Contractor: Wates Construction
Type of works: design and installation of 6m, 4m and 3m high Betta reflective acoustic barriers

The contract consisted of the design and installation of 6m, 4m and 3m high Betta reflective acoustic barriers, incorporating double-leaf gates along with other sundry fencing.

The Betta Group was responsible for the above-ground design in liaison with Capita Symonds, Harding Neil & Watson Architects and the main contractor, Wates Construction.

The design of the 6m high Betta reflective acoustic barrier was particularly difficult, with the foundations set in disturbed ground and spanning a large diameter deep level drainage pipe. Through utilising galvanised PFC top capping, vertical diagonal flat braces and high level tubular horizontal corner ties, the structure was stable.

The installation was made more difficult with the close proximity of a railway line, requiring detailed lifting plans and a safe method of work to protect both personnel and property.

Both the 6m and 4m Betta reflective noise barriers had 3m high double-leaf gates designed into them.

The 3m high Betta reflective noise barrier was also particularly interesting, with the top line being held horizontal and the bottom line climbing a 1:24 slope towards the end of the run.

The Betta Group also supplied and installed, during the contract, a timber earth retaining landscape feature; timber palisade fencing and gates to the sprinkler tanks; temporary hoarding and temporary chain link compound fencing.