It is now recognized that permanent exposure to noise and vibration management can be harmful. The most effective way of decreasing rail noise and vibration emissions is using the new high absorbing mini sound walls rated A3 or 11dBA whilst optimising the extent of recycled materials currently by 70 per cent.
The community expects good innovative design in and around new and existing railways, with significant reduction in noise where products should easily retrofit into the existing railway.
Particularly in a dense urban environment, managing the noise and vibration from railways above and below ground is becoming an increasing issue on major rail corridors in Australia. The community doesn’t want large, unsightly concrete walls with high embedded energy to manage noise.
With clever innovation, recycled products erected close to the noise source can reduce noise by up to 11dBA, whilst providing passengers and the community with an unobstructed view. Railway vehicles generate rolling noises, airborne flange noise and vibrations during operation. This is due to roughness and imbalances of the wheels and corrugations on the rail running surfaces.
Surface defects such as head checks, corrugations and slip waves on the rails are among the most common sources of vibration interference and will combine with high airborne noise generated by the wheel rail interface.
The new 20th anniversary updated noise tool box
STRAILastic’s “noise attenuation toolbox” for reducing sound and vibration for railways is significantly improved with all products offered with the new version 2.0 surface rated A3 or 8 to 11 DBA rating. This updated range provides cost-effective, recycled and proven options to allow acoustic engineers and asset managers to better manage noise reduction for both new and existing transport systems.
Constructed from several layers and materials, it combines all the advantages of the durable and stable rubber compound, now complemented by a very high absorbent surface. As previously these products require minimal planning approvals, have high impact resistance, UV, graffiti and fire resistance, with minimal material fatigue caused by vibrations or pressure and suction forces from trains.
Due to good design, they blend into the surroundings with no acoustic bridges, allow simple type approvals and are easy to install. STRAILastic supplies mini piles/ground screws and sleeper extensions, or they can be bolted to existing walls and concrete foundations.
Mini sound walls have a very low visual impact which can be further enhanced by attaching screen printed local scenes on the obverse side. Further, with no planning approval required, delays and costs are reduced, versus the major planning challenge with large concrete panel walls.
New TP 2.0 acoustic panels for tunnels and walls
Airborne rail noise can travel into the passenger train compartment inside the rolling stock, where strict limits are imposed on rolling stock manufacturers to manage this noise. Strailastic TP acoustic panels are moulded to the curve of the tunnel and designed to withstand the extreme push/pull forces generated by pressure, and suction forces generated by trains travelling very close to the panels through tunnels.
The TP panel can be combined with an in-track absorption panel or Inox 2.0 rail web dampers to further reduce noise and vibration whilst providing a safe evacuation route. The Purasys vibration mitigation systems complement the airborne noise tool box to economically isolate and manage vibration impact by combinations of sub-ballast mats and special elastic support, as well as bearings for massspring-systems in the railway superstructure.
As always STRAILastic will work with projects to modify its products to suit an individual project. We can close our eyes – but not our ears.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by STRAILastic. For more information, visit www.strail.de/en/.
