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The Latest Technology in Acrylic Sound Barriers: Safety, Silence, and Visibility

Author: Alan FAN     Publish Time: 2022-03-23      Origin: Jinan Jinbao Plastic Co., Ltd.

n infrastructure projects, you are always balancing three critical factors: Noise Reduction, Structural Load, and Driver Safety.

For decades, concrete walls were the standard. They were effective but ugly, creating a "tunnel effect" that fatigued drivers and blocked sunlight for neighboring residents. Then came glass (too heavy/dangerous) and polycarbonate (yellows too fast).

Today, the global standard for highways and bridges is the Reinforced Acrylic Sound Barrier.

At Jinbao Plastic, we supply government contractors and road construction firms with the latest generation of acoustic PMMA sheets. Here is why this technology is replacing traditional materials on viaducts and railways worldwide.

What is a Reinforced Acrylic Sound Barrier?

Direct Answer:
A Reinforced Acrylic Sound Barrier is a thick (15mm–25mm) cast acrylic sheet specifically engineered for noise mitigation. Unlike standard acrylic, these sheets often contain embedded polyamide filaments (nylon threads).
Why threads? If a vehicle crashes into the barrier, the acrylic may crack, but the threads hold the fragments together, preventing dangerous shards from falling onto traffic below.

The 3 Critical Advantages for Civil Engineers

When bidding on a municipal project, you need materials that meet strict longevity and safety codes. Here is how Jinbao’s acrylic stacks up.

1. Superior "Bridge-Safe" Weight

The Problem: Installing heavy tempered glass on elevated bridges or viaducts adds massive dead load, requiring expensive structural reinforcement.

The Solution: Acrylic is 50% lighter than glass (Density: 1.2 g/cm³ vs 2.5 g/cm³). This allows for taller barriers (better noise blocking) without exceeding the bridge's weight limits.

2. 30-Year UV Stability (vs. Polycarbonate)

The Problem: Polycarbonate (PC) is strong, but it has poor UV resistance. In sunny climates, PC barriers turn yellow and hazy within 5-7 years, looking dirty and old.

The Solution: Jinbao’s Sanitary Grade PMMA is naturally UV stable. We guarantee no visible yellowing for 30 years, ensuring the highway looks pristine for decades.

3. Acoustic Performance (STC Rating)

The Problem: You need to block traffic noise (60-80 dB) from reaching residential zones.

The Solution: Our 20mm acrylic sheets offer a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 32-34 dB. The high mass of the sheet reflects noise back toward the source, effectively silencing the road for nearby homes.

Acrylic Sound Barrier


Technical Comparison: Why Choose Acrylic?

Feature

Jinbao Reinforced Acrylic

Tempered Glass

Polycarbonate (PC)

Safety (Breakage)

Safe (Threads hold fragments)

Dangerous (Shatters/Falls)

Safe (Unbreakable)

UV Lifespan

30+ Years (Remains Clear)

Permanent

5-7 Years (Yellows)

Weight

Light (Easy Install)

Heavy (High Load)

Light

Bird Protection

Available (Printed Stripes)

Stickers required

Hard to print on

Cost

Moderate

High

High

Customization Options for Your Project

We understand that every highway project has unique specs. Jinbao offers:

  • Thickness: 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm (Standard for Highways).

  • Bird Protection: Black lines printed inside or on the surface to prevent bird strikes.

  • Colors: Clear, Blue Tint, Green Tint, or Matte Frosted.

  • Sizes: Custom cut to fit your steel posts (H-beams).



Acrylic Sound Barrier




Conclusion

Don't compromise on your infrastructure materials. Glass is too heavy; Polycarbonate doesn't last.

Reinforced Acrylic is the only material that offers the clarity of glass, the safety of plastic, and the longevity required for public works.


Bidding on a highway or railway project?

Send us your technical drawings. We can provide a full quote including sea freight to your port within 24 hours.





About the Author:


Alan FAN is the CEO of Jinan Jinbao Plastic Co., Ltd., established in 1996. With a focus on large-scale industrial supply, Alan has overseen the production of acrylic materials for major infrastructure projects globally. His expertise lies in balancing cost-efficiency with rigorous safety standards for construction and transport sectors.


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Jinbao Group was established in 1996 and its head office is located in the beautiful spring city-Jinan, Shandong province.

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