When Muswellbrook Shire Council & The Australian Rail Track Corporation required a lightweight railway noise barrier, ModularWalls once again designed a bespoke, high performance solution using its revolutionary EnduroMax panel.
The Rail Noise Abatement Project at Simpson Park, Muswellbrook, was a project designed to reduce the noise of passing trains and minimise the effect on existing residents and businesses. Whilst the clients had previously received tenders for a Hebel solution, there were concerns around its weight – and subsequent logistic challenges.
Working closely with both clients, Muswellbrook Shire Council & The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), as well as the principal contractor Bridge & Civil, ModularWalls was able to provide a lightweight, yet durable and robust alternative design.
EnduroMax; The future of infrastructure
The EnduroMax panel is our highly impact-resistant, low carbon modular noise wall panel, specifically designed for the extreme conditions associated with road, rail and civil infrastructure environments. With a density of 30.50 kg/m², it offers a lightweight solution that promises heightened efficiencies in manufacture, transportation and installation, compared to precast concrete or AAC.
Keeping close to the design concept by Architect GHD, as well as the detailed design by Cardno, the final EnduroMax railway noise barrier delivered a sophisticated finish.
Furthermore, in an effort to tie in with existing cultural artworks, the Indigenous Australian artwork in Simpson Park was continued and reproduced along the wall. The design, based off an artwork supplied by the principle contractor, was architectural interpreted inhouse by the ModularWalls engineering team and cut into the EnduroMax panel’s surface.
Railway noise barrier “on budget and on time”
At its official handover, there was nothing but ardent support and appreciation of the project’s efficiencies and overall effect on the community.
Fiona Plesman, General Manager at Muswellbrook Shire Council, offered incredibly positive comments on its success so far.
‘We’re noticing an immediate [noise] reduction, especially at Simpson Park,’ explained Fiona. ‘It’s a lot more pleasant as a recreational area. I think the walls will make a big difference… We’ve also had no problems with graffiti so far. People seem to be very respectful of the project.’
There was also specific mention of the project’s efficiencies, with a nod to the next stages of the project; “It was on budget and on time…and, put up quickly and smoothly,” Fiona remarked.
“We’ll now look at applying for funding to extend the rail noise abatement walls along all three rail lines and into the CBD.”