Plazit Iberica (Girona / Spain), a subsidiary of Israeli plastic sheet extruder Plazit 2001 (Kibbutz Gazit; www.plazit.com), has developed “Plazcast SMR” transparent acrylic sheets for installation as acoustic elements along bridges. Complying with current European regulations, should damage occur to a sheet, the design prevents slivers that may cause injuries to persons or vehicles below. The sheet design is based on a cast acrylic with embedded metal wires. These stainless steel wires can be supplied in rod or cable design and provide a contrast that deters birds from colliding with them.

The company said that tests made under UV exposure and water immersion have shown that the visual contrast does not fade, as acrylic and stainless steel maintain their properties without UV deterioration or humidity effects under harsh weather conditions. Thermal cyclic tests in temperatures from -50 ºC to 90 ºC have also been undertaken with no damage to the acrylic metal matrix. The sheets are available in two versions – either with a combination of metal wires and metal rods or metal rods only. They are supplied from 15mm to 25mm thickness, 3,000mm length and 2,000mm wide. Plazit Iberica was established following the acquisition of Gerundense de Plasticos by Plazit 2001 in May 2010 – see Plasteurope.com of 21.06.2010.