Array of invention.

The present invention deals with a system for acoustic and/or visual barrie, to be used for division between noisy transport arteries or industry zones and between dwelling zones. The hollow structure of barrier enables to use the area and inside thereof as a major duct for infrastructures and other use.

Background.

As a result of constant rise of motorization rates, combine with surge of environment values and with rowing density of metropolitan regions-the need and use of acoustic and other barries is rapidiv growing Concrete and metal walls, as well as earth and stone rides, are popping in land strips dividing between road and rails to domestic quarters.

The common solutions are of two basic types, and some combination thereof.

A. Upright walls, made of reinforced concrete, blocks. metal, plastic, glass etc.

The walls are situated adjacent to the noise origin as close as possible. Common height of walls: 3-7 Meters.

B. Earth rides, usually with vegetation, with or with no stone terraces. Common top of ridés 3-7 M. from highway level. Width of ridage base: 14-30 M. A variant of this solution may be a ridge of earth/rocks confined with boards or mesh of any material. This kind of ridge is less land consuming, but still

consumes some meters of a strip.

C. Combine barries: e. g. a small earth ridge, with an upright wall on top of it.

This kind of combination consumes about 15 M. width of land, while top of barrier is located 8-9 m. off the curb of the road.

Analysis: Avantages of upright walls are: minimal land consumption, good acoustic effectiveness.

Disadvantages: Imprisonment feeling of protected people, stress on drivers close to wall, high costs. radiating of noise in direction of the road.

Avantages of using ridges as barries: Good visual integration in environment, keeping options to add lanes to road, using ridae as dump area to fill surplus earth.

Possible planting gardens, better noise absorption. Disadvantages of ridaes: Large land consumption (see above), no space for infrastructures, distance of ridge peak from origin of noise reduces effectiveness. high maintenance costs.

Brief description of the invention.

The presented invention provides a different and improved solution compare to existing methods described above. The invention deals with an acoustic-visual barrier especially to be used for separation between high capacity roads and rails and between residential areas. The barrier consists of two incline walls connecte to each other on top. The structure is hollow and empty except infra -structures installe inside, and in some cases structural elements. Cross section of the structure may be triangle, trapezoid and similar. The angle of the wall facing the source of noise should be about 15% for best radiation of noise towards the sky.

Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within required standards.

Using barries as ducts for metropolitan infrastructures depends heavily in efficient town planning authorities and land developers to provide long and consecutive stripes for this purpose.

Barriers may also be installe on top of existing underground pipes and conduits, provided they are strait enough, keeping possible maintenance afterwards. In suitable locations/cases the hollow barrier may be utilized for special crops (e. g. rowing of mushrooms) or for dwelling of animals (e. g. sheep, goats, turkeys.).

A/M options for utilization of space are not conditional for the invention.

Detailed description of invention.

The present invention deals with an acoustic-visual barrier especially utilized to separate between noisy transport arteries or noisy industries and between residential-education-health structures.

The barrier consists of two incline walls connecte to each other on top. The structure is hollow and empty except infta structures installe inside. and in some cases structural elements. Cross section of the structure may be triangle, trapezoid and similar. The anale of the wall facing the source of noise should be about 15% for best radiation of noise towards the sky.

Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within required standards.

Common preferred structure is triangular, dimensions: base 2-5 meters wide, height 3-10 m.

Walls may be made of concrete, metal, plastic material or else, all within required standards. It is possible to attach to walls racks/containers with plants, or to plant special clinging vegetation that might cover the walls with green appearance. Addition of vegetation is optional only.

Following is a description of three samples of numerus possibilities to implement a barrier. Users may choose any of them, or others, as found fit to local conditions or architectonic preference. Using the following samples does not limit the extent of patent cover.

Fig. 2 & 6 describe barrier made of large pre-fabricated boards based on proper foundations, connecte to each other by the top. Boards may be of different materials as mentioned above.

