ECHO BARRIER H-SERIES User manual

PAGE 2 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Echo Barrier Acoustic Panels
Table of Contents..................................................... 2
General Information................................................. 3
Safety Information ............................................... 4–5
Installation Guide............................................... 6–14
Performance Guide.......................................... 15–20
Storage and Transportation ................................... 21
Cleaning ................................................................ 22
Repairs .................................................................. 23

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
H-SERIES: Intelligent Noise Management
Lightweight, compact, flexible acoustic panels (Figure 1),
unrivaled for all-around performance.
The H-series is simple and quick to deploy, clean and
maintain. This user manual provides valuable information
and clear instructions. Its prime aim is to ensure you get
the best out of Echo Barrier’s H-series acoustic panels, in
terms of optimum noise mitigation on-site—no matter what
the project or working environment—and of long-term value.
In this user manual, you will find:
Guidance on health and safety
Detailed information on installation
Technical specifications
Guidance on storage and transport
Instructions for cleaning and repair
Customer Support
Multiquip offers expert and comprehensive technical
support to its customers.
Our technical team is always available to advise on how
best to deploy our acoustic panels in the context of a
particular site, project or eventuality.
Introduction
Echo Barrier leads the world in combating noise pollution
with its modular system of portable acoustic panels.
Internationally endorsed and certified, Echo Barrier is the
first choice of responsible operators for both performance
and sustainability.
Echo Barrier’s H-series acoustic panels offer outstanding
all-around performance, complementing exceptional noise
absorption and reduction with portability, flexibility, durability
and adaptability. They are also simple and quick to deploy.
Impressively resistant to water and extremes of temperature,
Echo Barrier H-series acoustic panels rise to a multitude
of challenges, such as those posed by rugged or difficult
environments. ASTM E84 tests for flame spread and smoke
development make the H-series suitable for projects subject
to highly stringent fire regulations.
Figure 1. H-Series Acoustic Panels

PAGE 4 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
SAFETY INFORMATION
ADVISORY HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Compliance with the working instructions and risk
assessments of the site’s principal contractors.
Protective measures to comply with the principal
contractor’s risk assessment.
Gloves for handling abrasive materials
Safety footwear
Eye protection
High-visibility clothing for
construction/traffic sites
Be aware that surfaces can become hot
through exposure to sun radiation
To prevent ignition damage,
DO NOT expose Echo Barrier panels
to flammable substances
Manual handling:
Echo Barrier panels are flexible and
can be rolled for ease of handling.
• Single panels can be lifted by a single person.
• Multiple panels must be lifted by more than one person.
Working at heights:
• Ensure safety harnesses are worn when working at heights
• Always use a working platform with a hand rail when
installing the barriers at heights

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 5
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING SIGNS
YOU MUST FOLLOW INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND HEED WARNINGS BELOW AT ALL
TIMES. PLEASE SCAN THE BELOW QR CODE TO ACCESS THE USER MANUAL THAT INCLUDES
THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING – HIGH TEMPERATURE:
Placement of Echo Barrier panels under direct sunlight may cause extremely high
temperatures on the panel surface. DO NOT touch without adequate protection.
WARNING – NO CUTTING:
Sharp cutting tools may cause irreparable damage to Echo Barrier panels.
DO NOT use a blade or knife to cut fixings.
INSTRUCTION – FIT THIS WAY:
The front of Echo Barrier panels must face the noise receiver.
The back must face the noise source.
(Please see Positioning and Fixing section on page 7 for details)
INFORMATION – SUB-ZERO RESISTANCE:
Echo Barrier panels are cold resistant subject to BSEN 60068/2/1:2007.
(Please see Panel Specifications table on page 11 for details)
INFORMATION – WATER RESISTANCE:
Echo Barrier panels are water resistant subject to BSEN 60529:1992 IPX9.
(Please see Panel Specifications table on page 11 for details)

