That is why at Metalesa we work to offer different anti-corrosion treatments such as hot galvanizing, thermo-lacquering or a mixed finish that offer a layer of protection against superior humidity and oxidation.
Handrail and grilles for walkways
Another of the safety systems that are installed in railway tunnels are handrails and grilles for walkways. These elements are intended to provide safety for pedestrians inside a tunnel. Our extensive experience in the tunnels of the suburban and high-speed rail network allows us to offer a customized product manufactured according to the materials and criteria that best suit the project.
When facing a new project, our technical office will carry out a needs study and present you with a proposal that meets your needs.
Catenary protectors
To protect the catenaries from objects launched from overpasses, we can offer catenary protectors. They can be designed and manufactured according to the specifications of each project. We have extensive experience manufacturing this type of product with different shapes and finishes.
If you are thinking about a new project and you need a supplier of railway safety equipment, at Metalesa we are ready to give you a solution to these challenges and we will be happy to help you. For more information you can contact our technical office through the contact form, by calling 96 088 99 44 or 677 43 34 93 or by sending an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
Anti-collision bird screens, one less problem on roads and railways
We understand our commitment to safety as something global. Roads and railway areas are one of our most notable areas of action, and generally we show you everything we can do to guarantee the safety of people in these environments, but this does not mean that we forget other factors such as the environment , specifically the protection of birds, so necessary for the balance of our ecosystems. Through our anti-collision bird screens we do our bit to prevent their migratory flows and flight areas from interfering with road or rail traffic.
We protect the birds from the roads
The scientific journal Frontiers in Ecology and Environment recently published a study whose results estimate that around 194 million bird deaths occur on European roads each year. Without a doubt, these are alarming figures. For this reason, from Metalesa we offer our services for the design, manufacture and installation of anti-collision screens for birds, both on roads and in railway areas.
In many cases, the death of birds occurs either when they collide with glass structures on the roads - difficult to see due to their transparency - or when they hit high-speed trains. They are problems that require solutions.
Anti-collision bird screens are specially designed to be seen by birds, to prevent them from going down to the level of roads and train tracks, and thus prevent them from colliding. In this way, they act as a visual barrier.
In addition, although the main objective of this type of screens is the protection of birds against cars and trains, it is true that they help to preserve the safety of people, avoiding distractions and the 'scares' that can occur when crossing a bird.
Our Bird Collision Screens for roads
At Metalesa we have a wide variety of anti-collision bird screens for roads that are specially designed to fulfill their protective function.
All screens are custom designed based on the aesthetic and environmental needs of the environment. We have several models such as anti-collision bird screens made of corrugated or smooth sheets, opaque or transparent methacrylate, with straight or curved posters ...
In addition, all our screens, in any of the models and finishes that we offer, undergo an effective anti-corrosion treatment to avoid wear caused by the passage of time and the adversities of the weather.
Their usual area of installation are viaducts and bridges, where they usually cross embankments or ravines where the passage of birds is common. Our service includes all the structural calculation associated with its anchoring and foundations, as well as the wind load resistance studies typical of this type of elevated structures.
Being located on elevated structures, bird collision screens are often installed behind metal parapets of different levels of containment, for example META13 (metal parapet H2) or META16 (metal parapet H3).
Our Bird Collision Screens for railway areas
From Metalesa we carry out comprehensive projects in railway networks in order to guarantee the safety of passengers and fauna that may cross their routes. Equipment such as ADIF railings, ADIF vandal-proof fences, enclosures for stops and of course, anti-collision bird screens for railway areas.
In the same way in the case of roads, our service includes from the optimization and calculation of the structure, to the manufacture and installation of the screens, which can have different anti-corrosion treatments according to the client's requirements.
Examples of this are these projects in sections of the AVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2jTg3HVIqA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XFkElYiQKc
As we have mentioned before, at Metalesa we try to offer road safety solutions at all levels, and the anti-collision bird screens are proof of this. For the design, manufacture and installation of anti-collision screens for birds, either on roads or in railway areas, do not hesitate to contact us.
