It might be quiet on our rail systems now, but with major rail infrastructure projects in the pipeline, we must be able to reduce noise and vibration to ensure optimum comfort on the systems of the future.
With would-be-commuters staying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic and our transport systems eerily quiet, we have ironically achieved an eerie level of quiet on our rail infrastructure.
But the truth is, high levels of reverberation are still created in modern tunnels. This noise is unsettling and potentially even unsafe if no effective noise abatement system is in play.
Perhaps these quieter cityscapes provide the template for the future rail system we need – and the time to step back and realise what “loudness” is or can be.
An industry leader in acoustic solutions, Pyrotek, has created a new video providing insight into how tunnels are made quieter.
This preview demonstrates how new projects around the world rely on engineers with acoustic expertise to specify a varied system approach for smoother, quieter journeys for commuters that extends beyond testing and compliance to safe levels required by cities and project developers.
More comfortable and longer lasting rail systems lead the way in a new era of urban density. Due to the lack of land available, the complexity of tunnelling currently being used for new routes overland means that technology in noise and vibration-mitigating materials are more highly sought after than ever.
Pyrotek has custom-developed a unique combination of materials with applications across several specific areas – noise absorption, vibration damping and acoustic measures employed in trains themselves.
Pyrotek materials are easily incorporated to improve new development of infrastructure projects. Deployed strategically, these materials can be used to create quieter, world class rail facilities, with ambience levels akin to leading public spaces around the globe.
Able to be seamlessly integrated into shopping arcades, stadium and event spaces and thoroughfares, these materials are essential for the future development of thriving metropolitan hubs.
While it’s hard to imagine just now, the sector must be prepared for when the cities of the world recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and once again open up its dense urban areas to their millions-strong population.
Pyrotek partners with clients in meeting specific noise criteria, and directly influences and improves comfort levels in new train systems all around the world.
Supply and availability across municipality and region is no limitation, with Pyrotek sourcing and supplying its materials internationally as well as manufacturing locally.
Pyrotek’s suite of successful projects serve as case studies demonstrate how its specially developed acoustic absorbers are designed within tunnels.
The company’s world-class capabilities span an array of acoustic and safety considerations:
- Advanced insulation materials for tunnels
- Specialised sound absorbers to reduce noise levels across floor and wall applications
- Rail and track vibration damping
- Lightweight solutions for carriage, body and vehicles in transport applications
- Effective noise barriers and enclosures to reduce noise transfer
- Thermal and fire protection, intumescent coatings, vibration damping and corrosion protection
While we begin to re-strategise the progress of massive rail infrastructure projects during this time of crisis, it may be easy to overlook “smaller” aspects of those projects regarding passenger comfort and noise pollution.
However, as we take a step back from our “normal” lives and seek comfort ourselves during a deeply challenging time, we must remember that noise and vibration mitigation has never been more essential in building Australia’s railways of the future.
This partner content is brought to you by Pyrotek. For more information, visit www.pyroteknc.com.
