October 5, 2017
The new Eglinton Crosstown LRT line is a major infrastructure project being built in the heart of Toronto. Fifteen below-grade stations are under construction along a 10-kilometre section — eleven using a “cut and cover” method and four using a “mining” method. Laird Station is one of these four.
Officials with CrossLinx Transit Solutions knew that noise from their Laird “mine site” was going to be a problem. So they selected a Silent-Protector (Absorptive) solution from AIL Sound Walls for a temporary construction sound barrier. And, they selected it for all the right reasons:
- Lightweight and easy to install along the site’s narrow perimeter
- Smaller footings and flexibility in pier locations
- High enough to protect third floor neighbours
Nimble AIL Sound Walls navigate tight site and muffle mechanical equipment noise
Every inch counts on a tight urban jobsite like this. Large walls can often require a large footprint for the structural columns. Not so with the lightweight PVC construction of AIL Sound Walls. Lighter walls mean smaller structural columns or piers. We were able to work closely with the CrossLinx engineering team to determine their placements so they would not interfere with the main components of the station. Creative solutions and our ability to field-cut panel lengths helped minimize any impact on the wall design.
Sound barrier part of comprehensive plan
The AIL Sound Walls were just one part of a proactive noise and vibration reduction plan put in place by CrossLinx before construction began. The plan also included ventilation silencers, rubber mats, alternative backup signals, enclosures for pumps and generators, as well as careful sequencing of the works to minimize night-time delivery and hauling.
The AIL Sound Walls team is currently working with CrossLinx on two other stations for the project.
Related Article:
Mining at Laird Station »