Fig. 3 & 10 describe barrier made of small pre-fabricated boards installe on kind of pillars that, in turn, are based on proper foundations. The pillars are shaped as triangles, thus resulting with a similar view of structure. Boards may be of different materials as mentioned above.

Fig. 13 & 17 describe barries similar to the former, but using only one wall towards the source of noise. On the other side a wire mesh may be installe, to enable vegetation to climb and cover the inside, whatever is there.

Important note: If barrier need to be located along curved road, boards of different sizes should be fabricated to offset the different lengths required. if curving is vertical, steps should be designed for foundations, accordingly.

The innovation and avantages combine in the propose invention is summarized as follows:

a) Minimal land requirement as compare to earth ridges. By the same token the angling of the walls + the climbing plants offer to the spectators, drivers and dwellers alike, a lesser threatening view. On top of it, the narrow land stripe used may be utilized for some very good uses.

In some cases, where no public land exists between the road and private property, it may be found possible to construct the barrier on private land and let the owners to utilize the structure for storage or else. b) The barrier system according the invention is a light and cheap structure due to the leaning of the 2 walls on one another. c) The barrier may be designed of relatively light units, 400-500 kgs. each.

Therefor it may be manufactured in industrial plants and assemble in site by liaht truck borne cranes. Thus minimizing labor time in field and possible obstruction for trafic. In the case of barries of complete segments, with no poles larger cranes are required-but assembly time is reduced. d) The propose barrier system, avoiding noise penetration to protected ares. also contributes considerably to reduce resonance of noise in opposite direction.

This due to the incline walls reflecting resonance toward sky, and partly to "clinging"plants attache to the walls. e) The pipes, cables and other infrastructures installe inside the barrier benefit better defence from impact of weather, at the same time are better accessible for maintenance and alterations. Thus reducing public expenditure and adding to profits of utilities owners.

General Description of Drawings Fig. 1-Generalized scheme of hollow barrie.

Fig. 2-Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, flat walls..

Fig. 3-Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, stepped walls.

Fig. 4-Side angled view of hollow barrier, flat walls, with planted containers.

Fig. 5-Front view of hollow barrier, stepped walls, with planted containers.

Fig. 6-Option for rection of complete segments, no poles, on top of ditch.

Fig. 7-Option for rection of segments, with temporary stands.

Fig. 8-Option for rection of segments, temporary pole, detail.

Fig.. 9-Another option, with a top beam for reinforcement.

Fig. 10-Another option, step like walls with concrete pillars.

Fig. 11-Step like walls, concrete pillar, detail.

Fig. 12a-Detail of (Fig. 10) interface between step and flower box.

Fig. 12b-Detail of (Fig. 14) interface between step and flower box.

Fig. 13-Single incline wall, concrete pillar.

Fig. 14-Step option, resting on metal poles.

Fig. 15-Step option, metal poles, detail of pole.

Fig. 16-Combined option, flat walls, resting on metal poles.

Fig. 17-Combined option, stepped wall, metal poles, single wall.

Fig. 18-Combined option, concretepillars.walls,

Fig. 19-Combined option, flat single wall, metal poles.

Fig. 20-Combined option, stepped single wall, concrete pillars.

Fig. 21-Combined option, flat wall, concrete pillars.

Fig. 22a-Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22b-Detail: pre fabricated stresse concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22c-Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, perforated, absorbing..

Detailed description of drawings.

Fig. 1-Generalized scheme of hollow baumier.

The barrier, with incline walls (3), separates between highway (a) and housing area. The empty space inside the structure (1) is to be used as conduit for pipes, cables and other infrastructure.

Fig. 2-Generalized scheme of hollow barrier, flat walls..

Typical section of barrier with flat walls. In between the source of noise (a) and receptor (b), two incline walls (2) are connecte by leaning on each other. On the walls planted boxes may be fixed, or any other decoration. The structure is based on longitudinal or traverse foundations (4) to meet local ground requirements. Along the structure (some times inside) a drainage ditch (c).

Fig. 3-Generalizes scheme of hollow barrier, stepped walls.

