How to make a sports complex look new?
All cities, large or small, have one thing in common: their love for sports. Some of them are capable of hosting many facilities, while some others hardly have a sports hall which they know how to get the most out of. A football, basketball, handball or any other sport team can be something iconic for a city, which is partly due to the sports complex where they train and compete in regional, national and international championships. For this reason, it is becoming more important that sports complexes stand out for their structure and design, and thus generate pride and identification among the population.
As you know, since our very beginning, at Metalesa we have dedicated ourselves to ensure the safety and quality of life of what matters most to us: people. Our products are aimed at both road and urban safety and noise reduction. Therefore, we can get in charge that the sports complex of the clubs of a city have the space they deserve.
How do we help?
We reform and modernize sports complexes with the integration of acoustic screens on its façade. This includes:
- Previous acoustic studies to define parameters to be achieved
- Aesthetics are important. New screens will provide the facilities a facelift that will not go unnoticed: a quality material, striking colours... sports complexes cannot be left behind in our efforts to modernize cities according to our philosophy of creating Smart Cities.
- Noise pollution. Sports complexes are usually a big source of noise, usually generated by a passionate public. In addition, many facilities are also used as concert halls. To handle such challenges, our acoustic screens will be a success to guarantee the rest of the close neighbourhood and comply with the regulations on noise pollution in urban environments.
Acoustic Studies
Any project of such scope must be preceded by an acoustic study according to regulations in force. By using advance technologies, we will get as a result the parameters to be achieved, which will act as input requirements to the optimized constructive solution that must meet them. At Metalesa we have extensive experience in conducting these acoustic studies.
What characterize our acoustic screens to be integrated into sport complexes facades?
Minimizing the noise of sports complexes is possible thanks to the characteristics of our acoustic screens made with sound-absorbing panels:
- Absorbent face oriented to the noise focus: absorbent face is multi-perforated. These perforations make it possible for sound waves to penetrate the panel and dissipate in the absorbent material located inside, thus minimizing noise.
- Acoustic insulation: as an absorbent material, rock wool of different thicknesses and densities is used depending on the acoustic characteristics that must be met. The rock wool is integrated into the interior of the panels, so that a reduction in the sound level is achieved.
- Reflective face: The reflective face leaves a space with the rock wool, generating an acoustic chamber, so that the sound waves are reflected back into the absorbent material.
- Supporting structure: consisting of HEA / HEB type uprights with hot-galvanized welded base plate and thermo lacquered with polyester powder paint. In any case, the supporting structure solution will be adapted to address the particularities and limitations of each project.
Like all our products, metal acoustic screens have been tested under rigorous evaluations to guarantee their acoustic and mechanical behaviour. This evaluation is based on the EN 1793-1 standard, which allows us to obtain the maximum sound absorption and insulation values for the screens we install. Our team of expert engineers and calculators manage all the factors necessary to make the installation of the screens a complete success.
Sport complexes reformed by METALESA
At Metalesa, our commitment to sport is latent. Did you know that we are official sponsors of Atlético Baleares? In addition, we have transformed their football stadium in Mallorca. Here we leave you some photos!
We create and believe in Smart Cities
In the 21st century, our cities are immersed in such a process of technological development, that it is not unreasonable to say that we are already living in what the cities of the future will be. Smart Cities are committed to innovation as a force for change, its aspiration lies in improving the quality of life of its citizens and making a more efficient and sustainable consumption of resources
At Metalesa we have been researching for a long time to develop products and services that have SMART technology, hence we have several projects underway to lead the future market for the 'smart transformation' of transport infrastructures.
What are the features of a Smart City?
- Collaboration: Not only companies have a voice in Smart Cities, it is about creating collaboration synergies between companies, municipalities, citizens ... we can all contribute to improve the sustainability of our cities!
- Planning: In a Smart City, decisions must have a reason. What is it missing in my city that would make life easier for people? When facing an opportunity, technological and innovation tools available in the market are analysed to develop product or service.
- Creativity: Technology, innovation and creativity go hand in hand. This combination allows us to create solutions that make a difference from what has previously been used.
- Sustainability: It is one of the fundamental legs of Smart Cities. Each contribution to our city must seek for sustainability in the environmental field. The road to Smart Cities is a positive evolution in every way!
In this way, it is not only about innovating, but also a sustainable city must set the objective of achieving efficiency and sustainability through people and technology.
Some conditions to become Smart City
- To have a social, environmental and economic development based on sustainability criteria.
