September 10, 2018
As part of a runway-shortening project at Santa Monica Airport, a sound barrier wall was required to mitigate aircraft noise between a taxiing/turning area and the administration/maintenance area. The design-build project team chose a Tuf-Barrier (Reflective) noise wall solution from AIL Sound Walls.
We worked closely with the engineer and the contractor to determine the proper system and wall layout to meet all the requirements. Our lightweight and easy-to-install PVC system was built with minimal disruption to the airport’s tarmac. Plus, the flexibility of our system allowed it to follow a small amount of grade change along the 400′ run, which avoided having to step the wall.
Tuf-Barrier noise walls feature integrated solar light fixtures
The owner also wanted to integrate solar lights into the tops of a few posts so the AIL Sound Walls Engineering Team developed mounting plate attachments for them. We often accommodate requests to add lights or security wire to our sound barrier walls. Other customizations include access or view posts, vents and pedestrian or vehicular doorways. Not a problem for versatile AIL Sound Walls.
A focused engineering and manufacturing effort expedited production and kept the material delivery on schedule. Airport officials are very happy with the wall’s appearance and performance.
The shortened runway will reduce jet traffic and pollution over residential neighborhoods in both Santa Monica and Los Angeles. The runway shortening is part of the historic Consent Decree between the City of Santa Monica and the Federal Aviation Administration, which gives the City the authority to shorten the runway now and eventually close the airport after 2028.
