RAILROAD ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE: A STATE OF THE ART ASSESSMENT

Railroads are one of the most complex and least understood sources of environmental noise. However, railroads have a number of unique sources: both wheels and rails radiate sound; car retarders used in hump type classification yards generate intense squeals; impacts occur between cars as they couple in classification yards; steel bridges amplify the noise of passing trains; and an assortment of special purpose equipment in yards contributes to the total noise around a rail system. Presently, most data on railroad noise is based on limited statistical sampling and descriptive techniques. The purpose of this report is to assemble essential information on railroad noise to eliminate reliance on such techniques. In particular, the report focuses on the environmental effects of railroad noise, identification of the relative importance of various sources, and prediction of the noise levels that may be reached through the application of various noise control strategies. The measurements and calculations presented in this report are compared on the basis of three parameters that have been found useful in ascertaining the cumulative effects od discontinuous sounds characteristic of railroad noise.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Incorporated

    50 Moulton Street
    Cambridge, MA  United States  02138
  • Authors:
    • BENDER, E K
    • Ely, R A
    • REMINGTON, P J
    • Rudd, M J
  • Publication Date: 1974-1-11

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 105 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00051350
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: No. 2709
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 17 1974 12:00AM