STRUCTURE AND TECHNICAL FEATURES

Expressly designated to eliminate acoustic pollution due to the noise of road and
railway traffic, Fracasso noise barriers drastically reduces noise thanks to the
special structure of its metal panels, which are perforated on the front side (i.e.
facing the traffic) and contain soundproofing material padding. The panel’s metal
shell gives the structure noiseproofing properties, while the high-density
noiseproofing material inside deadens noise.
The product’s light weight and simplicity of installation makes this type of barrier
particularly suitable both for permanent use in outdoor applications, by providing
an acoustic screen for public buildings, hospitals and residential areas against
noise by road and railway traffic, as well as in temporary applications, such as
the screening of noise at construction sites in city centres, or anywhere noise is a
source of serious disturbance.
The opaque screen always has acoustic insulating properties. On request, it can
be made sound-absorbent on one side or on both. Opaque acoustic screens can
also be alternated with transparent ones.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

The soundproofing barrier consists mainly of posts and panels with sound-
deadening and soundproofing properties. The panels are made of FeE250G
(z275) in pre-galvanized steel, in accordance with European Standard 147/1979.
In addition to galvanization, further protection is provided by polyurethane-
aliphatic resin coating, suitable for outdoor conditions and applied
electrostatically, which is fired on in a high-temperature oven. The thickness of
this protective coating is about about 90 ìm.
On request, the panels can be plated in metals, such as aluminium, with suitable
surface treatment.
The panels will stand up to the wind pressures stated in CNR-UNI 10.012 and EN
1794.All the panels are strengthened at their extremities by two PVC caps, fitted
with anti-vibration gaskets where they are in contact with the posts.
The panels’ dimensions are:

 length (distance between centres) 3.000 mm (4.000 mm available on

request)
 height: 500 mm
 width: 115 mm

They are laid with the longest side horizontal and made to overlap in order to
obtain the desired height, which will be a multiple of 500 mm.
The panel face exposed to the traffic is perforated. Inside there is a cushion of
noiseproofing material greater than 90 Kg/m3 density with a protective coating
on the exposed side.
On request, panels with two perforated sides can be supplied.
The panels are supported at each end by the posts so as to form a continuous
barrier.
The posts consist of en HEA 160 profile or two equal and opposing section bars,
which are bolted together. They are shaped like a double T, which therefore has
two cores, with air in-between for insulation purposes. The flanges of the T,
which are folded inwards, serve to hold the panels in place.
The posts have angle-iron fitted to their base, to anchor them to the foundation.
They are hot-galvanized in accordance with EN ISO 1461, and afterwards finished
with the same coat of paint of the panels. The standard colour is green, though
other colours are available on request.

1. 1. STRUCTURE OF THE BARRIERS

1.1. PANEL

Type 1: SOUND-PROOFING PANEL

This type of panel is normally manufactured to run along post centre lines of
3000 mm. The main nominal dimensions are : length – 2970 mm, height – 495
mm, width – 58 mm; the flat development of the sheet is 1000 mm. The
thickness usually utilised is 1 mm, with tolerances according to UNI 5753. The
material used to make the panel is steel galvanised sheet, Fe 250G Z275
according to EN 10147 with guarantee of the mechanical characteristics of no
less than those of steel S 235 JR according to UNI EN 10025. It is painted with
PVCP only on the outer side with a minimum thickness coating of 100 µm. Two
vibration-damping and sound-proofing plastic caps are fitted at both ends of the
panel. Strips of 2 mm thick strong acrylic foam tape, both sides adhesive, are
fitted between one panel and the other to prevent acoustic leakage. The weight
of the “EU Fracasso” panel is of about 16 Kg/m2, compared to a weight of about
50-58 Kg/m2 with regard to the previous types.

Type II: SOUND-PROOFING AND SOUND-DEADENING PANEL

100% polyester fibre pads are fitted in the empty spaces of the panel in the
sound-proofing and sound-deadening barriers, which have been especially
designed by Fracasso to act as sound-deadeners. The density of the polyester
material may vary depending on the local requirements. An appropriate metal
net provides the front protection of the sound-deadening material.

1.2. POST

The supporting structure of the barrier is made up of a number of posts, which

are normally fitted at centre lines of 3 metres. These posts are provided with
base plate or they are cast into the supporting base. Depending on the geometric
configuration of the barrier, the posts may be straight or angled. The post is
sized for the barrier height of 3000 mm and is usually manufactured with HEA
160 type profile. The post is manufactured in steel S235 JR according to UNI EN
10025. It is galvanised and painted .
The acoustic panels are secured to the posts by means of L joining profiles,
complete with vibration-damping gaskets and caps, with the additional function
of preventing acoustic leakage.

