Green facades against noise in large cities
Green facades against noise in large cities are an effective and sustainable alternative to the current lifestyle. Historically, nature has been introduced into urban environments through parks and green areas in delimited spaces. Over time this trend has been evolving, and more and more, the proposal aims at integrating nature and environmental awareness in our daily lives to develop a society that is as sustainable as possible.
What are green cities?
These cities are those that respect the environment to a greater extent and facilitate the coexistence of people with nature in their daily lives. Green cities seek to take advantage of natural resources, thus favoring friendly urban environments in such important aspects as green spaces, air quality, coexistence with animals or temperature regulation.
Large cities find it very difficult to adapt to this objective, which is why their authorities often seek disruptive solutions that attract sustainability without destroying everything that has already been built. One of the most effective solutions are vertical gardens. Flowers, aromatic plants and even urban gardens planted on walls that help clean the air and bring numerous benefits to people. Plants absorb CO2 from the air while producing oxygen, they have pleasant smells, they also regulate temperature and act as a layer against noise.
In cities like Singapore, always at the forefront of sustainability, or much closer, Vitoria-Gasteiz, named European Green Capital in 2012, we can find examples of this concept.
Our commitment to sustainability
At Metalesa we are committed to the environment and sustainability by providing innovative solutions, such as our screens against noise pollution. These screens are barriers specially designed to deal with the problem of noise pollution for both people and animals.
Today in particular, we focus on a solution for noise pollution that is also sustainable and provides great support for introducing vegetation into urban spaces.
Our Metagreen acoustic screens integrate nature into urban spaces in the style of vertical gardens. This product is in tune with the concepts of green cities and smart cities, since it provides the technology of acoustic screens against noise plus the benefits for the health of people and the environment with its natural cover of living vegetation.
Metagreen acoustic screens
The Metagreen sound-absorbing panel is made up of a hot-dip galvanized steel frame that fits between the fastening profiles of the support structure. Its interior is made up of rock wool and other materials that, together with the green plastic mesh, facilitate the growth of vegetation on both sides. In addition, they are sustainable, since the rock wool inside them is capable of retaining rainwater, which becomes a moisture reserve for the vegetation that grows outside.
Advantages of the Metagreen acoustic screen
Being a plant panel, it integrates magnificently with the landscape and blends in with the new model of green cities with vertical gardens. Among its most notable advantages it is important to highlight the natural properties of vertical gardens, such as the release of oxygen, as well as the absorption of CO2, temperature regulation and livening up of urban spaces, visually approaching natural spaces.
It also has numerous advantages such as its durability thanks to the galvanized anti-corrosion treatment, its excellent insulating and absorbing properties against noise pollution.
METAGREEN panel
Plant-like sound-absorbing panels
Where to install plant-based anti-noise screens?
One of the most common spaces where these screens are added is on roads, since their maintenance is minimal and simple. It is also very common to see them in urban, public and private areas, such as chalets or urbanizations due to their attractive plant aesthetics and their fantastic anti-noise properties. They perform a dual aesthetic and acoustic function.
How are Metagreen acoustic screens installed?
These screens are very easy to install, but it is convenient that any project is studied by our team of engineers to guarantee the expected acoustic result and the robustness of the solution.
Green cities are a great alternative to urban spaces far from nature. If you want more information about our Metagreen screens, or want to know our complete range of acoustic screens, contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Solutions to isolate traffic noise on roads and cities
Roads unite people. Every day it is estimated that millions of vehicles circulate on the roads.
At Metalesa, our goal is to ensure the safety of people. For this reason, we take care of guaranteeing safety while driving with our containment systems such as bridge parapets, terminals or crush cushions. However, on the roads there is another danger that is not seen, but heard. And not for vehicle occupants, but for the people who live around road infrastructures: noise pollution.
Noise pollution is a problem that we face every day both on roads and in urban environments. Its effects are harmful to people and the environment, therefore, society is increasingly becoming aware of it and taking action through specific action plans governed by the authorities.
Acoustic studies on roads
Precisely, one of these measures is the performance of acoustic studies. The pollution of a specific area can be measured with noise maps. If an excess of noise is concluded as a result of such study, the next step is to configure the optimum solution to attenuate it, normally with an acoustic screen.