Mobility and security solutions in urban enviroments
We are currently witnessing an increasingly accelerated evolution of our societies, and like all progress, it has its positive part and its negative part. However, this is not something new. For years, cities have been facing more and more challenges due to their unstoppable growth, the increase of traffic, the aging of the population ... All this requires providing solutions that from Metalesa we are willing to offer in order to ensure urban security...
Thanks to our experience and the products we design, manufacture and install, we are able to provide solutions to various problems that occur in cities, tackled from different fronts:
Mobility
Most cities are in the process of adapting to the new mobility formulas that have emerged relatively recently.
With the aim of ensuring the sustainability of cities, for many years most cities began to establish a new urban reorganization that included bicycles on their roads; therefore, bike lanes began to be enabled to go anywhere. Now it is much more complex than that.
The popularity of electric scooters is undoubted, and it is a phenomenon that is going to increase. Sustainable, practical, efficient ... But it also represents a challenge in mobility issues, for this reason, the proliferation of new urban routes is necessary in order to guarantee safety. What products for urban security can we provide from Metalesa?
Urban Parapets
It is a containment system specially designed to be installed on urban roads, in order to provide safety and aesthetics in urban areas such as streets, avenues, roundabouts ...
With the installation of urban parapets in the cities, it is intended to guarantee the safety of both pedestrians, cyclists and people who use the electric scooter to get around. In addition, they are also used to adequately contain vehicles that circulate through urban areas or those limited to 50 km/h.
Cyclopeatonal Railings
In addition to the urban parapets, in Metalesa we have more products destined to the protection of those groups that move around the cities using ‘more vulnerable’ transports; this links with one of our main objectives, to ensure road safety.
Cyclo-pedestrian railings are containment systems for cyclists and pedestrians. They are usually installed in road areas where bicycles and mopeds circulate. Therefore, it is a safety element that cannot be missed in order to reduce accidents.
Its height between 1.3 m and 1.5 m depends on what the requirement is. In addition, at Metalesa we add an aesthetic touch to our cyclopedestrian rails so that they integrate perfectly into the environment.
Bollards
With the same objective of guaranteeing safety of mobility, we design, manufacture and install bollards to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas.
It is a steel pole anchored in the ground, ideal to cushion shocks. Therefore they are essential in any urban area and establishments such as shopping centers, gyms, open parking lots ...
Acoustics
Noise pollution is another of the fronts to which we have always wanted to solve, and on which it is increasingly necessary to take action. Not all the problems that a city brings are visible ... noise is not, and from our experience and contact with groups that suffer from it, we can affirm that it is a very serious problem.
The growth of cities has influenced in increasing the acoustic problem. Cities have been expanding, and for example, the presence of housing estates near industrial estates is not uncommon. In addition, although more and more limits are imposed on the passage of vehicles through downtown areas of the cities, the excess of traffic, and the noise pollution they entail, continue to be a topic on the agenda.
How do we get involved from Metalesa to solve the challenge of ending noise that is so damaging and so bothersome?
Acoustic Screens
Acoustic screens or anti-noise screens have the mission of minimizing the impact of noise pollution in cities. We have assumed that they are necessary on roads, in the vicinity of the railway network or in industrial areas ... but we are not always aware of the noise level with which we live in urban areas.
Our Urban Screens
The growing concern for acoustic quality in urban areas has led us to design urban screens that fulfill a double function: protection and aesthetics. At Metalesa we have a wide variety of acoustic screens specially designed to be installed in cities. Methacrylate screens, wooden or metal acoustic panels are the most demanded for their functionality and adaptability to the environment.
Urban Support Equipment
We are increasingly part of more advanced and developed societies in all aspects. For this reason, the aging of the population is an evident phenomenon. Hope and quality of life is much higher than a few years ago, which, being a positive fact, means having to adapt cities to this part of the population, enabling urban structures to guarantee their protection and facilitating their limited capacities for mobility.
These are more vulnerable groups for security purposes, so it is necessary to pay special attention to them. In addition, of the urban parapets and the cyclo-pedestrian railings explained above, at Metalesa we manufacture all kinds of fences and railings that adapt to the needs of each urban space and the group that routinely travels it, especially thinking of older people.
Steel railings, cable railings, or perforated sheet metal are some examples of urban fences that give cities protection and style.