- Carry out good management of natural resources.
- Citizens are committed to the values that characterize a Smart City.
- Urban infrastructure and equipment are equipped with technology to provide public services that make life easier for citizens.
At Metalesa we create Smart Cities
Not only we create them, but we also believe in them. From our very beginnings, our vision and the values that have characterized us have always prioritized being a leading company, and therefore we are currently very aware of the great opportunities that cities offer us at the level of innovation.
For this reason, all throughout our history we have been able to contribute with our experience to those cities that have needed our services. For example, all our processes are carried out under the philosophy of Industry 4.0, use of technology in all operations of our company.
Our modern containment systems are designed to be incorporated into the future ecosystem of a Smart City, always starting from the basics, guaranteeing road safety. Summing up, the benefits of living in a Smart City are numerous, as they are fuelled by improvements in information and communication technologies which exponentially increase their effectiveness in its service to the citizens. Are you betting on a smart city? Contact us and we will show you all the possibilities we offer in technology, innovation and creativity for urban environment.
What is UNE EN 1317 Standard?
At Metalesa we are very clear about our mission: to ensure the safety of what matters most to us; people. For this reason, we guarantee that our products comply with the established standards and regulations. Seriousness and professionalism is what defines us. Our parapets have been subjected to real tests in accredited laboratories based on the UNE EN 1317 standard.
¿What is UNE EN 1317 standard?
This standard was established on January 1, 2011 by the European Union, and certifies the quality and safety of vehicle containment systems. It is based on subjecting these systems, such as parapets or guardrails, to a test methodology following specific criteria valid for all Europe. Among many other things, the UNE EN 1317 standard harmonizes impact tests simulating real accidents involving vehicles, mannequins as drivers and the containment system itself. In this way, both the behaviour of the system and its impact for the drivers themselves are evaluated.
The configuration of each essay varies completely depending on the level of containment being tested. The type of vehicle involved, the impact speed or the angle of incidence are defined for each essay specifically. After the impact, the damages of the containment system, as well as the deck on which it has been anchored, and the impacto on the mannequins are evaluated. From this analysis the laboratory concludes a set of technical parameters that characterize the behaviour of the system. Main ones are dynamic deflection, working width, severity index and intrusion index.
What is it exactly a containment system?
A vehicle restraint system is a barrier that made of various materials and used to lessen the consequences of an accident on the road. Metallic ones have the advantage of absorbing a large part of the kinetic energy of the crash and facilitate the redirection of the vehicle's trajectory. For this reason, the severity of the impact is lower, thus demonstrating a great contribution to road safety. However, sometimes, the circumstances of the road require a concrete system with less absorption capacity and less deformation. In general, the occupants of the vehicle tend to be more affected. Based on the danger of the sections and on a history of accidents, it is the responsibility of national, regional or municipal public administrations to study and decide where to install or substitute vehicle containment systems.
Parameters to analyze looking at UNE EN 1317 standard
During real tests in an accredited laboratory the following set of parameters are analyzed.
Containment level
It indicates the ability of a SCV to withstand the impact load of a vehicle. The selection of the level of containment that a safety barrier must have proved to be installed on the margins of a road will depend on the risk of accidents, which in turn is defined by the speed of the road and the average intensity of heavy vehicles in each sense at the time of commissioning.
Impact severity
The impact of a vehicle against a SCV carries obvious risks for its occupants. The severity of these risks inside the passenger compartment is determined by the level of impact severity. This is calculated from the combination of the deceleration (ASI) and head impact (THIV) values.
Deformation of the system
The behaviour of a SCV is characterized by the transverse displacement of the device during impact. This is defined in the tests through the parameters of dynamic deflection (D), working width (W) and intrusion index (VI).
On our website we dedicate specific spaces to clarify any questions that may exist about the UNE 1317 standard.
In addition, in our frequently asked questions section on metal parapets we anticipate the queries that we typically receive from engineering or construction companies regarding the interpretation of the standard.
UNE EN 1317 standard applied to our products
Bridge Parapet
Our bridge parapets are metal security barriers that are installed in order to serve as vehicle restraint systems. We market many different models that have success under the appropriate tests to be able to certify the UNE EN 1317 standard, and therefore accredit the CE marking.
On our website you can see the videos of the tests carried out, for example, that of the META16 metal parapet of containment level H3.