PAGE 6 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Figure 2. Installation Components
Suitable structure for fixing
the Echo Barrier panels
Fitting kits Buffalo Bolts Echo Barrier panels
BEFORE INSTALLATION
Please read these instructions carefully before commencing
installation. Keep instructions in a safe place for future
reference.
1. Check that there are sufficient and suitable components
(Figure 2) to meet the particular noise-control needs
of the project, site and environment. Check too that all
components are in a serviceable condition.
2. Check all components carefully before assembly, to
ensure that all of the necessary parts are present and
none of them are damaged.
3. Is the supporting structure fit for purpose?
a. Is the structure stable?
b. Is the structure of sufficient height to carry the
Echo Barrier panels?
c. Are the correct fitting kits/fittings available for
attaching the Echo Barrier panels to the structure?
d. Ensure that the Echo Barrier panels can be safely
fixed on the structure using the existing eyelets in
the panels.
NOTICE
The Echo Barrier panels should NOT be pierced to
create additional fixing points.
4. Consider the environmental/working conditions to
which the Echo Barrier panels will be exposed.
a. Wind loading — In windy conditions, ensure
that wind levels are consistently monitored.
Additional bracing might be required. In very high
winds, it might become necessary to remove the
Echo Barrier panels from the structure entirely.
b. Prevailing weather conditions — Exposure to
extreme heat, rain, sleet, snow and ice
c. Ground conditions — DO NOT install where the
ground is liable to flooding, or where there are
drainage gullies/ditches or evidence of subsidence.
d. The surrounding work zone and the likelihood of
exposure to hot works/naked flames
e. The surrounding work zone and the likelihood of
exposure to corrosive chemicals
f. Road and traffic conditions in the vicinity of the
installation — Prevention of potential collisions
with the fixing structure
g. Is there any requirement for additional support in
the form of cantilever bracing?
h. Has a risk assessment been completed?
i. Has a temporary works assessment been
completed?

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 7
POSITIONING AND FIXING
Positioning the Echo Barrier Panels
to Create an Acoustic Shadow
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Figure 3. Acoustic Shadow
Acoustic shadow
Noise sou
rce
Noise
receiver
Echo Barrier
position
Optimum Echo Barrier
position
Please refer to the Performance Guide in this manual for
advice on how to position the Echo Barrier panels in order
to achieve maximum noise mitigation. See the Key Factors
in Successful Noise Mitigation section.
Attaching the Echo Barrier Panels
to the Supporting Structure
There are two easy ways of attaching the acoustic panels
to the supporting structure:
Echo Barrier’s dedicated fitting kits
Generic fixings (e.g. bungee hooks, cable-ties).
Echo Barrier panels can be installed vertically or
horizontally, according to the specific on-site conditions
and requirements.
Correct Orientation
The front of each Echo Barrier panel is different from its
back (Figure 4).
The front (which carries the Echo Barrier logo)
must face the noise receiver.
The back (a mesh surface) must face the noise
source.
Orientation instructions are printed on the panels.
Figure 4. Panel Orientation
Front Back

PAGE 8 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Installing Echo Barrier Panels
Provided the supporting structure is of sufficient height and
strength to support the Echo Barrier panels, the panels can
be attached to:
Fencing
Chain-link fencing
Site hoardings (using drilled holes and fixing cables)
Scaffold tubes
Trusses
Beams
Security
To minimize the risk of theft or damage through graffiti,
Echo Barrier panels should be installed on the inner side
(Figure 5) of any structure to which the public might have
direct access.
Figure 5. Panel Security
Anti-Theft Cable
Security cables (Figure 6) can be used to padlock the
Echo Barrier panels to the supporting structure.
Figure 6. Security Cable
Fixing Points
The existing eyelets (Figure 7) should serve as the sole
fixing points for the Echo Barrier panels. You should not
attempt to pierce any additional holes in the panels.
Figure 7. Eyelet
The eyelets at the top left-hand and right-hand corners
are the principal fixing points of each Echo Barrier panel.
The central eyelet can be used for further securing the
Echo Barrier panel to the supporting structure. It can also
be used as a mid-fixing point if a panel is:
• straddling two supporting structures;
• being folded around a corner; or
• being installed horizontally.
The fixings in Echo Barrier fitting kits, or generic cable-ties,
can be used for the central eyelets.

