Wood-Concrete Sound Abatement Hybrid
Wood-Concrete Sound Abatement Hybrid
Sustainability
Using wood reduces CO2emissions by 193 tonnes per kilometer of sound abatement.
An 8’ high section of wood-based sound abatement consumes 1 m3 of wood for every 5.2 mters installed. According to Plant friendly Canada, using wood instead of concrete reduces carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by up to one tonne per cubic meter of wood used.
Installation can also be completed without heavy equipment, resulting in further C0 emissions savings from reduced fuel consumption.
Cost Advantage
The wood/concrete hybrid system is lower cost than other sound abatement alternatives.
The final installation cost of the wood/concrete hybrid system is approximately $110 per lineal foot or under $14 per square foot. A comparable concrete sound abatement wall is typically costed at $30 per square foot.
Most sound abatement walls split the final cost equally between installation and materials. The wood/concrete hybrid system is no different, except the cost for both is substantially less than competing products.
Acoustical Performance
The wood/concrete hybrid system meets and exceeds the North American acoustical sound abatement requirements.
Wood based sound abatement is already approved for use in a number of jurisdictions in North America and Europe. The engineered solution proposed here for BC achieved a standard acoustical performance of STC 34, comfortably exceeding the requirements of all known North American jurisdictions [most jurisdictions require STC 20-30].
Installation
Installation does not require heavy machinery and can be accomplished with fewer posts.
A demonstration fence measuring 177 feet was completed in North Vancouver with three men and one wheelbarrow in four days.
Concrete panels are generally made to a maximum of 8’, while wood is available in lengths of 10’ and 13’. This allows greater distances to be covered with fewer posts, thereby substantially reducing installation costs. Considering one of the greatest unknowns in installation is the ability to sink posts in suitable ground (avoiding rocks, roots etc), the ability to offer lengths varying by up to 1 meter also allows for ease of planning.
Conditioning
Conditioning the wood ensures longevity, performance and aesthetic appearance.
Pacific coast wood is the primary input for this product and naturally grows to the dimensions and density required for sound abatement. This wood’s aesthetic appeal and performance is enhanced by appropriate milling and conditioning to ensure the wood lasts as long as competing materials in similar conditions.
Flexibility
Wood sound abatement provides flexibility.
Wood is light weight and flexible, offering pre and post installation options without requiring heavy machinery. Pre-installation options include routering for advertising or notification (e.g. chevrons indicating corners or advertising local business). Post-installation options include hanging seasonal flower baskets or other alterations (painting, at-tachments etc.).