The development of cities is something unstoppable, therefore, we must adapt and assume the challenges that arise as society progresses. At Metalesa we are ready to solve these challenges and we will be happy to help you if that is also your goal. For more information about our urban products or to request a quote, do not hesitate to contact us by calling 96 088 9944 or sending us an email at metalesa@metalesa.com.
Nose limits in Leisure Premises and how to fulfill them
All cities have their leisure activities, which is something necessary as it invites to enjoyment. However, in some situations this leisure crosses the limit of fun and becomes quite a serious problem, even more in summer time. The noise emitted by the music of nightclubs, game rooms, pubs, terraces and the bustle of people, usually causes the discontent of the residents who live in the area, affecting their rest and health. The noise pollution generated by entertainment venues is a problem in today's cities that we cannot ignore, which is why at Metalesa we provide solutions thanks to our acoustic screens.
In addition to complying with the regulations, the installation of anti-noise screens for the acoustic insulation of leisure establishments is also a good way to save yourself from misunderstandings with the neighborhood, improving the image of your business in the area since the neighbors will have no complaints about its operation.
Nose limits in leisure premises
According to Law 7/2002 on protection against noise pollution, these are the maximum noise levels allowed for leisure venues:
- Clubs: 104 dB (A)
- Rooms with a musical setting: 90 dB (A)
- Game rooms: 85 dB (A)
- Bars and restaurants: 80 dB (A)
The problem arises when, despite the fact that these establishments comply with acoustic regulations, it is not enough to avoid that the neighbors who live around them are not affected by the noise pollution that comes from this type of premises.
How to meet the noise limits in leisure premises
At Metalesa we care about protecting what matters most to us: people. All our products and services are intended to guarantee security, and in this case we make sure to protect them from noise excess with the installation of acoustic screens.
The urbanizations or buildings that are close to nightclubs often have to withstand the noise that comes from them. The reverberations of the music as well as the noise caused by the entry and exit of people from a leisure venue are always a problem. For this reason, at Metalesa we design, manufacture and install acoustic screens around entertainment venues.
We are aware that an acoustic screen is not usually a decorative element, therefore we have acoustic screens with an aesthetic finish that will make them fit perfectly with the design of your leisure business.
But what are the steps for the installation of acoustic screens in my entertainment venue?
Conducting an acoustic study
The first step when carrying out an installation of acoustic screens is to carry out an acoustic study to obtain noise maps. Their evaluation allow us to give all the necessary information to decide the optimum product to isolate the noise source. At Metalesa we work with the leading companies in the acoustic studies sector to always offer the best results.
Once we get the data from the study, we will know how and where to put the acoustic screens. Then we carry out the manufacture and installing operations. Finally another acoustic study is carried out in the area to check the effectiveness of the installation and verify that we have eradicated the noise problem.
Acoustic screens for entertainment venues
Urban Acoustic Screen
The urban screens that surround the exteriors of the terraces of the leisure venues fulfill a double function: environmental and aesthetic. They are made up of acoustic panels and a supporting structure that supports them.
They can be made of three types of materials: metal, methacrylate or wood. Each one has advantages that make them optimal for each type of location. For example, metal or wood, in addition to improving acoustic behavior, achieve a privacy effect; If your place is a more intimate place, these will be ideal.
On the other hand, within the urban screens, the transparent methacrylate acoustic screens manage to bounce the noise towards the interior of the premises without giving up the views. If your place has wonderful views of the sea, you can take advantage of the installation of methacrylate acoustic screens to isolate the noise without missing the view. Without a doubt, this type of panel is a very good option for leisure establishments, since it provides a lot of style and, above all, allows it to comply with regulations.
Metagreen Acoustic Screen
The metallic screen with vegetal mesh is not only a very effective acoustic solution, in leisure establishments it fulfills an aesthetic function that adapts to any type of design.
Inside, rock wool and other materials are placed, along with a green plastic mesh that facilitates the growth of vegetation on both sides. They are perfect for creating a vertical garden that, in addition to isolating noise, will help us decorate the walls of the premises.