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 9
Overlapping the Echo Barrier Panels
When installing Echo Barrier panels either horizontally or
vertically, the attachments should be made via the eyelets
at the top left-hand or top right-hand corners of each panel.
The non-acoustic border of each Echo Barrier panel
should overlap (Figure 8) the non-acoustic border of the
adjacent Echo Barrier panel. This will serve to maximize
noise reduction. As further Echo Barrier panels are added
to create a barrier of a suitable size/configuration, they
should also be overlapped.
Figure 8. Overlapping Panels
Folding the Echo Barrier Panels
Echo Barrier panels are flexible and can be folded to
match the shape of the supporting structure.Whether fitted
vertically or horizontally, Echo Barrier panels can be folded
around corners to create an unbroken barrier for maximum
noise reduction.
FITTING KITS
Echo Barrier’s fitting kits (Figure 9) contain all the necessary
components to optimize the installation and removal of the
acoustic panels.
Figure 9. Fitting Kit Components
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Dedicated kits are available for:
Standard installation
The creation of a vertical acoustic curtain or for
extra-secure fixing. This kit includes Buffalo Bolts.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Install a hook on the supporting structure (e.g.fencing).
2. Hold the Echo Barrier panel against the structure.
3. Place the hook through the top eyelet at either the
left-hand corner or the right-hand corner of the
Echo Barrier panel.
4. With the Echo Barrier panel hanging temporarily from
a single hook, install a second hook on the fixing
structure.
5. Attach the panel to this second hook, using the top
eyelet located at the opposite corner of the panel.
6. The panel, now hanging from two hooks, should be
fully supported and hanging square.
7. Fix the next Echo Barrier panel in the same manner,
using the hook installed in Step 4 for the left-hand or
right-hand eyelet of the new panel.
8. The borders of the panels should overlap.
NOTICE
For proper installation, the manufacturer recommends
one hook and two bungees per Echo Barrier panel,
plus one additional hook for the last panel.
EXAMPLE: A 100-panel installation requires:
100 panels × 2 = 200 bungees
100 panels × 1 = 100 hooks + 1 add’l hook = 101 hooks
NOTICE
The recommended safe working vertical load for an
M16 Buffalo Bolt is 364 lb. (165 kg). See Table 2.
NOTICE
For more detailed instructions, refer to the Installation
Instructions included with your Echo Barrier panels.

PAGE 10 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
9. Following the procedure in Steps 4–6, secure the new
panel with a further hook.
10. To secure each Echo Barrier panel further to the fixing
structure, a hook (or a bungee or cable-tie) can be
inserted into the center eyelet at the top of the panel.
11. Two or three hooks should be used for each Echo Barrier
panel, further secured with appropriate bungees or
cable-ties, in accordance with the site conditions.
12. Thread and attach a bungee through the eyelet in the
center of the side of each Echo Barrier panel, thus
forming a seal between the panel and the supporting
structure.
13. Thread and attach a bungee through the central eyelet
at the bottom of each panel.
14. In both of the above cases, the toggle of the bungee
should emerge at the back of the Echo Barrier panel.
Straighten the toggle to block the eyelet.
15. To attach a bungee to the supporting structure, thread
the bungee through the eyelet. When the toggle
emerges on the other side of the supporting structure,
straighten the toggle, stretch the bungee, and hook it
to the fence, ensuring a tight seal.
Cable-ties can also be used to secure the Echo Barrier
panels to a supporting structure. The cable-tie should be:
• threaded through each eyelet as required;
• looped around a section of the supporting structure;
and
• reinserted into an adjacent eyelet.
Removal of the Echo Barrier Panels
1. Move along the fence line, removing the hooks from
the fence.
2. Unfasten or cut all the cable-ties that are securing the
panel to the fixing structure. For cutting, use scissors,
not a blade.
3. Unhook the panels once all of the fastenings have been
loosened or cut.
4. Stack the panels safely.
NOTICE
DO NOT use a blade to cut fixings.This might result in
damage to the panel.
VERTICAL INSTALLATION ON SCAFFOLDING AND
CREATION OF A VERTICAL ACOUSTIC CURTAIN
Echo Barrier acoustic panels can be installed on the
scaffolding of a multi-story building, providing noise
mitigation for projects in built-up areas.
1. Ensure that the scaffolding:
• has been designed, installed and certificated by a
competent company;
• has a safe loading limit sufficient to support the panels;
• will withstand prevailing weather and environmental
conditions; and
• is suitably tied and braced. Refer to regional scaffold
standards as necessary.
2. Ensure that adequate equipment is provided to
allow safe access/egress from the installation point.
Echo Barrier recommends that the panels should NOT
be manually carried up ladders or transported on a
mobile elevating working platform (MEWP).
3. In windy conditions it is recommended that the
Echo Barrier be secured to the fencing at each fixing
point. Lift the panels to the scaffold height, at a location
near the planned installation point.
Figure 10. Buffalo Bolts
Removal of the Echo Barrier Panels
1. Move along the scaffolding, removing the fixings and
releasing the panels from the structure.
2. Once the panels are released, remove and stack safely.
3. Store and reuse the fitting components as possible.
NOTICE
When installing a vertical screen or curtain, use M16
Buffalo Bolts (Figure 10), attaching the Echo Barrier
panel with two bolts in the top eyelets and two bolts in the
lateral eyelets. See Table 2 for safe working load data.