We also design, develop and commercialize transitions between containment systems with NF marking after having successfully passed laboratory tests in accordance with the French standard NF 058. It must be taken into account that UNE EN 1317 lacks specificity to evaluate and accredit with CE marking transitions between parapets between each other, or between parapets and other types of barriers.
H2 and H3 parapets, urban and mixed parapets, guardrails ... Those are some of our products in our portfolio whose main purpose is to guarantee road safety.
Handrails and Fences
The handrails and fences that we manufacture and install accomplish high quality standards in order to offer the maximum possible protection both on the road and on urban areas. In addition, they are all subjected to a corrosion protection treatment.
As in the case of bridge parapets, railings and fences are also containment systems that are designed and calculated by our R & D and Structural Calculation departments following parameters set by European regulations. We have a wide variety of these products to accomplish customer demands:
Railings: Steel, stainless steel, with cable and with perforated sheet metal.
Fences: Metallic, anti-vandal and electro-welded.
Thus, it is evident that neither vehicle containment systems can be absent on our roads, nor a norm such as UNE EN 1317, in charge of regulating and guaranteeing their correct compliance. At Metalesa we take road safety very seriously from an efficient and innovative perspective, which leads us to continue growing and betting on the best.
Would you like more information about the UNE EN 1317 Standard and our road safety products? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Industry 4.0 and road safety
At Metalesa we are well aware of our great responsibility since looking after people security is our goal. Thus we keep a close eye to all technological updates and breakthroughs that may bring benefits to our sector. Industry 4.0 is a wave that need to be taken.
What is industry 4.0?
This concept is not new, and indeed it is becoming global social phenomenon. It refers to the addition of digital technology to all manufacturing processes to an extend that it is considered the fourth industry revolution. Now, a little bit of history.
FIRST INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
By the end of XVIIIth century, steam machine burst meant the beginning of the First Industrial Revolution. No doubt road safety sector faced new challenges with railway mechanization. But lot was lacking yet until today’s situation, this was only the launch of the industrialization.
SECOND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Second Industrial Revolution started around 1870. New energy sources like gas, petrol and electricity drove a great acceleration in all senses. Furthermore, it opened doors to internationalization.
THIRD INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
2006 is commonly considered as the beginning of the third phase of industrial growth. At that time, industry was pushed to the need of more renewable energy sources, which led to the will of directing all efforts to more sustainable objectives. TICs and automation played a key role.
FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
No matter third revolution as starting to be protagonist, it was with fourth revolution when all capabilities started to bring together synergies. It is considered to be started around 2011 and the truth is that since then, technology has been pushing forward industry operations to a new level.
How does Industry 4.0 impacts on road safety?
The technology transformation power is unquestionable. It allows to simplify, accelerate and optimize all industrial processes, that’s why any road safety company that has not embraced yet this digital transformation will be left behind. This is not Metalesa’s case.
Our infrastructures
We have strategically adopted Industry 4.0 in all areas of our business: from employee security to communications or manufacturing digital software .
Bridge barriers and cornices
Contention systems that have been tested with real crash essays. Furthermore, its materials are exposed to anticorrosive treatments.
Regarding cornices, in Metalesa we innovate each day with designs that allow to host either canalizations with water, gas, electricity or telecommunication supplies.
Noise barriers and panels
We manufacture noise barriers of a number of different materials, from steel, aluminium or methacrylate to fight noise pollution to bird anti-collision, to even some “vegetable” that can be integrated in an environmental friendly way. In Metalesa we provide the most suitable option for any project or need; security, noise isolation and aesthetics can go hand-in-hand.
Handrails and Fences
These handrails can be installed either in railway infrastructures or over bridges and viaducts. Hence, we adapt to any type of structure and with a wide variety of materials. Following high quality standards, our handrails are exposed to anticorrosive treatments with three possible finishes: hot-dip galvanized, thermo-lacquered or both combined at the same time.
Our engineers optimize anchoring systems with breaking-edge calculation technology so that best results are achieved in handrail installation and performance.
Of course, looking after the people in charge of our processes and equipment is one of our priorities. We have always extrapolated our concern for road safety to our people’s security,
Equipment for railway and tunnel infrastructures
Spanish railway network has been counting on Metalesa’s products and experience for a lot of years. We provide wide experience in manufacturing, supplying and installing metallic equipment for overpasses like ADIF and SNCF fences or handrails, fences for train stations or stopping places, protection for electric cables, or combined systems.
