THE MEASUREMENT OF TRAIN NOISE: A CASE STUDY IN NORTHERN ITALY

This study examines noises produced by rail traffic, and investigates the effects of the transit of trains on a number of variables, including the noise source as well as the surrounding environment. Variables having a significant influence on sound levels are identified, a standard procedure for measuring noise is defined and a database is developed for setting up and calibrating train noise models. A pilot study looks at two railway lines passing through Vercelli, Italy. One important finding is that variables that normally influence noise production can be disregarded in certain circumstances. For example, when surrounding environmental conditions are constant, the train type does not cause a significant variation in the noise level. Findings also indicate that when diesel trains are traveling at less than 70 km/h, a speed change of 30-40 km/h significantly affects the maximum noise level (Lmax). However, for electrified lines, when speed is below 80 km/h, a change of 20-30 km/h does not cause significant variations in Lmax. For diesel trains traveling low speeds, noise emissions are strongly affected by acceleration/deceleration. Finally, it is shown that the site configuration and positioning of buildings are highly significant with respect to Lmax, with the presence of high buildings along a railway line significantly increasing noise levels.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VH8-47T8CR3-2/2/cd0fa70ffa95a2fa8645ba81c6f1f11b
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  The Boulevard, Langford Lane
  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • Pronello, C
• Publication Date: 2003-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 113-128
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Databases; Deceleration; Diesel locomotives; Electric trains; Environment; Mechanical acceleration; Noise; Rail transit; Railroad trains; Sound level; Speed; Structures; Variables
• Geographic Terms: Vercelli (Italy)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00941151
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 5 2003 12:00AM