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 11
Table 1. Echo Barrier H-Series: Panel Specifications
Applications Results
Max noise reduction (lab tested) Please refer to specific product specification sheet
Max noise absorption (lab tested) Please refer to specific product specification sheet
Height 81 in. (2,050 mm)
Width 53 in. (1,335 mm)
Rolled dimensions 16 in. diameter (400 mm), 53 in. wide (1,335 mm)
Weight Please refer to specific product specification sheet
Water resistant test standard BSEN 60529:1992 IPX9
Fire resistant test standard BS 7837-1996
Dust resistant test standard BSEN 60529-1992
Cold resistant test standard (result) BSEN 60068/2/1:2007
Tensile test standard (result) Please refer to specific product specification sheet
UV resistant 3 years
Safety features Night-time reflective strips, hazard icons
Quick install 1-man assembly (installation kits), rollable
Installation kits Ye s
Anti-theft Security cable, data tag (requires special scanner)
Cleaning Power wash
Identification code part number Unique RFID number per unit (read with special scanner)
Manufacturer’s warranty 1 year
Color options On request (minimum order quantities apply)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Table 2. Buffalo Bolts: Technical Data
Recommended maximum safe vertical
working loads for Bluemay Nylon Threaded
Rod, Buffalo Bolts and T-Nut Connectors:
Size lb. (kg)
M6 66 (30)
M8 110 (50)
M10 176 (80)
M12 265 (120)
M16 364 (165)
M20 474 (215)
Temperature range from +122°F to -22°F
(+50°C to -30°C)
NOTICE
Figures quoted are for vertical loads only—no data is
available for inclined or horizontal loads.

PAGE 12 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Tightening and Use of Nuts
Care should be taken to not overtighten nuts when used
with thermoplastic threaded rod.
NOTICE
Nuts should be tightened by hand and given half a turn
with a spanner wrench.
NOTICE
It is not recommended to use steel nuts with
thermoplastic threaded rod or bolts.
Table 3. Mechanical Data
Property Dry Temp.
°F (°C) Units Nylon 6.6
Tensile strength 73 (23) lb-in. (N/mm²) .55 – .74 (62 – 83)
Elongation 73 (23) % 20 – 200
Modulus of elasticity 73 (23) lb-in. (N/mm²) 15.3 – 24.2 (1,733 – 2,744)
Hardness: Rockwell 73 (23) R112 – R120
Hardness: durometer 73 (23) D80 – D85
Flexural strength 73 (23) lb-in. (N/mm²) .76 – .86 (86 – 97)
Deformation under load 14 N/mm² after 24 hrs. 122 (50) % 1.0 – 3.0
Impact – Izod Notched at 50% RH 73 (23) ft-lb. (J/m) 81 (110)
Table 4. Thermal Data
Property Units Nylon 6.6
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion L/L/°F (10-6/K) 55.5 (100)
Melting point °F (°C) 500 (260)
Flammability Self-extinguishing
Coefficient of thermal conductivity Btu foot/hour/ft²/°F
(W/K.m) .138 (0.24)
Deflection temperature: at 0.5 N/mm² °F (°C) 397 (203)
Deflection temperature: at 1.8 N/mm² °F (°C) 14 (60)