Acoustic Design Screen
As mentioned above, at Metalesa we take care of offering a quality product that not only meets high expectations in relation to acoustic problems, but also at the level of design and adaptation to the space of our clients. In the case of leisure premises, it is evident that the acoustic screens, in addition to fulfilling their insulating function, must be visually attractive so that they do not clash in the decoration of the premises.
Our design acoustic screens guarantee maximum noise absorption and great durability, in addition, we offer various alternatives such as anti-corrosion, hot-dip galvanized, thermo-lacquered treatments and the combination of both treatments.
Is the acoustic insulation of the leisure venues compulsory?
In Spain, municipalities and autonomous communities are given the power to regulate noise in the areas where leisure venues are located. In this sense, if necessary, it is mandatory in order to comply with the regulations in force in each community and to ensure the well-being of the residents who live in the area.
In any case, in order to ensure that it complies with regulations, it is best to achieve the maximum possible insulation. In this way it will be able to adapt to any regulation, even when it becomes more restrictive, which can happen at any time.
Noise Penalties in entertainment venues
The truth is that in Spain there are numerous sanctions in cases where discotheques and party places exceed the acoustic limit established by law. The communities with the most penalties are Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, Andalusia and Valencia.
The law acts and sanctions this excess noise, with different types of fines depending on the case:
- Minor: the fine to pay is 600 euros.
- Serious: the local must pay a fine of between 601 and 12,000 euros.
- Very serious: they must pay between 12,001 and 300,000 euros. In addition, the revocation of the validity of the municipal installation or activity license or the suspension thereof for a period of time between one year and one day and five years. In fact, the authorities could close the establishment for a certain period of time.
If you are the owner of a leisure venue, do not hesitate to contact us. It is not worth risking a possible fine, nor to earn the discontent of your neighborhood. Bet on the safety, health and aesthetics that our acoustic screens guarantee. To request a quote call us at 96 088 99 44 or send us an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
What it is an acoustic study and why it is so necessary
Noise pollution is a current problem that we face every day. Its harmful effects impact both on the well-being of people and on the environment, so society as a whole is becoming more aware of it, and it is not surprising that the European legislative and regulatory framework is forcing public authorities to implement the necessary measures to guarantee our well-being. One of these measures is the performance of acoustic studies in projects through advanced noise mapping tools to measure the noise pollution of a specific area and adopt correct and optimized solutions. An environmental acoustic study is the tool that should be carried out on roads and urban infrastructures in order to determine if they comply with acoustic regulations.
Noise pollution and its effects on the population have been a generally ignored factor in urban planning in many cities, except for very obvious cases. In Spain many residential areas have problems of this type due to the settlement of urbanizations in areas close to transport infrastructure or industries. In response to this problem, it is common for residents to join neighbourhood associations that seek to exert pressure on the public administration to resolve their complaints.
Noise pollution in housing estates therefore affects people's health and the environment in general, fauna and flora. But not only that, it also has economic effects. The price of a home in a residential area with severe noise pollution can affect the price of the property up to 30%, since potential buyers associate noise with a lower quality of life, and therefore are willing to invest less . In case of the appearance of noise after the commissioning of the urbanization, it could be devalued and the investment of the residents very affected.
Our knowledge as manufacturers of acoustic solutions, together with the complementary capabilities of our collaborators, allows us to provide answers and solutions to all questions related to noise pollution.
From Metalesa, in order to offer our acoustic services, we subcontract these acoustic studies to the best companies in the sector.
Types of Acoustic Studies
To begin with, it is important to distinguish between two types of acoustic studies:
Acoustic building studies
They are intended for the technical improvement of the sound of a enclosed places as small businesses, leisure areas, discotheques, etc. This type of study is not part of our offer of services.
Environmental acoustic studies
These are the studies that we carry out in Metalesa, where the issue is to evaluate the sound propagated in an external environment, representing it through noise maps. Within this type of study we find two categories:
- Infrastructure or facility projects: Any new highway, railway or large industry project usually includes an acoustic study to measure the temporary or permanent noise impact that will provoke in the area, and determine if it will be necessary to adopt measures like acoustic screens.
- Urbanization projects: new urban developments must undergo an assessment of the noise level that they produce, as it can affect other buildings or homes in the area. In the event that the acoustic study determines that the legally established noise level is exceeded, the acoustic insulation of the facades should be carried out.
