Clear path for stable noise protection: frictional connection between support pillars and steel bridge thanks to Liquid Lining Sheet® MM1018

Special technical challenge for force-fit gap compensation

Noise barriers on railroad tracks over steel bridges are exposed to exceptionally high loads. They not only have to absorb the noise of rail traffic. The bridge body is also a source of noise and vibration. This poses particular technical challenges for the flange connections between the noise barrier posts and the steel bridge.

To ensure that these bolts do not come loose even under permanent high loads – a problem that is often associated with considerable repair costs and downtimes – the connecting flanges must be flat and tight to the millimetre so that no excessive stresses can build up and the components meet the high requirements of a long service life in rail traffic. In order to ensure the best possible frictional connection between the 15 support posts and the steel bridge in Berlin, with a base plate of 460mm x 380mm and a wedge of 0 to 5mm to be filled, DIAMANT Polymer GmbH was commissioned to have the gap compensation on the flange connections carried out by a team of experienced specialists.

“We are delighted to have made a contribution with our products to ensuring the population-friendly noise protection of a highly frequented railroad line in the German capital,” summarizes Carsten Kunde, Managing Director of DIAMANT Polymer GmbH.

Form-fit injection of the MM1018 liquid lining sheet

Two perfectly matched variants of the high-performance polymer were used on the Berlin steel bridge. MM1018 SEAL is a fast-curing metal polymer for pressure-tight joint sealing. It is used in conjunction with the injection of the low-viscosity gap filling material MM1018 FL to seal cavities to be injected and prepare them for application with MM1018 FL.

The application of the corrosion- and weather-resistant MM1018 SEAL is facilitated by cartridges with a compulsory mixer. MM1018 FL is the liquid version of the highly filled metal polymer for casting or injection. The product is currently the only one of its kind to have general building authority approval for use between steel components.