Gramm Barriers installed their latest innovation by HATKO at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence site this week – recycled rubber acoustic panels designed to cut noise and reduce carbon emissions.
The ground-breaking new system has been developed in collaboration with HATKO and has been specifically engineered to reduce noise generated by rail traffic, as well as cut rail industry emissions.
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is a major new rail and mobility research, testing and innovation facility currently being developed in South Wales. GCRE will support the UK and European rail industry with the development of new rolling stock, infrastructure and cutting-edge new technologies
The barriers, which were installed at GCRE this week, act as a sound absorber for rail trackside noise, but also have wider application for road and industrial use. Made from high strength recycled rubber tyres, the system is one of the most sustainable in the world, designed to help operators reduce carbon emissions.
The high-density acoustic barriers have been installed at GCRE to demonstrate to rail and customers the unique features of the new system.
Kelly Warburton, Chief Commercial Officer at GCRE Ltd, said: “We were delighted to welcome our Gramm Barrier colleagues to the site this week and to help them erect their cutting-edge new barrier system. The team believe that their new panels will have major benefits for the rail industry and see in GCRE a fantastic platform from which to demonstrate the utility of their sustainable system.
“The barriers help to cut down trackside noise and support the industry to develop new and more sustainable methods of construction – in this case finding a way to re-use rubber tyres that would otherwise have to be disposed of.
“Having the Gramm/HATKO product installed here at GCRE shows exactly what our facility can do as a place not only to develop and prove new products for market, but also for the demonstration of that technology to new commercial markets.
“Collaborations such as these are a win-win. For innovators and the supply chain GCRE offers the chance to demonstrate ideas and technologies in a live railway environment and for GCRE it helps us highlight the very latest, sustainable and cutting-edge innovations in our industry.
“Demonstration of products, services and systems will be one of GCRE’s most important future business lines, with lots of potential at our facility to showcase ideas from rail systems equipment such as track and signalling to data and communication technology to plant and machinery and much more.
“It’s been great to work with the Gramm Barriers team to show what is possible.”
Backed by the Welsh and UK Governments, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence has attracted significant interest from across the rail industry.
Steve Barnes of Gramm Barriers said: “GRAMM have installed rail noise barriers for the last 30 years across the UK. Innovation is key in our industry and our exclusive UK partnership with HATKO helps deliver this message at GCRE, allowing us all to showcase to the world, a carbon neutral product where one solution, solves two pollutions.
“Lineside neighbour noise on rail is on the increase with whole life cost now becoming key in a rail network with aging assets. Combine this with rapid installation, it allows less disruption on the network, which the HATKO noise barrier provides in abundance.
“HATKO also utilises recycled carbon fibre from wind turbine blades, which is a usual sight when you visit GCRE in the windy Welsh hillsides. Reaching net zero on rail is key for the industry and planet. Gramm and HATKO are proud to showcase our innovative solution to the world with the great support of GCRE”