In addition, it also seems important to us to emphasize that there are two types of noise that can be analysed: on the one hand, airborne noise, transmitted by the air and coming from sound sources such as music equipment, smoke extractors or refrigeration equipment; this is the type of noise that we take care of at Metalesa. On the other hand, there is structural noise transmitted by vibrations of the structure.
What is the process to follow in an acoustic study?
- First, it is necessary to determine if the area to be studied is subject to noise pollution.
- The experts install their measuring equipment to evaluate whether the sound level is inside or outside what the norm allows. The time required to carry out the study is highly variable, from one or two hours to even leaving the equipment connected for a day, thus being able to analyse the variability of noise levels over time. This acoustic study depends on many factors, and all of them are taken into account when measuring the sound impact and determining a result of the study. For example, if the area is a closed tunnel, or if it is a road area with homes nearby, if these homes are high or low... These variables and many others will be surely taken into account by the expert for the viability of the acoustic study and the assessment of the results.
- Noise maps are obtained through acoustic studies, which normally allow one or more solutions. Acoustic screens is the most commonly adopted to attenuate it. Once installed, experts will return to check the impact of the anti-noise screens and verify if the acoustic problem has been solved.
It should be noted that we can not only carry out these studies in highway or urban areas, acoustic studies can also be carried out in public places of concurrence.
Two types of acoustic screens
In the event that the acoustic study concludes that the noise levels are above what is established, at METALESA we take care of installing the acoustic screens so that the sound waves bounce or are absorbed. We can distinguish two types:
Reflective screens
They are used in areas where there is nothing on one side of the barrier, so what they do is bounce the sound to that side.
Absorbent screens
These screens are used when there are homes, buildings or any infrastructure on both sides. In this case the noise does not bounce, but is attenuated and dissipated by absorption. The sound that enters the barrier is converted into movement, which vibrates the material of which the screen is composed, which is usually rock wool. This material allows the attenuation of noise.
Is acoustic studies mandatory?
The execution of an acoustic study is mandatory for all situations where noises levels are usually higher than 70dBA. These places can be bars, gymnasiums, cinemas, game rooms, carpentry workshops, car workshops, discotheques... The specifications of each location are included in the municipal ordinances.
As for the road areas, as we have previously commented, the most usual thing is that acoustic studies are carried out in newly created projects.
Without a doubt, conducting an acoustic study is a way of ensuring legal requirements, and the first step to protect people’s quality of life and their the environment. With the installation of our acoustic screens we try to provide a solution to the noise pollution that affects certain areas. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to carry out an acoustic study, together with our trusted supplier companies we will take care of carrying out the entire process from start to finish.
How to protect an urbanization from noise
In general, we associate the term 'noise pollution' with the noise that is generated due to road traffic or industries. Sometimes residential areas are not as far from roads or industrial estates are they should be. It can also occur an excess of noise for various other reasons that can diminish the quality of life, and even the health of the people who live in them. Whatever the focus of the noise is, at Metalesa we have the solution. Depending on the origin of the problem, we can install acoustic screens on the roads or directly surrounding the residential areas. With this aim, it is necessary to carry out an acoustic study to determine the specific area to isolate and therefore where the noise screens should be built. The acoustic study provides crucial information to improve the solution and achieve the planned objectives with an optimised solution.
Beyond noise... an economic problem
Except for very obvious cases, noise pollution and its effects on the population have generally been an ignored factor while urban planning in many cities. In Spain many residential areas have such problems due to the settlement of urbanizations in areas close to transport infrastructure or industries. In response to this problem, and lacking the authorities initiative, it is common for residents to create neighbourhood associations that seek for exert advise to make pressure on the public administration and finally resolve their complaints.
Noise pollution in housing estates therefore affects people's health and the environment in general, fauna and flora. But not only that, it also has economic effects. The price of a home in a residential area with severe noise pollution can affect the price of the property up to 30%, since potential buyers associate noise with a lower quality of life, and therefore are willing to invest less. In case of the appearance of noise after the commissioning of the urbanization, it could be devalued and the investment of the residents very affected.
