Providing excellent design
and blending with the scenery

TOKYO ROPE MFG. CO., LTD.

Acrylic translucent panels are finding
an increasing range of applications thanks
to a variety of their excellent characteristics
Acrylic translucent panels have been used in many sound barriers thanks to their excellence in sound insulating,scenic, and daylighting properties. As the panels were successfully used years after years, their total economy,
backed by safety and weather resistance, has been evaluated. Recently the panels are used in snow fences,windbreak fences, wave splash barriers, entrance/exit roofs of underground passage, and the raising of water
cutoff walls.
Workability is one of the excellent characteristics of acrylic translucent panels. In fact, the panels can be worked
into a variety of shapes, so that they can be used in a broad range of applications.

1

ACRYLIC TRANSLUCENT PANELS

2High transparency, with superb sound insulation and safety
Easy maintenance and recycling

Extremely high transparency
that does not obstruct view

Excellent strength and weather
resistance enable prolonged use

The initial light transmittance of acrylic translucent panels is ashigh as 92% (for panel thickness 12 and 15 mm), which does not
obstruct view.

Acrylic is superior in mechanical characteristics, such as tensile
strength and bending strength, to polycarbonate. In addition, theweather resistance is nearly permanent, the mechanicalcharacteristics decrease as little as 0.5% per year, andtransparency remains as high as 96 to 98% of the initial value inten years. These characteristics are combined to provide a very
long useful life, which is an important economic factor.
■Mechanical characteristics of acrylic plate(nylon cord included) - typicalSpecific gravity
Tensile strength（N/mm2）
Elastic modulus（N/mm2）
Elongation（%）
Bending strength（N/mm2）
Linear expansion coefficient（mm/mm/ ℃）

1.19
77
3,310
9110
7×10-5■Cargo load weight test condition

Sound insulation works stably
from low to high-tone ranges
The standard panels are 12 mm and 15 mm, which are thickenough to provide stable sound insulation from low-tone tohigh-tone ranges. The sound transmission losses are, for example,
29 dB at 400 Hz and 34 dB at 1,000 Hz, which are all above thestandard values of NEXCO.
■Sound transmission loss (in dB)

Light shielding plateSound absorbing plate≥ 25 dB≥ 30 dB≥ 25 dB≥ 30 dB（N/mm2）80■Reference information: Standard values of sound transmission loss (dB)by East, Central, and West Nippon Expressway Companies (year 2009)

400Hz
1,000Hz■Change over time of acrylic plate

100

26dB
29dB
34dB
35dB

Note: Values are for acrylic plate thickness of 15 mm.

Frequency

Loaded with cargo at 200 kg/m2

Tensile strength

200Hz
400Hz
1,000Hz
1,600Hz

TypeBefore cargo loading

60
40200051015Years used

■Basic specifications of acrylic translucent panels

With antiscatter function
Plate thickness
Specific gravity
Master plate size
Nylon cord
Note: Nylon cord comes in black or transparent.

3Yes

Without antiscatter function
12mm 15mm
1.19
2.0×2.0m 4.0×2.0m
No2025ACRYLIC TRANSLUCENT PANELS

Flame retardance improved
with addition of flame retardant

3,500

Elastic modulus（N/mm2）

3,000
2,500

Acrylic itself is combustible, but it becomes semi-flame resistantwhen a flame retardant is added.

2,000
1,500
1,0005000Elongation at break■Combustion test
051015Years used

202510（%）

8642

Change over timeof total lighttransmittance

Total light transmittance (%)

0051015Years used

20251008060

This combustion test simulates a vehicle fire on an acrylictranslucent sound barrier. Acrylic translucent panels reinforced
with 15-mm thick nylon cord were built to a height of 6 m withposts installed at intervals of 4 m. Twenty liters of gasoline wasused, and the gasoline combustion time was set to 5 minutes. Asa result, ignition occurred on the panel surface, but it ceased after
the end of gasoline combustion. The panel meets the flame
resistance standards of NEXCO.