Technology is all around our manufacturing and installing processes, and believe in its advantages. Our vision inspires us to keep on implementing our technological capabilities to be at the front line of industry 4.0. Staying behind is not an option for Metalesa when it comes to innovation.
Should you require our services, don’t hesitate to contact us, all road and urban infrastructures are possible with Metalesa.
World Environmental Education Day: noise pollution
Today is a very important day for our planet. January 26th celebrates World Environment Education Day with the aim of raise people’s awareness of protecting nature.
Environment education is oriented to develop strategical models that pivot around sustainability. That’s why the environmental goal must be considered in any business strategy, and in Metalesa, we are well aware of this.
Environment Education Goals
Awareness: promote society’s interest to the problems provoked by ignoring environmental care. Any little action counts.
Knowledge: Once this interest is developed, next step is to educate. ¿How can this be done? Something can always be done both at personal and collective point of view.
Actitudes: this means proactivity. Just saying is not enough, it’s time to take action!
Assesment capability: if we implement measures in environment’s favour, we need to measure its actual impact.
Take part: Encourage people to be part of the solution
In Metalesa, as experts in road safety, there is an environment problem against which we need to prioritize our actions: noise pollution. That’s why from our very beginning, we have worked to reduce this acoustic pollution coming from road and railway traffic.
What is noise pollution?
Noise pollution refers to noises or vibrations present in the environment that could eventually be harmful for people’s or any beings health.
Noise excess in a certain place can affect negatively, even if we don’t feel it.
What are noise consequences for health?
- Audition loss or listen to beeps.
- Psychological problems like anxiety, stress or aggressivity.
- Physical problems like increase of arterial pressure, heart rhythm or breathing alterations.
- Problems related with sleep and rest, that decrease attention and performance, both at work and school
How does noise pollution affect to animals and plants?
Noise pollution produces harmful effects to a number of species, affecting their health and behaviour of animal and plants, as well as their ecosystems
Some of these effects are:
- Birds that depend on their ear to hunt are seriously affected by industrial noise.
- Noise disturbs feeding and nursing patrons of some animals, which has been identified as a factor that contributes to certain species extinction.
- Airplane noise and their sound waves have been identified as cause of decrease of reproduction success with a number of animals.
- Military sonar and the “marine bubble” of petrol explorer boats have been responsible of the death of thousands of dolphins and whales.
In order to acoustically isolate infrastructures and machinery in industries, residential and commercial areas from people and environment, in Metalesa we manufacture and install a wide range of noise barriers.
Range of noise barriers for acoustic pollution
Metallic noise barrier – steel or aluminium
These noise barriers consist of vertical superposed panels that can be adapted to high and wide project requirements. Its absorbing face present holes that allow noise waves to be absorbed by the rock wool in the interior of the panel. The other side is plain and performs as reflecting face.
Both acoustic and mechanical performance of the panels have been tested in accredited laboratories.
The advantages of this type of noise barriers are as follows: optimum isolation, aesthetics oriented to environment integration, easy instalment, thermo-lacquered…
Methacrylate noise barrier
These transparent screens for noise pollution present a wide variety of designs optimized for road and railway infrastructures, for hotels or residential areas that require noise attenuation.
The screen is formed by a of 15-20mm methacrylate panel held by a beam structure. All components are very easy to install.
Metallic noise barrier with mesh / Green panel
Apart from it tested acoustic performance, it’s especially designed to be integrated into the nature environment.
It consists of rock wool supported by green plastic mesh on both sides that facilitates the growth of plants.
Wooden noise barrier
Wooden screen against noise pollution are perfect to satisfy aesthetic requirements in our roads. The absorbing face is formed by wild pine slats.
Wall covering
Manufactured from hot-dip galvanized panels, it is used to reduce noise effects in the interior and exterior of tunnels, as well as in inferior passes.
Its structure is very easy to install and repair in case of accident inside the tunnels.
Because the World Environment Education Day should not only be celebrated one day! Let’s become aware, our planet asks for it. Should you require our services around noise barriers, don’t hesitate to contact us.
METALESA, heading towards international success
On the occasion of the first Opportunities for internationalisation meeting organised by Cajamar and El Mundo, César Valero, Deputy Director at METALESA, gave an interview along with directors from other companies of the Valencian Community. They contributed their outlook and experience on the keys, challenges and risks of internationalisation to a company.
Among other ideas, the experts commented that the circumstances may be more favourable or less so depending on the country in which you want to expand, and that the market and legal contexts should be studied in detail. César Valero stressed the importance of hiring people that enable the organisation to compete in a more demanding environment. He also pointed out that the company’s size is not the only determining factor in internationalisation, but did recognise that in sectors such as public works it is a great help to be more competitive.