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 13
ECHO BARRIER DISCLAIMER
Echo Barrier Limited disclaims warranties of any kind
other than those specifically contained in its Limited
Warranty.Without limiting the forgoing, Echo Barrier Limited
specifically disclaims any liabilities that may arise directly
or indirectly as a result of the following:
1. On-site application or installation, including but not
limited to damages as a result of any fault attributable
to personnel installing the Echo Barrier panels
2. Unauthorized disassembly or repair
3. Damage due to improper handling
4. Normal wear and tear
5. Damage as a result of alteration, repair, or part
replacement not authorized by Manufacturer
6. Misuse, willful damage, abnormal storage or working
conditions, or abuse
7. Unreasonable use and/or negligence
8. Installation, use or maintenance of Echo Barrier
panels which is not in accordance with the written
recommendations and restrictions as contained in this
Installation Guide or any signage on the Echo Barrier
panel itself
9. Contact with corrosive or flammable substances
10. Submersion in water, whether by design or due to
flood conditions
11. Damages due to severe weather conditions—i.e.
heavy wind, thunderstorms, snowstorms, rainstorms,
hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms
UV EXPOSURE WARNING
Regular cleaning of the panel surfaces with a combination
of chemicals can damage the UV-resistant coating on
the fabric on the back of certain H-series panels. As a
consequence, the color will fade through extreme exposure
to sunlight.
INSTALLATION GUIDE
NOTICES AND GENERAL WARRANTY
Please Note
This Installation Guide represents the general
guidelines for effective installation and optimum use of
Echo Barrier panels. Echo Barrier Limited reserves the
right to alter these suggestions. It is the responsibility of
the buyer/hirer, engineer, contractor, and/or their respective
representative(s) to ensure that installation meets all
applicable building standards and regulations. There is
no performance warranty expressed or implied for any
particular project or installation.
Copyright and Trademarks
© 2011 Echo Barrier Limited. All rights reserved.
All brand names and product names are trademarks,
registered trademarks or trade names of their respective
holders.
Regulatory
The product has been tested by certificated test bodies
and found to comply with specific manufacturing standards.
For test results and specific standards please refer to the
product specification sheets.
General
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the
information given in this manual. However, in some cases
changes in the product or availability could occur which
may not be reflected in this document. Echo Barrier Limited
reserves the right to make changes to specifications at any
time without notice. Performance specifications are typical,
but may vary depending on conditions beyond the control of
Echo Barrier Limited, such as incorrect installation and/or
maintenance of the product, and the working environment.
Performance specifications are based on information
available at the time of printing. Echo Barrier Limited
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material,
including, but not limited to, implied warranties of fitness for
a particular purpose. Echo Barrier Limited will not be liable
for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the performance or use of this
product.

PAGE 14 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
INSTALLATION GUIDE
This product is designed and manufactured with high-quality
materials and components that can be recycled and reused.
Figure 11. Universal Recycling Symbol
This symbol (Figure 11) means that, at their end of life, the
items should be disposed of separately from regular waste.
Please dispose of the product appropriately and according
to local regulations, in compliance with the Environmental
Protection Agency (USA), Department of Environment and
Energy (AU), or Environment Agency (UK).
Please help us to conserve the environment we live in!
General Warranty Statements
Multiquip or Echo Barrier will not be held responsible for
any de-fit/re-fit costs where components have been fitted
incorrectly or damaged during assembly.
If any fault is found with the materials or workmanship,
please refer to the manufacturer’s warranty specific to your
region or point of purchase. Remedial action will be taken,
based on information received, on condition that:
• full details are supplied to Multiquip or Echo Barrier;
• the components have not been modified or tampered
with; and
• Multiquip or Echo Barrier is informed of any
damage/shortages prior to assembly.
This Installation Guide represents the general guidelines
for effective installation and maximum use of the
Echo Barrier. Multiquip or Echo Barrier Limited reserves
the right to alter these guidelines without prejudice to
their legal requirements. It is the responsibility of the
buyer/hirer, engineer, contractor, and/or their respective
representative(s) to ensure that the installation of the
Echo Barrier panels meets all applicable building standards
and regulations. There is no performance warranty
expressed or implied for any particular project or installation.
Multiquip or Echo Barrier does not accept responsibility for
any problems that may occur through incorrect assembly
of any single or collective parts. The success of the
noise reduction installation and operation is dependent
on the siting of the acoustic barrier to block the line of
sight between the noise source and the noise receivers,
assessed by your acoustic calculations and assessment.

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 15
BARRIER NOISE MITIGATION
Echo Barrier’s guide to successful noise mitigation with
portable acoustic barriers. Echo Barrier leads the world
in combating noise pollution with its modular system of
portable acoustic panels.
This introductory guide defines:
• why Echo Barrier’s portable acoustic panels are so
effective at mitigating noise;
• why they offer superior performance in diverse
operating conditions; and
• how you can achieve best results with them, in terms
of both noise mitigation and broader commercial and
reputational benefits.
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Echo Barrier is committed to combating noise pollution and
enhancing the sustainability of projects and businesses
through the practical application of innovative technology.
Decibels, Noise Mitigation and the Human Ear
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Since the
decibel is a logarithmic (non-linear) unit of measurement,
noise mitigation of just 3 dB is equivalent to a substantial
(50%) reduction in noise energy, yet that reduction is only just
perceptible to the human ear. If noise mitigation increases
to 10 dB, it equates to a reduction in noise energy of 90%,
which the human ear senses as noise reduction of 50%.
The chart below (Figure 12) places this in the context of the
performance of Echo Barrier’s H-Series acoustic panels.
Taking this further, the chart makes clear why it becomes
difficult to mitigate noise by more than 20 dB in the field
(on-site).
Figure 12. Barrier Noise Mitigation
0 3 5 10 13 15 20 23 26 30 35 40 49
68
50
90
95
97
99
99.5
99.7
99.9
99.97
99.99
99.999
% reduction in noise energy
attenuation: decibels (dB)
sounds half as loud
just perceptible by ear
sounds 25% as loud
sounds 12% as loud
H4 field attenuation
H4 lab. attenuation: single
H4 lab. attenuation: double
NOTICE
Attenuation = Noise Mitigation

