Developed a New Soundproof Wall Construction Method to Improve Workability and Safety

Vertex Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuzuru Yamamoto; hereinafter "the Company") has jointly developed with Tokyu Construction Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Koji Hisada) and the Railway Technical Research Institute (Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo; Chairman: Kimitoshi Ashiya), a new soundproof wall structure called "Stream Panel" (Registration No. 7047758) that integrates the foundation and soundproof wall into a single construction unit.

Previously, soundproof walls used for railway overpasses and other structures faced challenges such as prolonged construction periods due to complex construction processes and risks of spalling due to aging deterioration, posing maintenance issues. This new method uses precast members made of highly durable Ultra-High Strength Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UFC) to integrate the foundation and soundproof wall sections into a single construction. Compared to conventional methods, this new construction method involves fewer work processes, allowing for a shorter construction period. Furthermore, by integrating the panel and foundation into a single structure, the need for external scaffolding and formwork assembly for foundation construction is eliminated, improving workability. Additionally, the risk of spalling on the soundproof wall surface due to aging deterioration can be reduced, leading to improved safety and reduced maintenance burden.

Structural tests have confirmed sufficient resistance to cracking, bending strength, and fatigue durability for this construction method. Sound insulation tests have also confirmed sound insulation performance equivalent to conventional soundproof walls.

The Company will actively propose the adoption of this construction method, aiming to contribute to improved workability and safety, as well as reduced maintenance burden for railway civil engineering structures, including overpasses where soundproof walls are applied.

[Construction Method Overview]

A precast member (precast soundproof wall), which integrates the foundation and soundproof wall sections, is installed outside the foundation reinforcing bars protruding from the slab. A precast member (embedded formwork) that also serves as formwork for the foundation section is installed on the track side. After connecting the two with separators, foundation concrete is poured to construct the structure (Figure 1).

To enhance adhesion with the foundation concrete, the inner side of the precast members features uniform unevenness as an adhesion surface, and the outer precast member (precast soundproof wall) is equipped with shear connectors (Figure 2).

The design and construction guidelines (draft) for this construction method are available on the members-only website of the Railway Technical Research Institute's Railway Technology Promotion Center.

[Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Vertex Corporation, Railway Business Division

TEL: 03-3556-0464 E-mail: [email protected]