CENTRIA unveils Eco Sound Barrier
Composite sound barrier is cost-effective alternative to precast concrete
March 2, 2009
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — CENTRIA is proud to introduce the industry’s first inexpensive composite sound barrier. Eco Sound Barrier provides an environmentally friendly alternative to precast concrete sound barriers at nearly one-third of the material cost.
“Eco Sound Barrier by CENTRIA is a revolution in highway sound barrier technology,” said Rick Mowrey, director of marketing and business development for CENTRIA. “Our new sound barrier not only saves money for state DOTs, but it’s also a truly green alternative to precast concrete.”
The only highway product to be Cradle-to-CradleCM certified, Eco Sound Barrier is made from 25 percent recycled material and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life. And at only 2.25 to 4.25 pounds per square foot, Eco Sound Barrier is much lighter than traditional precast sound barriers, requiring far fewer trucks to transport it to the jobsite. This dramatically cuts down on emissions and reduces a highway project’s carbon footprint.
Beyond the environmental benefits, using Eco Sound Barrier can significantly cut project expenses. Eco Sound Barrier material costs, on average, are about a third of what precast sound barriers typically run. Additionally, fewer workers can install the barriers in less time than traditional precast barriers, lowering labor costs. And the reduced number of trucks and cranes required for transportation and unloading at the jobsite also save on expenses.
Eco Sound Barrier panels come in standard lengths of 12, 14 and 16 feet but can also be customized to fit particular project requirements. They also offer a sound transmission coefficient (STC) rating of up to 25, and the panels come in five finishes: ivy, brick, cobblestone, stucco and painted, with 40 color options to choose from.
Because the finish is baked onto the panels during the manufacturing process, and not painted on-site like precast barriers, no maintenance is needed throughout the life of the sound barrier. Eco Sound Barrier also has a 20-year finish warranty.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission became the first to use Eco Sound Barrier in May 2008 on a section of the turnpike that goes through Enon Valley, Pa. The sound barrier covered 24,000 square feet, took only five days to complete and required no lane closures. A similar precast sound barrier would have taken nearly four weeks to install. The original estimate also called for 45 trucks to transport the precast sound barriers to the jobsite, but because of Eco Sound Barrier’s lightweight panels, only six trucks were required. Additionally, for this project, precast sound barriers were quoted at $25 per square foot, but Eco Sound Barrier costs only $10 per square foot.
“The total project came in almost $385,000 under budget,” said Kevin Scheurich, project manager with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “This enormous savings of taxpayer dollars was thanks, in large part, to our decision to use Eco Sound Barrier panels.”
About CENTRIA
Based in Pittsburgh (Moon Township, Pa.), CENTRIA is an international company and the U.S.’s premier supplier of architectural metal wall and roofing systems used in commercial/industrial projects. Since 1906, CENTRIA professionals have provided quality products and services for architectural and construction firms worldwide. For more information, visit www.CENTRIA.com.