Urban Noise Screens
Urban noise screens are those that we place as an enclosure for urbanizations and as the main mechanism against noise. The reasons for implanting acoustic screens in housing estates can be diverse: proximity to roads with heavy traffic, proximity to bus or train stops or stations, poorly soundproofed industrial estates, nightlife area...
If the acoustic study shows the convenience of placing screens around the urbanization, our proposal is to place urban screens. These panels for private areas are mainly made up of two pieces:
- Acoustic panels: These panels make up the absorbent and reflective part thanks to a design that has been used for other environments for many years.
- Supporting structure: consisting of HEA/HEB-type uprights with hot-galvanized welded base plate and painted with polyester powder paint.
Regardless of their configuration, all the noise screens have been rigorously evaluated in certificate laboratories by the corresponding standards, guaranteeing maximum sound absorption values. Furthermore, at Metalesa we are concerned with both the functionality and the aesthetics of our products. At the same time that it ensures the elimination of the acoustic problem, it allows an excellent integration with the style of the urbanization, for which we adapt our solution to the client's aesthetic specifications. For example, urban screens can be made of metal, methacrylate, or wood. The metallic ones can be painted depending on the desired colour, by means of a thermo-lacquering process that guarantees a perfect finish of great durability. The supporting structure will be always metallic, so it can be thermolacquered no matter what material has been chosen for the panels.
Description of our noise acoustic screens
As we have already mentioned, if the acoustic study provides this conclusion, we will proceed to install anti-noise screens between the urbanization and the area that acts as the focus of noise pollution. At Metalesa we have various types of acoustic panels:
Metal steel or aluminium screen
We have a wide range of fully effective metal steel and aluminium screen panels to eliminate noise. They are installed and tested on roads across Europe. Its components are the following:
- Absorbing face oriented to the focus of noise: It is a multi-perforated metallic element, which allows the noise wave to penetrate inside the panel and dissipate in the absorbent material.
- Acoustic insulation: The interior of the panels is composed of rockwool of different thicknesses and densities depending on the acoustic parameters to be achieved. This material allows the dissipation of sound wave energy thanks to its fibrous and elastic nature.
- Reflective face: The rear reflective face is unperforated and leaves a gap in between with the rockwool, creating an acoustic chamber that reflects the sound waves back into the absorbent material.
- Supporting structure: It is made up of HEA/HEB type uprights, with hot-dip galvanized welded base plate and painted with polyester powder paint.
This type of acoustic screens allow effective noise isolation for the well-being of the residents of any urbanization, in addition to standing out for its excellent landscape integration and durability.
Green Panel
Green panel is a type of acoustic screen that integrates perfectly with the landscape and allows generating a greener environment thanks to the possibility of planting vegetation on them. In addition to rockwool, it also has an integrated green plastic mesh that facilitates the growth of vegetation on both sides.
Methacrylate Panel
Methacrylate Panel can be installed both on road and railway infrastructures and in housing estates, and can be both transparent and have drawings as required. Like the other panels, they are easily installed and very resistant, so they hardly require maintenance. They are composed of a polymethacrylate sheet and a supporting structure with a hot-welded base plate and painted with polyester powder paint.
Wood Panel
The wood acoustic panels are also filled with rock wool. They also have the advantage of being able to combine horizontal and vertical tables, achieving different aesthetic effects.
Summing up, the quality of the environment in which we live our lives is increasingly an objective that we must all empower to ensure the well-being of our people. Noise pollution is one of the factors that can most negatively affect this objective, which is why at Metalesa we take care of the process from very beginning to its end, from the acoustic study to the manufacture and installation of the acoustic screens, from the problem analysis to the solution in place.
If you need our acoustic services do not hesitate to contact us by calling 96 088 99 44, sending an email to metalesa@metalesa.com or directly through our contact form.
Message from Metalesa in response to Coronavirus Crisis
First of all, from Metalesa we convey our most sincere support and affection for those who have been affected by the Coronavirus. We have mobilized all our resources to face all potential impacts on our employees, customers, suppliers, as well as other stakeholders.
From a manufacturing point of view, we continue to produce following even more secure procedures, while working closely with our clients to understand their needs. We are handling this dynamic situation from the permanent adaptation approach that characterizes us.