40200051015Years used

2025

Constructed to prevent scatteringof fragments when exposed
to a large impact
The panel is broken when
exposed to a strong impact,
but the antiscatter nylon cord
incorporated in the panel
prevents almost all fragmentsfrom being scattered.
■Impact test with an iron ballEasy maintenance andstraightforward recycling
Since the panel surface is flat and smooth like the glass surface, itis less prone to dust deposits and most dirt is washed naturally byrainwater, thus maintenance is streamlined. Thanks to superior
weather resistance, the acrylic translucent panel usually is notapplied with surface treatment, so that it can be washed andpolished for damage repairs. In addition, the panel is easy inrecycling as it is made of a single material.
■Damage repairing

1 Damage condition

4 Buffing

2 Surface adjustment with sandpaper

Impact test was conducted by dropping a weight of 300 kg from aheight of 95 cm, giving an impact energy of 2.85 kJ. The panel wasbroken, but 99% of the fragments were prevented from fallingthanks to the nylon cord. Impact tests using larger impact energy
resulted in virtually no falling of fragments.

3 Application of abrasive

5 Repair completed4

Construction examples

Sound barrier

National Route 4Morioka, Iwate Pref.
Completed in April 2004

The full translucent type without a top frame provides nofeeling of pressure to pedestrians and drivers alike.
Photocatalytic treatment is provided for antifouling.

Sound barrier

Tokyo Gaikan Expressway
Misato, Saitama Pref.
(between Misato Junction and Misato-minami Interchange)
Completed in September 2004

A beautifully curved sound barrier. A full translucent type(partly acrylic translucent panels combined with soundabsorbing plates) composite with balustrade, with no topframe. This type can also be installed on the rounded roadsegment.

Sound barrier

Shin-Tomei Expressway
Toyota, Aichi Pref.
(between Toyota-minami Interchange and Toyota-higashi)Completed in March 2005

A full translucent type composite with balustrade. The structure with notop frame provides an excellent sense of openness. The acrylictranslucent panel is pasted with a photocatalytic sheet as anti-blemish
and anti-fouling measures.

5ACRYLIC TRANSLUCENT PANELSSound barrier

Yokohama Ring Expressway Route 2Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref.
Completed in March 2005

The top is tilted inward. This is a full translucent type, partlyincluding satin (opaque glass) to protect the privacy of
inhabitants along the road. No top frame is installed.

Sound barrier

National Route 2 Bypass (between Aioi and Une)
Aioi, Hyogo Pref.
Completed in June 2007

Lush mountains range along National Route 2 Bypass. The
full translucent sound barrier without a top frame lets thedrivers feel and enjoy the nature.

Sound barrier

Shin-Meishin Expressway
Koga, Shiga Pref. (near Koga Tsuchiyama Interchange)
Completed in February 2008

A sound barrier consisting of acrylic translucent panels andsound absorption plates. Provides excellent sound insulation
while maintaining the sense of openness.

6

Construction examples

Sound barrier

Fukuoka Toshi Expressway
Jonan-ku, Fukuoka Ref.
Completed in March 2008

This road runs through urban districts dense with buildings
and houses on both sides. The acrylic translucent panels
provide high sound insulation that minimizes the influenceson the surrounding environment.

Sound barrier

Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway
Kuki, Saitama Pref.
Completed in March 2011

Framed acrylic translucent panel type. This structure can beconstructed with the same method as for sound absorbingplates. It is combinable with sound absorbing plates.

Wave splash barrier

Port of Funagawa
Oga, Akita Pref.
Completed in March 2012

Used as a wave splash barrier in bad weather. The area
directly inside allows for parking to enjoy the scenery. Hardcoat is applied for protection from blemishes.

7

ACRYLIC TRANSLUCENT PANELS

Water cutoff wall

Ishizaki River Cutoff Wall
Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref.
Completed in September 2005

A cutoff wall for protection from flooding. Here again, thetranslucence of the panel is utilized, permitting the sunlightto through to the offices and houses along the river.

Falling object preventive fence

Theme park accessway
Urayasu, Chiba Pref.
Completed in July 2003

The dot point feature makes the panel joints less visible, andthe panels are translucent, allowing for fully enjoying thescenery around.

Falling object preventive fence

National Route 11, Kosaka Elevated Bridge
Matsuyama, Ehime Pref.
Completed in September 2006

When automobiles flip pebbles, the falling object preventive
fence prevents the pebbles from flying out of the elevatedbridge. The translucent structure without a top frame allows
the driver to run with no feeling of pressure.

8

Construction examples

Windbreak fence

Umihotaru Parking Lot
Umihotaru, Kisarazu, Chiba Pref.
Completed in December 2004

Sea winds blow in as the entrance and exits of the parking
lot are open. The acrylic translucent panels used aswindbreak fences also serve to prevent crimes as they aretranslucent.