Undoubtedly, acoustic screens are the best corrective measure to reduce the propagation of noise generated by road or rail traffic, since they act as a barrier between the receiver and the noise source, both absorbing and reflecting the noise waves. Thus, acoustic screens are the most widely used anti-noise systems in transport infrastructures, due to their rapid installation, their value for money and their effectiveness.
Our acoustic screens
At Metalesa, through the installation of our acoustic screens, we ensure the quality of life of people who struggle day to day traffic noise.
Our acoustic screens are conformed of sound-absorbing panels that provide quality acoustic and mechanical solutions. No only they minimize noise pollution from traffic on roads and railways, but also from many other sources such as industrial facilities (factories,...), commercial malls (air conditioning equipment), or massive events in public/private facilities (sport stadiums, leisure clubs, hotels…). All of our acoustic screens comply with European standards EN14388, EN16272 and EN16727.
Learn more about the Regulation of noise reduction devices for roads.
How to decide among different type of acoustic screens?
There are multiple drivers to analyse when choosing the right acoustic screen for a certain project.
- On the one hand, the requirements defined by the acoustic study should guide the project.
- It is essential to take into account the environmental and climatological agents to which the panels will be exposed. Mainly the wind loads that dictate the mechanical loads that the panel must support. Our experts in calculation of structures have extensive experience in designing the optimal solution for each case. But also other aspects such as the type of environment, which derives in different levels of corrosivity, and before which, the appropriate finishes must be applied. Or even climate or exposure to snow which may recommend different materials.
- Finally, aesthetics is another part of the decision. Goals such as integration with a forest or a green landscape, or even keeping nice views of an attractive panorama, are issues to take into account and that can make one solution more convenient than another.
All these aspects must be taken into account together so that the technicians in charge of carrying out the project select the panel that best suits the needs of each acoustic screen work. We have several panel configurations for each scenario, all of them accredited by tests carried out in accredited laboratories: metallic steel or aluminum, methacrylate, wood or vegetable mesh. Having said that, the most commonly installed screens for road and railway infrastructures are steel ones. We have numerous models that solve any casuistry. You can see all our acoustic screens at this link.
But in this article, we focus on less common, but equally interesting speaker configurations:
Metawood noise barrier with wooden panels
This sound-absorbing panel is made up of wood modules of varying dimensions, which fit between the HEA/HEB fastening profiles of the support structure.
The wooden acoustic panel consists of the following elements:
- Traffic side: In this part, pine wood boards are arranged with the possibility of making different combinations with boards horizontally, vertically and obliquely, achieving various aesthetic effects.
- Sound insulation: It is a semi-rigid rock wool panel with a black veil that protects it from erosion and humidity.
- Rear side: They are planed pine wood boards arranged horizontally.
- Thanks to the Metawood panel, maximum noise insulation and absorption is obtained. In addition, thanks to their natural materials they allow an excellent landscape integration.
Metagreen noise barrier with vegetal panels
Rock wool and other materials are placed inside the vegetable acoustic panels, along with a green plastic mesh that facilitates the growth of vegetation. Rock wool is capable of retaining rainwater inside, becoming a highly valuable moisture reserve both for animals and to facilitate the growth of vegetation. Metagreen panels are made of recyclable and sustainable materials.
The Metagreen acoustic screen guarantees an excellent acoustic and absorbent effect, in addition, it has a long durability when undergoing a galvanized anti-corrosion treatment.
Mixed steel and methacrylate noise barrier
The mixed steel and methacrylate acoustic screen, like the previous two, also has exceptional sound-absorbing qualities. We put at your disposal all kinds of varied designs.
In addition, its aesthetics provide excellent landscape integration.
We show you the mixed acoustic screen of steel and methacrylate that we installed in the work of the N-1 in Lasarte (Guipúzcoa).
