A new generation noise barrier has been introduced by Echo Barrier in the Australian market that can reduce construction noise by up to 30dB(A).
 
Noise management is critical to project timing and profitability at construction sites. The new noise management solution will benefit construction companies, local businesses and residents alike. Echo Barrier’s portable noise barrier absorbs sound rather than just reflecting it, and has already proven popular on large scale overseas projects including the 2012 London Olympics. Echo Barrier’s local customers include companies such as John Holland Group, Regional Rail Link and Aggreko.
 
Echo Barrier’s Ray Lee explains that the barriers can significantly reduce noise impact on people living and working near construction projects. Construction companies also benefit from the solution as they no longer have to spend time dealing with noise complaints, and liaising with councils, local businesses and residents to continue work on site without stoppage. Noise complaints can cause work to stop, potentially delaying projects and also causing friction between the construction company and the local community.
 
Excessive noise from construction projects can cause significant impact including loss of sleep or inability to work or study for residents, as well as the potential loss of revenue for local businesses. Keeping noise levels to a minimum will help enhance the company’s reputation within the community.
 
According to Ray, conventional noise mitigation solutions for construction projects meant building heavy duty noise walls, which can be expensive, time consuming and sometimes impractical.
 
However, Echo Barrier helps the company create a noise wall, and set it up and take it down every day thanks to their portable design.
 
Key features of Echo Barrier noise barriers:

  • Portable noise management solution
  • Unique easy-to-use design is versatile, effective and affordable
  • Engineered from patented lightweight highly sound absorbent material
  • Does not absorb water – stays light and manoeuvrable even on wet days
  • Lightweight construction allows single person to move the barriers around sites
Although construction noise is not addressed by national building code legislation, the Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants says there is a desire in the industry to implement best practice noise management strategies. According to Association Chairman Martti Warpenius, they
provide advice to a number of construction companies on best practice acoustic control during the construction phase and in the building design itself.
 
He observes that companies are generally striving for best practice noise protection approaches on their projects sites though there is no national legislation governing noise. Best practice can be gauged by looking to the specific needs of a community. Options can range from the use of noise barriers to equipment that emits lower noise levels or even temporarily relocating affected communities during peak construction periods.