Sample of barrier with step like walls. As described above (Fig. 2), but walls (2) may be shaped as steps for convenience of construction or for architectonic reasons.

Fig. 4-Side angle views of hollow barrier, flat walls, with planted containers. 4a shows the inside of the barrier with spacing ajustable rods (28), two walls (1), and two planted boxes (3). 4b show the connecting gadgets (26) and the planted boxes (1).

Fig. 5-Front view of hollow barrier, stepped walls, with planted containers.

The wall plates (2) may be made of any material with acoustic properties, 25-40 kas peur sq. m. Poles, if required, are shown by broken lines (5). On the wall are attache planted garden boxes (3). Flowers and clinging plants (6) soften the otherwise harsh view of barren walls. Location of foundations, if required, is marked by (4).

Fig. 6-Option for rection of complete segments, no poles, on top of ditch. The barrier is manufactured in plant of complete segments containing two walls (2a), connecte to each other by metal rods (25,26) on top and ajustable telescopic @

rods (29) down. The segments to be placed on foundations (27), that may be used as a drainage ditch (28) for rain water coing from road (31), through release cells (30). The placing notches (27b) on top of fondation to be filled with cement grout after segments are placed and offset correctly. Beneath the fondation (27a) a flattening layer of concrete should be placed. Close to the top (32) rods should be attache for placing of cables or pipes, as well as the spacing rods (29). The main avantages of this option: saving space by using the same space for ditch and barrier, closer placing of barrier to source of noise, minimal work along existing roads.

Fig. 7-Option for rection of segments, with temporary stands.

This option is also for assembly of segments using a temporary stand (5) to lean the segments against during rection. Again a segment of two walls (l, 2), connecte to each other on top by flexible metal connectors (26). In this specific option the walls may be transported to site, flat, like a closed folder. The temporary stand (5) helps to open the closed"folder"while being lowered to place. After fixing the segment to fondation (4), the telescopic legs (6) may be lowered and stand moved to next segment. Then connection rods may be installe for stabilization of the structure and for pipes and cables installation.

Fig. 8-Option for rection of segments, temporary pole, detail.

Detailed drawing of temporary stand. Item (6) stresses the legs to be lowered or dismantled to move the stand forward.

Fig.. 9-Another option, with a top beam for reinforcement.

All previous described options may have a beam on top (8) to improve acoustic effectiveness and add a planting box on top. Two more boxes (3) may be added on foundations (4), while connecting trusses (4a) should be cast between foundations. Inside a metal structure (5) is used to bear the walls (2) and any other loads. Foundations (4,4a, 4b). An opening for men to pass, (6).

Fig.. 10-Another option, step like walls with concrete pillars.

The walls of barrier (1) are supplie as small panels (1) approximate. 4.00 by 1.00 by 0.12 m. The panels are assemble in site on concrete pillars (2) that are stepped for this purpose. on top of each panel (1) a plant box (3) may be attache.

The pillars (2) have holes (5) to place through the cables and pipes. A large opening (6) in the pole enables employees to move inside barrier while installing and servicing the cables and pipes. The panels (1) may be made of reinforced or pre stresse concrete or else. Panels may be decorated, or left to be covered with plants.

A topping plate (8) serve the same function as described in fig. 9. The pillar inclues a hook (7) for lifting and assembly by crane.

The pillar (2) stands and is connecte to a basis (4a) which is cast or placed on a levelling layer (4b). The pillar should be designed according the height required by the barrie. More details for the pole-fig. 11.

Fig.. 11-sep like walls, concrete pillar, detail.

Most details are described un fig. 10. (4a) shows concrete parts of basis that are cast in plant together with pillar, while the rest of basis should be cast in site after putting the pillar in place.

Fig.. 12a-Detail of (Fig. 10) interface between step and flower box.

The interface between the plant box (3) and two adjacent panels (1). Means of connecting the box to structure should be designed to fit size of box and material of panel.

Fia. 12b-Detail of (Fig. 14) interface between step and flower box.

Same as above (12a), but corresponding to metal pole, fig. 14.