If you need more information about our acoustic screens, or want to know our complete range, contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Discover our range of containment systems to improve Road Safety
Ensuring road safety is everyone's responsibility. Drivers should be aware that each journey by car can have serious consequences if they are not driven carefully, but it is also necessary that the public authorities that manage transport infrastructures guarantee safe roads to minimize the severity of accidents as much as possible. This is something that is already being done by both parties: drivers are increasingly responsible behind the wheel and the authorities are working to build safe roads. Proof of this are the results of the latest report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), which indicates that between 2001 and 2020 the accident rate on Spanish roads fell from 5,517 victims to 1,370. That is, 75.2% less. These figures position Spain as the country in Europe in which deaths in traffic accidents have fallen the most during this century. In this sense, Road Safety studies and improvement of the most conflictive points are absolutely essential to progressively improve the road network. One of the most important elements of your safety equipment is containment systems.
Infrastructures for Road Safety: Vehicle containment systems
What is a containment system?
Vehicle restraint systems are safety barriers located on the roads to mitigate the consequences of accidents due to exits.
Road exits make up between 35% and 40% of road accidents. Given these high percentages, it is convenient to ask ourselves what type of containment systems it is necessary to install on those roads with a high risk of accidents. Said vehicle containment systems ‘act’ in various situations such as:
- When the vehicle leaves the road in an uncontrolled way.
- When there is a risk of falling down steep slopes.
- When the vehicle invades another lane.
- When there are obstacles on the road with which the vehicle can impact.
In these types of situations, the absence of containment systems is very likely to lead to a fatal outcome, which is why their installation is so important.
Factors to take into account for the installation of Vehicle Containment Systems
The following factors must be considered in deciding in which situations it will be necessary to install vehicle restraint systems:
- Type of road: If it is a conventional road, highway or highway.
- Characteristics of the section: If it is a curve or a straight section.
- Traffic intensity and composition: This factor refers to the number of each type of vehicle that circulates on the section in question.
- Existing risks on the road: Obstacles, steep slopes, that there are other roads that could be invaded ...
- Distance between road hazards.
After analyzing these factors, it will be decided whether a vehicle restraint system should be installed in the section to mitigate the consequences of accidents. If the study of these factors indicates the need for its installation, the next step is to decide what type of vehicle containment system is required, for which the following parameters are met:
- Containment level: Refers to the capacity of the containment system to retain the vehicle in the event of a collision, redirecting it to the road in stable conditions, that is, the vehicle does not overturn or the containment system does not penetrate inside.
- Impact severity: The risk of the occupants when the vehicle collides in front of the restraint system.
- System deformation: The measurement of the degree of deformation of the containment system when the impact occurs, serves to define the distance at which said infrastructure has to be installed with respect to the dangerous area or obstacle.
- Redirection capacity: Ability of the vehicle restraint system to change the trajectory of the passenger car when the crash occurs, allowing the exit to be as parallel as possible to the direction of traffic.
Types of Metal Vehicle Containment Systems
After carrying out the previous analysis, we will proceed to select the most suitable containment system. At Metalesa, we are experts in the design, manufacture and installation of vehicle restraint systems and we have a wide range that allows us to adapt to all existing situations in terms of Road Safety.
Steel Bridge Parapet META13
This type of vehicle containment system is installed on the edges of bridge decks, supporting wall crowns, passage works… It is a H2 level containment system.
Some of the main advantages of the Steel Bridge Parapet META13 are the flexibility of the containment system, its fusible anchoring system that allows a simple and quick replacement in the event of a crash, and its versatility, since it allows it to function as a vehicle containment system. and pedestrians installing a grid.
It is a device approved according to the UNE EN 1317 parts 1 and 2 standard, which together with compliance with part 5 in terms of production control, has obtained the CE marking.
Steel Bridge Parapet META16
The Steel Bridge Parapet META16 is our H3 containment system, which also has the CE marking after passing rigorous full-scale laboratory tests.
Some of the advantages of this vehicle restraint system are the following: It is light and of small dimensions, it allows the installation of vandal-proof fences and the placement of acoustic screens at a very short distance from the parapet, and due to its reduced number of components the assembly it's simple.
Impact End Terminals
Impact End Terminals are equipment that is characterized in that they are always attached to the end of a vehicle restraint system. They cannot be installed autonomously.
We have several models tested in accordance with the European standard prEN 1317-7, all of which provide the flexibility of joining with double or triple wave bionds, or with normal or double bionds (on both sides).
Crash Cushions
A Crash cushion or shock absorber is a vehicle restraint system that absorbs frontal or side impacts without the risk of intrusion of components in the vehicle compartment, being its installation more and more frequent since it allows to significantly reduce the victims in accidents.