The interview highlighted the progressive growth of METALESA in France and its countries of influence, which requires great strides in self-discipline to provide a quality service.
Other topics discussed were the importance of seeking expert advice on the target market, opening up to foreign partners and the financial muscle to undertake a process that may take time to produce results. Read the interesting interview about international success in full.
Awards ceremony for the 1st METALESA Awards for the best Final Degree Project in the UPV’s School of Civil Engineering.
During Engineering Week of the UPV’s School of Civil Engineering (SICMA 2018), METALESA held an event on Wednesday 28 February to announce the winners of the 1st METALESA Awards for the best Final Degree Project.
This initiative is part of the Metalesa Talent Platform, which arose from our company’s commitment to promoting endeavour and talent amongst new generations of engineers.
The jury, composed of several of the School’s lecturers and members of METALESA, valued the excellence of two works that stood out for the originality of their approach and the rigour of their execution. The first prize went to Adrián Santes Genovés for his “Study of solutions for the location and design of a space to practice longboard in the province of Castellón” and he was awarded €1,200. Second prize went to Manuel Buitrago Moreno who was awarded €600 for his analysis of “Maritime terminals and logistics chains for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Assessment of future needs in Spain”. Both the School and the company appreciated the enthusiasm of all participants and the quality of the work presented.
The event was attended by Mr Antonio Sánchez, a Civil Engineer, and Director of the company ESMOVibilidad, who spoke about his vision and experience on a topic that is ever more at the forefront in big infrastructure construction projects in our country, “Road safety audits in preliminary and project phases. Experiences of implementation in Spain”.
METALESA hope these awards will run annually with new editions that continue to unearth students’ talent and offer them a real experience of the civil works sector.
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METALESA is an INNOVATIVE SME
METALESA has received recognition from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for its continuous effort in R&D with the INNOVATIVE SME stamp.
Our company has a long history of innovation, evidenced in a modern and dynamic catalogue of products and services. Every year, our team develops new ideas and brings them to the market in line with our mission to provide society with safe and high quality products.
This effort is being rewarded annually with the attainment of Reasoned Reports issued by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, which shows real investment in technologically advanced and challenging projects that position us as a leading company in Europe.
The opening of the Pobla del Duc relief road avoids dangerous routes
METALESA has contributed to improving the safety of the new road that runs parallel to the current CV-611 through the municipal areas of Benigànim, Quatretonda and La Pobla del Duc.
The company took part in this project reconciling one of its main objectives: improving road traffic safety by installing 420m of META13 metal parapets (H2 containment level, a great option among metal parapets), on two bridges of similar characteristics on the Torrella and Forcall ravines with total lengths of 110 and 100 metres respectively. This solved the problem of accessibility and functionality and at the same time provided a greater level of comfort, avoiding dangerous bends for drivers, improving plan and elevation, and reducing travel time.
Another goal was to increase the cross section of the road bed, which facilitates vehicle traffic, and improves the bearing capacity of the road, to achieve a more comfortable journey. It also sought to improve signalling and beacons, longitudinal and transverse drainage infrastructure and its integration into the landscape of the environment.
The work covered the section of 3,179 metres from the existing roundabout on the outskirts of the centre of Benigànim, at PK 4+250, to the roundabout that intersects the CV-611 of the railway station road.
The road has two lanes, one for each direction, a width of 3.5 metres, 1.5 metre hard shoulders on both sides, berms of 0.5 metres and traditional or safety ditches on the side of the clearing.
Keep an eye on our blog to keep up to date with all METALESA’s projects and breakthroughs.
LUIS MONTORO WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY FOR THE 2ND METALESA AWARDS
During Engineering Week of the UPV’s School of Civil Engineering (SICMA 2019), METALESA will hold an event on Tuesday 19 February at 12:15pm to announce the winners of the 2nd METALESA AWARDS for the best Final Degree Project.
One year more, this initiative is part of the Metalesa Talent Platform, which arose from our company’s commitment to promoting endeavour and talent amongst new generations of engineers as well as to offer them a real experience of the civil works sector.
The event will be attended by Dr Luis Montoro González, Professor of Road Safety at the University of Valencia and President of the Spanish Road Safety Foundation. His speech will deal with the challenges we are face with when integrating emerging technologies into road safety systems.
