DIABLO TEST TRACK NOISE AND VIBRATION MEASUREMENTS

The report summarizes results of noise and vibration measurements conducted among different combinations of rail fasteners and laboratory rail vehicles to be used by the San Francisco bay area rapid transit system. The present research attempted to investigate noise and vibration production using two versions of the selected fastener system and three different prototype vehicles. The study also examined noise production at the wheel-rail interface and noise control capabilities of the road bed and sound barrier wall (called the "acoustic parapet"). The report details testing methodology and procedures, instrumentation, and all relevant data obtained by the measurements. Several principal conclusions were generated by the research: (1) Only negligible performance differences were measured between the two method versions of the pandrol rail fastener. (2) Performance differences among the three laboratory rail vehicles were attributed to their wheel configurations, with the resilient sab wheels best able to effectively isolate vibration and reduce noise. (3) All three prototype vehicles generated similar high frequency noise and vibration levels. (4) Wheel resiliency was determined to be more important determinant of noise and vibration levels than stiffness of the rail fasteners. (5) Although noise production by the propulsion unit was measured, the authors conclude that the primary source of noise and vibration is at the wheel-rail interface. (6) The acoustic parapet was found to substantially reduce wayside noise levels, although its performance did not vary among the different combinations of fasteners and vehicles. Other results and conclusions are included in the report.

• Corporate Authors:

  Wilson, Ihrig and Associates

  5776 Broadway
  Oakland, CA  United States  94618
• Authors:
  • Wilson, G P
• Publication Date: 1967-6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental protection; Noise; Rail fasteners; Rail transit facilities; Rapid transit
• Uncontrolled Terms: Subway noise
• Old TRIS Terms: Diablo test track/rapid transit noise; Rapid transit noise/diablo test track
• Subject Areas: Environment; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044811
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Cal-mtd-2
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 24 1974 12:00AM