We have a wide variety of models that can be installed on concrete slab or directly on the ground. In case of impact, the infrastructure is easy to repair or replace.
Mixed Parapet PXP
It is a mixed vehicle containment system, as it is made up of a concrete parapet and a metal railing. The latter is installed on the concrete parapet, which guarantees a better containment system against the collision of a heavy vehicle.
In addition, its aesthetics provide excellent integration on the tracks, it is easy to install and we have several models of handrails: With a through tube to a ring welded to each support, with a tube welded directly to each support, or other models according to installation conditions.
At Metalesa we are aware that our products save lives, and that is why we have a great responsibility. In this sense, it is not only important that the authorities worry about the installation of containment systems on the roads, but also to ensure that these infrastructures are of quality, there is a lot at stake. From Metalesa we can guarantee that quality in our products to ensure safe roads.
If you want to obtain a quote for the installation of our vehicle containment systems, call us at +34 96 088 99 44 or send us an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
Security fences for parks and schools
Raising awareness about road safety is an issue that should interest everyone: drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and of course, older people and children, who in many occasions are not aware of the danger of certain situations. In this sense, it is important to educate our little ones in Road Safety, not to forget that places such as schools and playgrounds must adopt safety measures to avoid accidents.
As you well know, protection is our goal, and today's article will refer to minimize the risks for children thanks to our security fences and handrails.
Safety fences for playgrounds
It is common for playgrounds to be located near roads, so it is necessary to extreme caution to protect children while they enjoy themselves, and at the same time, to increase the easiness of their parents.
When children playgrounds are sorrounded by road traffic areas, some solution based on fences should be adopted. In addition, these security fences prevent dogs or cats from entering the children's enclosure, which if not supervised, can be dangerous for the little ones.
The correct installation of the safety fence for playgrounds is essential, otherwise it could become another element of risk.
Safety requirements for fences for playgrounds
Security fences are an active security element, hence they must meet certain requirements to be 100% effective:
- Recommended minimum height of the fence 80 cm from ground level.
- Make sure it does not have sharp or protruding elements.
- Avoid shapes that can cause entrapment.
- Any edge must be smooth, never sharp.
- Fences must be installed at a minimum distance of 2 meters from the playground.
In addition to this, it is also important to ensure that the installation of the park fence is executed correctly. If the security fence is installed on sand or earth, it is recommended to anchor it on a concrete foundation, using anchor plates with holes.
Here there are some examples, but from Metalesa we take care of adjusting the needs and requirements of the project in a personalized way.
Security fences for schools
Unlike playgrounds, in schools parents are not present to watch over their children. Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety of hundreds of children, but personalized surveillance is impossible, therefore, it is necessary to install security fences for schools.
The entire school should be sorrounded with fences, either short ones if little children or much higher for older. Each case must be studied personalized taking into account potential risks and students profile.
Now is the perfect time to remodel security fences in schools to face new school year in September.
Types of security fences for schools and playgrounds
At Metalesa we have a wide range of fences for schools and playgrounds. They all guarantee great durability, low maintenance and most importantly, they comply with all the safety guarantees for the little ones.
Metal fences
Our metal fences for schools can be of various kinds and shapes, and are specially designed to guarantee protection or close any type of enclosure, in this case school zones.
They delimit the space in an effective way, preventing children from leaving the premises during school hours.
Fences and enclosures
These types of fences are used to close those areas in which some type of security breach may occur. In this sense, they are not only used to prevent children from leaving school areas, but also to limit access to people outside the school, especially at night, guaranteeing both the protection of people and the facilities of the campus.
We have several models, but we can manufacture custom designs requested by our clients.
Steel railings
Steel fences for schools and playgrounds are other ideal containment system to ensure the safety of the little ones. They are easily installed and can be customized them in the color that is needed in order to integrate with the aesthetics of the area.
Stainless steel railings
The aesthetic finish of the stainless steel railings makes them ideal for any type of urban area, such as playgrounds. In our catalog we have available to our clients a wide variety of unique and attractive designs that adapt to all types of environment.
