ACOUSTICAL STUDY OF A RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM

Noises generated by trains of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) were recorded and analyzed. The over-all sound pressure levels of the noises within the moving cars of the CTA trains vary from 60 to 115 dB. The characteristics of these noises depend on a number of factors, including: type of car, type of tracked construction, time of operation, window conditions, shape of track, and train speed. The data was used to evaluate the hazard of noise exposure among crew members and passengers and the extent of speech interference between passengers. The results indicated that some crew members and passengers may develop small amounts of temporary threshold shift in hearing sensitivity and that the probability of incurring permanent hearing loss from exposure to this source is very low. Speech interference among passengers was extensive in most cases.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Industrial Hygiene Association

  25711 Southfield Road
  Southfield, MI  United States  48075
• Authors:
  • Chang, H C
  • Herman, E R
• Publication Date: 1974-10

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 640-653
• Serial:
  • Journal of the American Industrial Hygiene Association
  • Volume: 35
  • Issue Number: 10

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic properties; Noise; Railroad trains; Rapid transit; Rapid transit cars; Sound level meters; Speech; Subways; Vehicle design; Voice communication
• Old TRIS Terms: Windows
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Public Transportation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00083290
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 26 1982 12:00AM