Shelter

Niita Shelter
Akita, Akita Pref.
Completed in September 2005

Acrylic translucent panels are used in the roof of theentrance/exit of this underground passage. It excels indaylighting, as well as expected crime prevention. Hard coatis employed for protection from blemishes.

Blast fence

Blast fence
Narita, Chiba Pref.
Completed in March 2006

Due to its location and structure, the airport is prone towinds blowing through and dust scattering around. The
translucent panels block dust from entering the roads andprevent slip accidents. They also preserve views in theairport.

9An assortment of colored, opaque sound insulating panels are offered to suit various environment conditions and usages.
■Basic specifications

Plate thickness
Specific gravity
Color

12mm・15mm
1.19
7 colors: steel blue, sky blue,
midnight blue, sea green, spring green,
forest green, and smoky brown

High-rigidity acrylic sound insulating panel (PLS-NT)
The high-rigidity sound insulating panel (PLS-NT) consists of a conventional acrylic plate incorporating an inorganic fibrous material, with a resultof a rigidity equivalent to that of a concrete plate. More lightweight than concrete, and five colors are selectable. In addition, the acrylic baseprovides more than 30 years of service life.
■Basic specifications

Plate thickness
Specific gravity
WeightColorSurface
Others

12mm・15mm
1.67
20.04 kg/cm2 for 9-cm thick type(cf. 225 kg/m2 for concrete)
5 choices: light gray, light blue, mint green,blue gray, and brown
Lustrous or matte (selectable). Matte surface provides
reflection prevention. Antifouling (TiO2 photocatalyst)
coating is possible.
A scatter prevention type (incorporating nylon cord)
is available on request for roads involving a bridge orside road.

PIEXIGLAS ALLTOP® SDP16
PLEXIGLAS ALLTOP® SDP16 is a high-impact acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate: PMMA) double-skinsheet designed with excellent transparency, heat insulation, and weather resistance. The highinstallation workability makes SPD16 an ideal sheet glass material.
980+4/-2（1,053+4/-2）
16±0.8ACRYLIC TRANSLUCENT PANELS

Colored, opaque acrylic sound insulating panels

PLEXIGLAS ALLTOP®
Cross section of SPD16 (in mm)～17.5～64～64（～17.5;～18.5）

Characteristics of acrylic translucent panel
Test item
Tensile strength
Tensile fracture strain
Tensile elastic modulus
Charpy impact value (without notch)
Vicat softening temperature
Heating dimensional change rate (contraction)
Total light transmittanceYellowness
Haze value
Acoustic characteristic

Unit
MPa%
MPa
KJ/m2
℃%
%%
dB

Test method
JIS K 7162
JIS K 7162
JIS K 7162
JIS K 7111
JIS K 7206
JIS K 6718-1
JIS K 7361-1
JIS K 7105
JIS K 7136
JIS A 1416

Standard value(≥ 70)(≥ 4)(≥ 3,000)(≥ 13)(≥ 105)(≥ 2.5)(≥ 90)<≤ 7><≤ 10>
Transmission loss: 25 dB or more for 400 Hz, and 30 dB or more for 1 kHz

Notes: - Values in parentheses () are JIS standards.
- Values in angle brackets <> are those observed after 5,000 hours of accelerated exposure test.
- Test methods are as specified by JIS standards for methyl methacrylate sheets (JIS K 6718-1).

10

TOKYO ROPE MFG. CO., LTD.
TOKYO ROPE MFG. CO., LTD.
NIHONBASHI FRONT BLDG. 6-2 NIHONBASHI 3-CHOME CHUO-KU TOKYO 103-8306 JAPAN
Tel.: + 81 3 6366 7788, Fax: +81 3 3278 6870

The Representative office of Tokyo Rope MFG. CO.,LTD. in Moscow
22, Bolshaya Yakimanka str., Moscow, 119180, Russia
Tel.: + 7 495 645 04 03, Fax: +7 495 645 04 09

The Representative office of Tokyo Rope MFG. CO.,LTD. in Kazakhstan
Office No. VP-62,7th floor,Business center “Na Vodno-Zelyonom Bulvare”,
BLDG No. 12/1, D. Kunayev Street,Astana city, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
Tel.: + 7 7172 500 759, Fax:+ 7 7172 500 780

INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS Co. Ltd
Official Agent of Tokyo Rope MFG., CO. LTD in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Office 7 Dinaar Commercial Center, King Abdulaziz Road
PO Box 104451, Jeddah 21331, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966 12 236 5511, Fax:+ +966 12 236 5522
http://www.tokyorope.co.jp/english
1511-AVN