At Metalesa, we care about guaranteeing Road Safety in all senses, and without a doubt, children are one of the groups we pay the most attention to. In addition to designing, manufacturing and installing safety fences for playgrounds and schools, we also consider that it is essential to promote Road Safety education for the little ones, because in this way we will reduce the risk of serious events occurring in this type of enclosure.
If you want to ask us for a quote for the installation of security fences for schools and playgrounds, do not hesitate to contact us. Call us at 96 088 99 44 or send us an email to metalesa@metalesa.com.
Discover our solutions in Railings
Protection is our goal, that has always been our motto and the purpose for which we work. This translates into offering the best protection systems to society, whether in our immediate environment, or in the countries where we market our products.
In today's post we will specifically talk about our range of handrails, intended for various functions, from pedestrian protection, limiting passage areas in railway infrastructures, to install on bridges and viaducts acting as a barrier to avoid unwanted falls, supports in stairs, and many others.
Guardrail types
Barandillas de acero Steel railings
Steel railings are pedestrian restraint systems, which are installed in urban areas, railways, or on highway bridges. It is important to note that they are not designed or tested to contain vehicles, for that are the META13 and META16 metal parapets.
The steel railings are easy to install and, if the client so requires, they can be integrated with the landscape thanks to the wide variety of models, finishes and thermo-lacquered colours that we offer in our catalogue.
In our catalogue, you can find a wide variety of models that we manufacture as standard and of which we usually have stock.
Stainless steel railings
Stainless steel railings are also used to ensure safety in areas where people pass by in infrastructures, for example, in train or metro stations. But their aesthetic appearance makes them very appropriate for any type of urban area or for private facilities such as industries or shopping centers.
Although the most common railings consist of handrails, cross bars and vertical posts, we have at our customers' disposal a wide variety of models with very attractive unique designs for all types of environments. In any case, we are always open to making custom designs to order if the client so requires.
Stainless steel railings stand out for providing a modern look in any environment and, furthermore, one of their great advantages is their durability and the almost absence of maintenance and cleaning.
Railings with steel cable
Without a doubt, the railing with steel cable is an elegant option. The steel cables give a modern touch to the environment, increase visibility through the railing itself and facilitate its integration in any place given its minimalist profile.
Railings with perforated sheet
In the same way as metal railings with steel cable, railings with perforated sheet metal also present a very attractive appearance for installation in cities, since they can be manufactured with any perforated design in the material. Depending on the type of perforation, you can create a design that provides safety to the pedestrian without sacrificing aesthetics in streets and railway areas.
Anti-Corrosion treatment in our Railings
At Metalesa, all the railings that we design and manufacture follow current regulations and the highest quality standards. Since they are products destined to remain mainly in the open, being victims of the adversities of the climate and the passage of time, all our railings are subjected to anti-corrosion treatments that make them very resistant to all types of environmental aggressions. All our railings can be finished in thermo-lacquered, galvanized, or both procedures combined to offer greater resistance to weather conditions.
Thermo-lacquered in Railings
The thermo-lacquered finish is especially suitable for railings that are outdoors. A powder paint coating is applied to the pieces that make up the railing and they are placed in the oven at 220º to seal all the pieces. With this procedure, finishes with a plasticized look are achieved and with the possibility of providing the railings with finishes with different colors.
Hot dip galvanized in Railings according to ISO 1461
Galvanizing is a finishing technique which applies extreme heat to iron or steel pieces to immerse them in molten zinc at 450º. When immersed, this coating is applied both inside and outside the piece, thus offering a complete coating on the entire set. Thanks to this procedure, the railing is sealed and more difficult to rust, being resistant to environmental humidity, extending the useful life of the product in coastal environments.
Galvanized and Thermo-lacquered on Railings
If you want a complete coating, we can apply both finishes. First, zinc galvanizing is applied to the pieces to cover them both indoors and outdoors and then thermo-lacquering is applied to offer a second powder paint coating to give the piece a touch of color. In this way we can manufacture parts that are resistant in the most aggressive environments.
En el caso que estés buscando soluciones de barandillas de acero para ciudades, puedes contactar con nosotros y nuestro equipo comercial podrá darte una solución que se adapte a tus necesidades. Además, también fabricamos barandillas de acero a medida que se adaptan a las necesidades del entorno. ¿Hablamos?