2. PERFORMANCES AND CHARACTERISTICS

2.1. SOUND DAMPING

In compliance with current standards, the acoustic barriers are classified

according to various factors, amongst which the main ones are the sound-
deadening, the sound-proofing and the insertion loss IL of the barrier.
While sound-deadening and sound-proofing are intrinsic characteristics of the
sound barrier, which indirectly and feasibly affect the overall performance of the
barrier, the insertion loss IL is the factor that relates to the real difference
between the noise level at the source and the noise level behind the barrier.
As an example, it may stated that the insertion loss IL represents the reduction
of noise, the benefit of which is appreciated by those in the housing area, due to
the effect obtained by positioning the barriers in-between the railway tracks and
the housing area.
The design of the “EU Fracasso” barriers has been developed on the above basic
concept, together with ideas of rationalised structures, in order to obtain the
maximum value of IL with the least waste of energies possible. The values of the
insignificant factors have been intentionally contained.
The result achieved favours the aspect of a high insertion loss IL value, capable
of establishing impressive reductions in acoustic pollution deriving from railway
traffic.

2.2. RATIONALITY OF THE STRUCTURE

The EU Fracasso acoustic barrier is extremely efficient in reducing acoustic

pollution deriving from railway traffic noise with an absolutely rational structure.
It does indeed combine the modular structure of the panelling and of supports
with joined together profiles with rapid application and easy handling.

2.3. THE ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE

The acoustic structure of the panel is quite interesting as it is obtained from a

single 1 mm thick rolled metal sheet, appropriately bent in order to include also
the lengthways stiffening ribs and the suitably bent over edges, without joints.
The stiffening ribs and the edges provide the panel with the required strength to
withstand wind and pressure created when the trains pass by.The unique shape
obtained has however been conceived also from an acoustic point of view: the
empty spaces in the panel that are created by effect of the bending over of the
edges and the presence of the lengthways stiffening ribs with relative wings,
form the sound breaking element that is also suitable to accomplish a moderate
sound-deadening action within a frequency interval that depends on the
dimensions and on the geometric configuration of these empty spaces. The
stiffening ribs on the back of the panel, thanks to their X shape, then modify the
own frequency of vibration and also reduce the sound amplitude.
The overall effect is that of a number of panels, which achieve the local function
of crushing the acoustic front, of relative sound-deadening and of dynamic
damping of the vibration intensity together with the main global action of
achieving an excellent Insertion Loss value.

2.4. CONTROLLED FLAWS IN THE PRESENCE OF VIBRATIONS

It is still to be pointed out that, in its rationality, the panel is crucially resistant to
vibrations. In fact it does not present abnormal reactions even if subjected to
vibrations for a long time. The amplitude of the vibrations, due to the even
thickness, density and strength, remains constant and does not determine
significant flaws, on the contrary to other structures, of different thicknesses,
densities and strengths, in which the vibrations determine increasing flaws as the
energy applied by the sound vibrations grow due to the fact that they
concentrate in discontinuous areas.

2.5. EASY HANDLING OF THE PANELS

The lightweight of the panels, both the sound-proofing and sound-deadening

ones, means that they are easier to handle without having to use forklifts or
platform cranes.

2.6. INSTALLATION

The compactness and the reduced thickness of the panels are especially
appreciated when transporting them (more modular components transported
under the same volume) and above all when installing them, as the EU Fracasso,
barrier does not involve particularly complex or even hazardous procedures.
Their assembly is extremely easy thanks not only to the lightweight of the
components but also to their shape that is free from sharp edges. This modular
system means that the product is versatile and can be designed in many
structural solutions.

2.7. MAINTENANCE

The EU Fracasso panelled structure easily enables the replacement of the

components concerned at any time and in any place. Thanks to the lightweight
structure, the panels are rapidly replaced, thus minimising labour time.
Maintenance is also minimised thanks to the effectiveness in wear of the
protective galvanised coating and painting. To these we can add the capacity of
the panelling of dynamically damping the acoustic vibrations thanks to the special
geometric and dimensional features of the structure, which by vibrating evenly,
does not give way to hazardous flaws in the material, typical on the other hand
of heavy rigid materials.

2.8. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

In order to be attractively installed in various environmental contexts, the EU

Fracasso barriers may be supplied in the entire RAL colour range. In the sound-
deadening version, the polyester material developed by Fracasso presents
interesting requirements of weatherproofing, thus overcoming the damages
caused by mineral wool, even after years of exposure.

All the materials employed for manufacturing “EU Fracasso” barriers can be
recycled.
STEEL /ALLUMINIUM PANELS

Noise barrier composed by sound-absorbing and sound-deadening panels in steel

or aluminium and posts. The dimensions of the panels are: 115 mm width, 500
mm height and suitable length for a center to center distance of 3.0 m.

