The Sound of Silence

BY ROGER SIMONSSON « WORKSITE PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

Sound is an important, yet often overlooked, part of our daily lives. Its effects on health have become an important part of the safety conversation, the negative effects of sound exposure on employees and the public are a growing concern with construction and demolition key among industries.

Finding efficient, cost-effective ways to limit sound pollution has become a major priority for contractors. But sound-proofing an active jobsite is easier said than done. So, contractors have begun looking to innovative manufacturers for creative equipment solutions to stem the noise. Handheld pneumatic devices and concrete saws operating as part of a road or bridge repair project register around 100 dB. Hydrodemolition robots, on the other hand, typically operate about 10 dB lower. The quieter operation is thanks in part to a heavy rubber hood over the demolition area that helps protect workers from flying debris but also dampens sound. Remote operation increases sound safety by keeping workers at a distance.

Diesel-powered, trailer-mounted, high-pressure pump setups can be as loud or even louder than the robot. While hoarding (temporary solid barriers) works well, it takes extra time and resources to set up and often needs to be moved with the machinery, limiting productivity. Some of today’s innovative high-pressure pump designs solve this problem by incorporating hoarding into the equipment itself for a self-contained system designed to reduce decibel levels to almost the point of normal conversation.

In addition to isolating engine sound within a container, some designs also employ advanced stop-start technology—similar to today’s automobiles. This method not only cuts down on noise levels, it reduces idling and can save as much as 20 to 25 liters of fuel per day.

Noise restrictions will only continue to increase as jobsites move further into heavily populated urban environments. Investing in quieter methods not only ensures contractors meet current regulations but promises long-term options as the construction and demolition landscape continues to evolve.

Roger Simonsson is managing director of Aquajet.

Adapted from

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21204760.

1926-2021 95

QUALITY ... SERVICE...INTEGRITY

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 27