PAGE 16 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Especially important is that noise reduction of 20 dB
equates to energy reduction of 99% (Table 5), yet the
remaining 1% of energy represents 25% of the noise level
perceived by the human ear.
Table 5. Noise Reduction
Decibel
reduction (dB)
Energy
reduction (%)
Noise reduction
as perceived by the human ear
10 90 Sounds 50% as loud (reduction of 50%)
20 99 Sounds 25% as loud (reduction of 75%)
30 99.9 Sounds 12.5% as loud (reduction of 87.5%)
40 99.99 Sounds 6.25% as loud (reduction of 93.75%)
KEY FACTORS IN SUCCESSFUL NOISE MITIGATION
There are 4 key factors that determine the noise mitigation
achieved by a barrier of any kind:
1. Geometry — The position of the barrier in relation to
the noise source.
2. Noise absorption — The degree to which the barrier
absorbs sound, rather than simply reflecting it. When
noise is reflected, it can reverberate, amplifying noise
pollution.
3. Barrier mass — Greater mass offers greater noise
mitigation (i.e. results in greater transmission loss),
but for the sake of practicality, a barrier also needs to
remain manageable in terms of its size and weight,
especially if it is to be portable.
4. Barrier aesthetics — If barriers are manufactured to
a high standard and present a professional image, the
perceptions of their performance can be considerably
enhanced.

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 17
Geometry
Optimum configuration and noise mitigation with
Echo Barrier’s modular system
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Figure 13. Barrier Geometry:
The Key to Optimum Noise Mitigation
Acoustic shadow
Noise sou
rce
Noise
receiver
Echo Barrier
position
Optimum Echo Barrier
position
The geometry of noise attenuation concerns the relative
positions of:
• any barrier;
• the source of the noise it is intended to mitigate; and
• the noise receiver (the human ear).
The closer the barrier is placed to the noise source,
the greater the noise mitigation, since the barrier’s
‘acoustic shadow’ becomes larger—just as an object’s
visual shadow becomes larger when placed closer to a
light source. If a barrier is made taller, this also increases
the size of the acoustic shadow and reduces the amount
of sound that passes over the barrier.
High-frequency sound is more directional than lower
frequency sound. This means that higher-frequency
sounds encountering a barrier are easier to mitigate than
low-frequency sound, which is more likely to diffract and
‘leak’ around the barrier.
For optimum mitigation of low-frequency sound, any barrier
should be as tall as practically possible. Echo Barrier’s
modular system of acoustic panels can respond to this
need, since the panels can be readily assembled to create
an acoustic ‘wall’ or ‘curtain.’
Noise Absorption
Echo Barrier’s patented technology means that sound
is absorbed, not reflected.
Essentially, there are three kinds of barriers that are used
in efforts to manage noise:
Massive, heavy barriers made of hard materials
such as wood, metal or glass
Basic ‘sound blankets’ and conventional
acoustic barriers which make use of generic
sound-absorbing materials such as fiberglass
and Rockwool
Echo Barrier’s high-tech acoustic panels, which
are built around a lightweight composite which is
highly sound-absorbent

