Rail projects can save millions and reduce noise pollution at the source with low-profile, environmentally focused rubber systems for both noise walls and light rail track systems.
Australia’s urban rail projects grapple with the same problem: how to mitigate noise without sacrificing the aesthetic and liveability of inner-city areas.
Conventional, high-rise noise barriers, typically concrete panels, can be visually disruptive, block views for both residents and passengers, and quickly become canvases for graffiti.
The solution, which is increasingly appearing across major infrastructure tenders in Europe, is tackling the noise problem at its point of origin: the wheel-rail interface. This is the core focus of STRAILastic’s low-profile, high-performance rail systems.
Low-profile, high-impact noise control
The effectiveness of the STRAILastic mini noise wall system lies in its ability to be installed as close to the rails and the track clearance gauge as possible – masking the tracks without being obtrusive. At the same time, the walls provide a visual confirmation that noise is being treated seriously by the asset owner.
By tackling noise at the source, STRAILastic’s low-profile mSW systems blend into the landscape, helping to maintain the community’s views across the corridor and those of train passengers.
The elements can be customised with printed panels in the local communities’ designs to seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment and further reduce their visual impact.
The lowest sound protection wall is just 360 millimetres high, with variants of 730 millimetres and 1250 millimetres also available, which ensures there is an option to suit the track type and local conditions. They can be installed on extended sleepers, concrete foundations or small screw piles.
STRAILastic’s Rod Pomroy says the noise absorption and efficiency of this approach is backed by hard numbers and proven delivery on major projects.
“Our low-profile mini sound walls – the mSW360, mSW730, and mSW1250 – absorb up to 11 A-weighted decibels (dBA), subject to the track fastening system, by using high-quality, fibre-reinforced rubber within a heavy steel frame,” Pomroy says.
“The walls can be combined with our STRAILastic Inox 2.0 rail web dampers to provide a broad attack on noise across all frequencies and vibration. For complex sections such as bridges or retaining walls, the STRAILastic_IP (infill panel) can be mounted directly onto existing railings, eliminating the need for separate support structures.”
He says the economic case is just as compelling; saving projects an estimated $3 to $7 million per kilometre compared to constructing high concrete walls – a key consideration for any asset owner or government agency major rail project.
But for specific small noise issues, short sections of walls are also useful, giving everyone a benefit.
Efficiency and resilience
Superior noise effectiveness comes from the system’s material – a high-quality, fibre-reinforced, vulcanised, recycled rubber with a highly absorbent acoustic surface.
The products are durable, built to withstand the pressure and suction forces of trains passing at 120 kilometres an hour, and are resistant to UV, fire, and graffiti, which ensures a long lifespan.
Light rail track systems
STRAILastic TOR plus GRS and R Track green track solutions reduce vibration and noise for encapsulated track within cities.
With more than 330 kilometres of track installed across more than 60 cities, the TOR plus GRS Light Rail Track Systems and the R Track Green Track Systems are fast and simple to install for all track types.
For example, a project in Munich involved converting four kilometres of ballasted track to a green track system in just three weeks.
Pomroy says to convert the T1 Ballasted track line from Sydney Markets to Dulwich Hill is about $800,000 per kilometre. The value proposition for infrastructure owners and contractors is clear: reduced cost and faster installation times, even during ongoing operation.
Beyond noise, the STRAILastic green track systems offer genuine ecological benefits, helping to reduce fine dust pollution and improve the microclimate in inner-city areas. The system also acts as an insulator, protecting the track superstructure from stray current.
A new standard for urban rail
The high-performance, low-profile products – from mini sound walls and rail web dampers to light rail track systems – all fight sound and dampen vibration and are setting a new benchmark for urban and rural rail.
As the industry looks to innovative solutions to meet both stringent noise targets and budgetary requirements, this technology fundamentally changes the noise equation for urban rail, says Pomroy.
“We are delivering faster project turnarounds, multi-million-dollar savings, and a silent, greener corridor that genuinely improves the microclimate for the community.”