In the event that you are looking for steel railing solutions for cities, you can contact us and our commercial team will be able to give you a solution that adapts to your needs. In addition, we also manufacture custom steel railings to suit the needs of the environment. We speak?
Protect your facilities with our enclosures and fences
At Metalesa we want to be present in people's lives to make it much easier and guarantee their protection, but we will never do it in an intrusive way. Our products are integrated into roads, railways or urban areas in such a way that, although we do not make direct use of them, they are latently around us, guaranteeing our safety.
Acoustic screens, parapets, railway equipment... We have told you a lot about them on our blog; In today's article we will talk about enclosures and fences, and their applications to protect people in different areas.
Types of fences
Metal fence
At Metalesa we design, manufacture and install metal fences that serve to close any type of space. In addition, all metal enclosures undergo an anti-corrosion treatment either hot galvanized or thermo-lacquered, processes that ensure the good condition of the product over time and against inclement weather.
Vandal Fence
As its name indicates, these types of fences are used to close areas where there may be some type of conflict or security breach, and access must be limited, especially at night, guaranteeing the protection of both people and the premises.
Vandal-proof fences are normally made up of a metal module of the electrowelded or deployed type in its upper part, and of profiled sheet in its lower part. Any other design provided by the customer can also be manufactured. Our team of engineers will be in charge of carrying out the necessary structural calculations to guarantee its functionality and robustness.
Electrowelded fence
We manufacture a wide range of mesh models: smooth, folded, square, rectangular, galvanized, thermo-lacquered ... It is a product that has so many options that it is easily adaptable to any environment.
It consists of the following elements:
- Electrowelded mesh in superimposed wire panels and welded together.
- Round, square or rectangular tube metal posts.
- Fixing elements: tamper-proof screws, union clamps, self-adjusting covers, and other fastening parts depending on the model.
Applications of our enclosures and fences
The installation of enclosures and fences is an element to take into account in some areas that we will now detail. In all of them we benefit from the security and orderly qualities of the different separation spaces.
Fences for the industrial field
In industries we find areas that are especially dangerous for people, or that require special protection for the goods they keep. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise extreme caution with fences that delimit its perimeter and channel its access through the points defined at the scheduled times.
We have many types of fencing for the industrial field, as an example, we list the following:
- Perimeter security fencing
- Pedestrian Fence
- Column protection fence
Enclosures and fences for the educational field
More and more university campuses decide to install an enclosure that surrounds the entire perimeter in order to delimit the accesses to the campus, guaranteeing the safety of students and teachers. In addition, it is also useful as an anti-vandalism fence, since it makes it impossible to enter the enclosure at night.
Enclosures and fences for urbanizations
Installing fences in some urban environments is essential, either to guarantee the privacy and security of the tenants, or to address the acoustic problems in the area. In this case, the fencing can be made up of acoustic screens.
In this sense, acoustic barriers, in addition to serving to absorb noise from cars, the bustle of people ... They also guarantee privacy and offer an aesthetic image to the urbanization.
At Metalesa we have a wide variety of acoustic screens also designed to be installed as fences in urbanizations. Methacrylate screens, wooden or metallic acoustic panels are the most demanded for their functionality and their adaptability to the environment.
Enclosures and fences for the railway sector
We have a wide range of railway equipment, and in this post we highlight the fences and enclosures for railway areas:
ADIF type fences
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 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 to order.
Different anticorrosive treatments can be applied to our entire range of railings and fences type ADIF, each of which offers a different type of protection.
Depending on the characteristics of the project, we can apply a hot galvanized finish, a thermo-lacquered finish or a mixed application for more aggressive environments.
Fences and enclosures for stations
Train, metro or tram stations need robust enclosure systems that are resistant to the high volume of traffic, and at the same time comply with the current regulations on rail matters set by the network operator.
Regarding train stations, whether long-distance or regional, high-speed or not, we have a wide variety of enclosures that we can manufacture on request with standard models that we have supplied in many works, or adapt to the requirements of draft.
In any case, any design can be subjected to a wide variety of anti-corrosion treatments to provide it with the appropriate layer of protection against humidity and oxidation according to the environment in which it is installed.
Do you need fences and enclosures for any of these areas or other applications? We at Metalesa know how to help you. Contact us by calling 96 088 99 44 or sending an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
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
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