Fig. 13-Single incline wall, concrete pillar.

A cheaper solution to replace kind of barrier in fig. 10. Pre fabricated concrete panels (1) attache to concrete pole (2). Holes (5) for pipes and concrete fondation (4). On top a roof panel (8) with plant box (3).

Fig. 14 - Stepped option, resting on metal poles.

Basic idea similar to fig. 10. except that poles (9. 10) are metal, not concrete.

The poles to be placed on foundations (4). The panels (1) placed on special racks welded to polies. and the panels also fixed to poles-welded or screwed.

Top panel (8), plant boxes (3). described earlier (fig. 10). Interface between wall panels and internal structure (11)-see in Fig. 12b,opening (6) for men.

Fig. 15-Stepped option, metal poles, detail of pole.

This drawing describes the metal pole to lean on it the barries described in fig.

14 and 16. A structure made of two metal profiles (9), connecte by smaller profiles (10). The small profiles are serving two purposes: a. bearing the load of walls leaning on the main ones (9), and b. bearing the infra-structures (pipes, cables) that reside inside the barrie, opening (6) for men.

Eight variants, various combinations of the main options described above, are shownshownin the 16-21.drawings Fig. 16-Combined option, flat walls, resting on metal poles.

This combination, include flat halls (1) on metal structure. Vegetation boxes (3) used onlv on top and at the bases. This combination is somewhat cheaper to make and will last longer to be covered with vegetation. The poles (9,10) are as described in fig. 15.

Fig. 17-Combined option, stepped wall, metal poles, single wall.

This variant may be even cheaper than the previous one. Based on fig. 14, but inclues only one incline wall (1), to be towards the source of noise. On the opposite side a wire mesh may be fixed to help vegetation climb. Center pole (9,10) is described in fig. 15.

Fig. 18-Combined option, flat walls, concrete pillars.

This variant is combine of flat walls (1), concrete pillars (2), as few vegetation boxes (3) as needed, plus topping board (8).

Fig. 19-Combined option, flat single wall, metal poles.

Similar to that described in fig. 16. Flat single wall (1), metal poles (9,10). The missing wall substituted by a mesh for vegetation planted in boxes (3) plus concrete bases.

Fig. 20-Combined option, stepped single wall, concrete pillars.

Again"half structure"is described, vegetation only on the single incline wall.

This most economized variant uses half size of ground, and still may host some infrastructure.

Fig. 21-Combined option, flat wall, concrete pillars.

Similar to fig. 20, but flat wall. Concrete pole (2a), plant boxes (3) only on top (8) and bottom. The pillar (2a) still has holes for pipes (5) and was described in fig. s 10,11.

Fig. 22a-Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22b-Detail: pre fabricated stresse concrete wall section, notched.

Fig. 22c-Detail: pre fabricated concrete wall section, perforated, absorbing..

These 3 drawings illustrate 3 possibilities, of numerus others, to manufacture wall panels for the various barries described.

22a, may be cast on site. 10-15 cm. thick. If required will have notches (12) to enable fixing on poles with some overlap. (see fig. 14).

Stresse concrete panel (22b), will be manufactured in plant, 7.5-12.5 thick, may also be notched (12), for a/m reasons.

Perforated panel (22c-13) should also be manufactured in plant. 10-15 cm. thick.

With an absorbing layer (14) attache if required.

In summary it need to be said that this invention include many variations, mostly combine of 2 basic ones-those described in fig. s 2 and 5. Human imagination may add many more. Nevertheless, the basic ideas"starring"in this invention are: Ridge-like green barries friendly to drivers, passengers and residents without waste of precious ground.

Barriers are hollow, to be used as conduits, saving more land and making maintenance easier. Also help prevent mishaps of breaking lines through negligence of contractors and heavy equipment operators.

Most, sometimes all, components may be manufactured in plants. Thus achieving high quality and low cost at any weather. Erection in site is simple, easy and fast.

Most variants of barries may be dismantled and components reused at any time in future days when roads are to be widened.