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 Sturgis
Iron and Metal contacted Acoustical Solutions, Inc initially
in July 2006 to help resolve industrial noise and site
concerns stemming from the facility’s close proximity
to a residential community. Sturgis was concerned with
noise created by a metal shredder and sound arising
from the activity of heavy equipment. The SoundScape
Wall provided by Acoustical Solutions met the environmental
and engineering demands of the project.
The Sturgis facility is located in Elkhart, Indiana
where environmental conditions can be particularly harsh
at times. Acoustical Solutions was asked to provide
a sound barrier wall that could withstand decades of
freeze-thaw conditions while remaining architecturally
appealing to the surrounding neighbors. Sturgis Iron
and Metal did not want to use a standard metal or concrete
wall with the demanding conditions. In severe environmental
conditions metal tends to rust and stain while concrete
cracks easily in freeze-thaw conditions. Graffiti removal
was also a concern with these types of walls. Erecting
a metal or concrete sound barrier wall requires the
use of heavy machinery, another cause of apprehension
at Sturgis.
Acoustical Solutions recommended the SoundScape
Wall System to meet the Sturgis Iron and Metal project
requirements. The SoundScape Wall is designed to be
a “hyper construction” sound wall (includes
advanced focus and automatic capability on a single
project). It is lightweight and requires no heavy craning.
Many consultants, engineers and architects now demand
advanced technology and materials in the construction
of sound barrier walls. New materials are being sought
out that virtually eliminate any maintenance after the
acoustical wall has been installed. Unlike conventional
sound wall systems, SoundScape Walls are extremely low
maintenance.
Sturgis Iron and Metal’s engineering demands
were also met with the SoundScape Wall. The sound barrier
wall needed to incorporate two gates to allow access
by tractor-trailers and rail cars. Sturgis also requested
the ability to retrofit the sound wall to raise its
height for future sight growth. The SoundScape Wall
system can be easily modified in the field to meet expansion
demands.
The Sturgis Iron and Metal sound barrier wall was completed
in January 2007, making the industrial site a quieter
neighbor for the residential communities nearby.
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