PAGE 18 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
The capacity of materials to absorb sound ranges from
0 (total reflection of sound) to 1 (100% absorption of
sound, i.e. zero reflection). Hard materials such as wood,
PVC, steel and glass in fact behave like acoustic mirrors,
reflecting sound that strikes them and creating an echo.
This means that a barrier made of hard materials can
cause noise to be amplified rather than mitigated, the
opposite of its intended effect. By contrast, the patented
high-tech composite that forms the heart of Echo Barrier’s
panels ‘cushions’ and absorbs the noise. In fact, at certain
frequencies it absorbs 100% of sound.
The soft, sound-absorbent materials used in basic ‘sound
blankets’ and conventional acoustic barriers, such as
fiberglass and Rockwool, are hazardous to handle.
Echo Barrier’s innovative panels, however, contain no
hazardous components, and are easy and safe to handle.
Moreover, Echo Barrier’s lightweight composite vastly
outperforms conventional sound-absorbent materials when
it comes to attenuating low-frequency sound.
Conventional materials such as fiberglass and Rockwool
also soak up water, which can reduce their performance by
50%. Echo Barrier’s innovative composite is protected (to
BSEN60529:1992 IPX6/IPX9) by a waterproof membrane,
so that Echo Barrier panels can withstand wet weather
conditions and be jet-washed safely, with no risk to their
efficacy.
Barrier Mass
Mass and Weight: An Effective, Practical Balance
Generally speaking, the mass of a barrier has a major
impact on the transmission of sound: the heavier the
material, the less it vibrates, and consequently less
sound passes through it. In practice, more sound tends
to pass over a barrier rather than through it, so it can be
advantageous for a barrier to be taller rather than simply
greater in mass.
For a portable noise barrier to be both effective at noise
mitigation and physically manageable, it needs to strike the
optimum balance between mass, weight and dimensions.
Echo Barrier’s modular system of compact panels has been
specifically conceived with this optimum balance in mind.
At the heart of each panel is Echo Barrier’s lightweight,
but highly sound-absorbent composite. The panels have
been designed for easy and rapid configuration in order
to provide maximum noise mitigation across diverse site
geometries. The various components of Echo Barrier’s
system can be positioned, combined and layered to provide
the best possible response to the particular conditions
and challenges of a project. To create an acoustic wall
or curtain, they can be linked both vertically and laterally,
or doubled up in thickness (which substantially increases
noise mitigation).
Intelligent Design
The absorption of low-frequency sound achieved by
Echo Barrier’s patented composite is comparable with the
performance of conventional sound-absorbent materials
that are more than twice as thick. As a result, Echo Barrier
panels are much slimmer and lighter than conventional
acoustic barriers—and they offer the same level of
performance under both dry and wet conditions.
If barriers are to achieve optimum mitigation of noise, they
must be particularly effective at absorbing frequencies in
the 300 Hz – 800 Hz range (low/medium frequencies).
Higher frequencies, by comparison, are relatively easy to
block. Any sound-absorbing barrier (including Echo Barrier’s
panels) needs to be a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) thick to
be effective.
To absorb low frequencies (e.g. 250 Hz), conventional
sound-absorbing materials need to be 100 mm (4 in.) thick.
As a consequence, basic sound-absorbent blankets can
become excessively heavy and cumbersome if they are to
be effective across the full range of sound.These problems
do not occur with Echo Barrier’s modular range of acoustic
panels, which are lightweight and can easily be layered to
provide extra thickness and sound mitigation.

ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18) — PAGE 19
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Portability and Reconfiguration
During the course of any project, the geometries between
barriers, noise sources and noise receivers change
frequently—sometimes constantly. As conditions change,
so should your noise-mitigation measures if optimum
results are to be achieved.
Massive hard barriers are not portable since they are too
heavy and cumbersome to be reconfigured or moved
around during the course of a project. By contrast,
Echo Barrier offers a modular system of portable acoustic
panels which are not only effective at attenuating sound, but
also quick and easy to deploy.They offer flexibility and favor
constant optimization of performance as circumstances
and needs change.
Independent tests have shown that, in the field, Echo Barrier’s
panels can provide no less than three times the mitigation
at low frequencies that was recorded in Echo Barrier’s own
laboratory tests and subsequently published.
Barrier Aesthetics
Looks Really Do Matter
Echo Barrier’s panels are hand-finished to ensure both
outstanding durability and unrivaled quality of visual
presentation.
Echo Barrier’s products thus prove an asset when it comes
to projecting a professional and responsible corporate
image on site.The panels can printed with brand logos and
community care messages, enhancing brand awareness
and communication.
Independent research has shown that the evident quality
of Echo Barrier’s products enhances perceptions of their
already exceptional performance. Notably, the high-quality
presentation of Echo Barrier’s products led research
respondents to perceive them as considerably more
effective at mitigating sound than typical shabby-looking
barriers. Positive perceptions of this kind reduce the
likelihood of complaints from people in the vicinity of a site.
Echo Barrier’s panels, which can be jet-washed, maintain
their appearance throughout their usable life, remaining a
visual as well as a practical asset.
Ease of Use, Safety and Environmental Responsibility
Echo Barrier’s innovative acoustic panels are designed
for easy transportation and for quick installation and
disassembly.
When compared with conventional acoustic barriers, an
Echo Barrier system can be installed twice as fast by half
the personnel. This creates obvious economies, and rapid
deployment proves invaluable for quick-turnaround projects
such as nighttime rail maintenance and urgent road works.
Echo Barrier offers a dedicated rapid installation kit for its
lightweight panels, and the panels can be simply rolled up
for easy storage and transportation.
During the course of a project, the panels can be readily
reconfigured in response to changes in site geometry and
requirements for noise mitigation. They can also be linked
both vertically and laterally, and doubled up in thickness,
to create an acoustic wall or curtain.
Health and Safety
Echo Barrier’s panels are constructed with an innovative
hi-tech composite that has been rigorously tested, both in
the laboratory and in the field. They do not contain fibrous
materials such as Rockwool and fiberglass (used in sound
blankets and conventional acoustic barriers), which can
prove hazardous since they irritate skin and can cause
dermatitis. Not only will blankets eventually tear or rip,
releasing fibers, they can also harbor large quantities of
dust, which can prove a respiratory hazard. Moreover, the
slimness and light weight of Echo Barrier’s panels make for
easy and safe handling, and they are resilient and tough,
not prone to tearing or ripping.
Environmental Responsibility
Echo Barrier is proud to say that its latest generation of
acoustic panels incorporates a substantial proportion of
recycled materials. All panels returned at the end of their
lifecycle to Echo Barrier are either recycled or disposed of
in accordance with strict guidance provided by the Carbon
Footprint Association.

PAGE 20 — ECHO BARRIER • USER MANUAL — REV. #0 (09/14/18)
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Table 6. Checklist:
Echo Barrier vs Other Acoustic Barriers
Feature Echo
Barrier
Other
Barrier Reason
Acoustic performance
Waterproof (to BSEN60529) ✓Waterlogging compromises performance by up to 50%
3 kg/m² or 5 lb/yd² > weight > 2.5 kg/m² or 4 lb/yd² ✓Optimum weight for most applications
Acoustic absorption > 80% (300 Hz – 800 Hz) 40 mm ✓Achieve highest performance in the field
40 mm or 1.5" > thickness > 25 mm or 1" ✓Effective sound absorption—but slim
Rapid installation kit ✓Easy optimization of site geometry/rapid deployment
Aesthetics ✓Considerably enhances perceptions of efficiency in noise mitigation
Panels can be doubled-up on site ✓Increase mitigation where needed
Performance: total marks from possible 7 7
Site practicalities and handling
Rapid installation kit ✓Install 2× faster with ½ the personnel
Lightweight ✓Better/easier manual handling
No fiberglass/Rockwool ✓Not hazardous to skin
No water retention ✓Less weight/mess/mildew
No retention of dust i.e. non-porous ✓Avoid respiratory hazards—dust diseases
Roll-up design feature ✓Better/easier manual handling/storage/transportation
Scaffold curtain fit kit ✓Quicker installation with fewer personnel
Minimum 5-year life (durable and well made) ✓Value for money
Site: total marks from possible 8 8
Site safety and security
No fiberglass/Rockwool ✓Not hazardous to skin
No retention of dust i.e. non-porous ✓Avoid respiratory hazards—dust diseases
Fire-resistant ✓Reduced fire risk
Lightweight ✓Better/easier manual handling
Reflective strips ✓Night-time visibility
Anti-theft cable ✓Reduced potential for theft from site
Safety: total marks from possible 6 6
Aesthetics and corporate image
High-quality materials and construction ✓Corporate image on site combined with durability
Color options ✓Harmonize with corporate branding/environment
Printing of logos, messages, contact details ✓Company branding, corporate image and marketing
Minimum 5-year life (durable and well made) ✓Site looks professional and well run over project period
Aesthetics: total marks from possible 4 4
Recycling
Extensive use of recycled materials ✓Substantially reduced carbon footprint
Comprehensive recycling policy ✓Environmentally responsible
Recycling: total marks from possible 2 2
Purchase Costs — ROI
Cost per barrier divided by typical lifespan ✓Industry norm is 6 months to 2 years. Projected life of Echo Barrier H4 range
is 3–5 years outdoors, up to 10 years indoors
Total checklist marks from possible 28 28