Metalesa is actively managing this new situation committed to keep our employees safe, and to continue serving our customers’ needs worldwide, always following the guidance of the authorities.
For this reason, we have joined the #EstoNOtienequePARAR initiative, a movement that is born from the will of the companies to do as much as possible to continue contributing to our environment.
LET'S GO FORWARD.
We are commited to sustainability: Thermal-lacquered Installation and Wastewater Treatment Plant
At Metalesa we have always opted for sustainable development when carrying out all our processes; it is part of our business philosophy and we are very proud of it. The truth is that sustainability is central to the objective of satisfying the current needs of society; it's about reaching that goal with a committed gaze. In this article we want to let you know how at Metalesa we take care of ensuring the well-being of our planet: we will talk about the thermo-lacquering installation and our zero-discharge treatment plant.
As a starting point, we would like to remind you that in our post on Smart Cities we explained our vision regarding the concept of 'Smart City'. One of the features that characterizes Smart Cities is sustainability. At Metalesa we take on the challenge of innovating in the field of urban infrastructure and equipment, performing good resource management and advocating for sustainable social, environmental and economic development.
Thermo-lacquer: sustainable powder coating
The thermo-lacquering process developed in our facilities consists of applying a powder coating to a metal part that has been previously prepared, to be subsequently cured in the polymerization oven. Powder coatings provide a wide range of advantages over conventional paints, offering greater resistance to corrosion, heat, shock, torsion, abrasion, deterioration due to exposure to sunlight and adverse weather conditions.
Phases of the thermo-lacquered process over surfaces:
Phase 1: Pre-treatment
It consists of applying a treatment prior to the powder painting process that prepares the metallic elements to facilitate the adhesion of the paint and ensure a higher quality and durability anti oxidation.
Phase 2: Drying
The metal pieces are placed in an oven (drying tunnel) at high temperatures to remove moisture and prepare them for later lacquering.
Phase 3: Painting Booth
For parts up to 7.500mm long, the process is performed using automated robots and touch-up guns for an excellent finish.
Phase 4: Polymerized oven
Once the powder layers have been applied to the pieces, a heat treatment is carried out by introducing them in the oven at temperatures up to 220 ºC
Advantages of Thermo-lacquering Treatment
As we have already mentioned, its resistance to corrosion is one of the great advantages of this type of painting process since it increases the durable life to the pieces. However, this is not the only advantage of thermo-lacquering that is worth highlighting:
- Panel coatings finishes are very attractive. Screens can be lacquered in any of the colours of the RAL range, a code that defines a colour using a set of digits.
- The thermo-lacquering process is very environmentally friendly since it is a clean coating: the powder paint does not contain solvents, and the powder that does not remain attached to the piece during the treatment can be recovered for reuse. In fact, the use of this excess dust can be up to 98%, so that the generation of waste is greatly minimized. At Metalesa we use thermo-lacquering in order to be respectful with the environment.
Applications of thermo-lacquering in Metalesa
The cladding of facades with thermo-lacquer panels is a growing trend because of the advantages it presents. Our steel or aluminium screens for noise pollution are treated in our thermo-lacquering facilities.
These types of anti-noise screens also serve our goal of facing a global concern of the planet, noise pollution. This problem affects both people and the environment, and that thanks to our acoustic screens it can be effectively reversed.
Zero Discharge Treatment Plant: towards optimization
Metalesa is committed to preserve the environment, controlling waste and using products with a low level of contamination. That’s why we have a treatment plant with Zero Dumping technology. Thus, current environmental legislation is complied and commitment to continuous improvement acquired.
Thanks to our zero discharge treatment plant, we achieve one of our environmental objectives: we contribute to the recovery of aquifers by reusing water in our industrial processes, minimizing the amount of water used and optimizing our resource consumption.
Within the theory of the circular economy model, the reuse of water is seen as a novel perspective for the implementation by companies. However, at in Metalesa we have always counted on a zero discharge facility to comply with our sustainable purpose. And such will we continue to implement the most cutting-edge measures at our reach!
If you believe in our way of doing things during our long history and need our services, do not hesitate to contact us.