The posts are HE 160 in steel S235JR and they are placed at a center to center
distance of 3.0 m and have a height multiple of 500 mm; on their base angles or
plates can be welded as to allow their anchoring to concrete structures through
anchor bolts or counterplates.

All steel materials are hot galvanized according to EN ISO 1461.

The posts and the panels are painted with polyurethane-aliphatic powders and
furtherly fired on in a high-temperature oven.
Gaskets, anti-vibration caps, anchor bolts or counterplates are foreseen.

STEEL/ALLUMINIUM AND TRANSPARENT PANELS

Noise barrier composed by sound-absorbing and sound-deadening panels in steel

or aluminium, transparent panels PMMA and posts. The dimensions of the metal
panels are: 115 mm width, 500 mm height and suitable length for a center to
center distance of 3.0 m. The dimensions of the transparent PMMA panels are: 15
mm thickness, 1000-2000 mm height and suitable length for a center to center
distance of 3.0 m. A steel frame with gaskets allows their installation to the
posts.

The posts are HE 160 in steel S235JR and they are placed at a center to center
distance of 3.0 m and have a height multiple of 500 mm; on their base angles or
plates can be welded as to allow their anchoring to concrete structures through
anchor bolts or counterplates.

All steel materials are hot galvanized according to EN ISO 1461.

The posts and the panels are painted with polyurethane-aliphatic powders and
furtherly fired on in a high-temperature oven.
Gaskets, anti-vibration caps, anchor bolts or counterplates are foreseen.

STEEL/ALLUMINIUM, TRANSPARENT AND CONCRETE PANELS

Noise barrier composed by sound-absorbing and sound-deadening panels in steel

or aluminium, transparent panels PMMA, concrete and posts. The dimensions of
the metal panels are: 115 mm width, 500 mm height and suitable length for a
center to center distance of 3.0 m. The dimensions of the transparent PMMA
panels are: 15 mm thickness, 1000-2000 mm height and suitable length for a
center to center distance of 3.0 m. A steel frame with gaskets allows their
installation to the posts. The dimensions of the concrete panels are: 116 mm
width, 500 mm height and suitable length for a center to center distance of 3.0
m.

The posts are HE 160 in steel S235JR and they are placed at a center to center
distance of 3.0 m and have a height multiple of 500 mm; on their base angles or
plates can be welded as to allow their anchoring to concrete structures through
anchor bolts or counterplates.

All steel materials are hot galvanized according to EN ISO 1461.

The posts and the panels are painted with polyurethane-aliphatic powders and
furtherly fired on in a high-temperature oven.
Gaskets, anti-vibration caps, anchor bolts or counterplates are foreseen.

TRANSPARENT PANELS

Noise barrier composed by sound-deadening panels in polymethylmethacrylat

PMMA and posts. The dimensions of the transparent PMMA panels are: 15 mm
thickness, 1000-2000 mm height and suitable length for a center to center
distance of 3.0 m. A steel frame with gaskets allows their installation to the
posts.

The posts are HE 160 in steel S 235 JR and they are placed at a center to center
distance of 3.0 m and have a height multiple of 1000-2000 mm; on their base
angels or plates can be welded as to allow their anchoring to concrete structures
through anchor bolts or counterplates.

All steel materials are hot galvanized according to EN ISO 1461.

The posts and the panels are painted with polyurethane-aliphatic powders and
furtherly fired on in a high-temperature oven.
Gaskets, anti-vibration caps, anchor bolts or counterplates are foreseen.

APPLICATIONS

Acoustic barriers against noise find logical application at points where traffic is
busiest, especially near residential areas, or else in places where specific sources
of noise have grown up, such as factories, discoteques, building-sites, or stone-
crushers.

Noise barriers are particularly important where silence is indispensable (i.e. near
hospitals, old people’s homes and schools).

CERTIFICATION PR EN 1793 PART 5

Fracasso noise barriers has also been tested according to the procedures
foreseen by the project European Norm EN 1793, part 5 with the “Adrienne”
method. The tests have been carried out at the University ogf Bologna, faculty of
Engineering, DIENCA department, c/o Giordano Laboratory of Bellaria di
Romagna (FO), Italy.
The results provided below regard an aluminium barrier containing a cushion of
soundproofing material.
LABORATORY CERTIFICATES

In order to supply the designer engineer with precise indications regarding the
acoustic characteristics of the noise barriers produced by Metalmeccanica
Fracasso S.p.A., the product has been testedat the most important official
laboratoriesspecialized in the acoustic sector, in conformity to Italian and
International norms.

The following properties in particular have been tested.

 The acoustic deadeining coefficient alpha,in conformity with international

standard ISO 354 and according to the European Norm EN 1793, part 1
and part 3
 The soundproofing power "R", in conformity with the international standard
ISO 140/1, ISO 140/III and according to the European norm EN 1793, part
2 and part 3