QuieterRail is set out in four appropriate R&I Work Streams (WS) which take into account the state-of-the-art and previous R&I work.
WS1
Noise analysis and evaluation methods
Develop improved prediction and evaluation methods for railway noise that can be used in noise mapping, in acceptance testing of new rolling stock and, ultimately, lead to quieter railways.
WS2
Cost-effective noise mitigation
Develop methods to establish cost-effective noise mitigation by emphasising acoustic rail roughness monitoring and control through grinding and a tool capable of simultaneously optimising noise, vibration, LCC and RAMS on railway tracks.
WS3
Ground-borne vibration prediction
Enhance the computational core of the hybrid vibration prediction tool developed in SILVASTAR with prediction models for urban railways, and to develop a track-independent vehicle indicator.
WS4
In situ testing to support validation
Perform in situ noise and vibration measurements to support the development and validation of models and procedures developed in the project. Two test sites are selected urban and mainline railway network.
WS1 “Noise analysis and evaluation methods”
WP1 - Noise in curves
WP2 - Transposition, uncertainties and acceptance testing
The ambition of WS1 is to develop improved prediction and evaluation methods for railway noise that can be used in noise mapping, in acceptance testing of new rolling stock and, ultimately, lead to quieter railways. The improvements in prediction methods focus on trains running in curves, while improvements in experimental evaluation methods focus on transposition of pass-by noise and the certification of new trains.
WS2 - Cost-effective noise mitigation
WP3 - On-board roughness measurement and rail grinding
WP4 - Track optimisation for noise, vibration and life cycle costs
The ambition of WS2 is to develop methods to establish cost-effective noise mitigation. By emphasising acoustic rail roughness monitoring and control through grinding as a combined strategy, a paradigm shift in noise mitigation will be established. In parallel, the aim is to develop a tool which is capable of simultaneously optimising railway track systems with respect to life cycle costs (LCC), noise and vibration, thereby enabling the delivery of railway infrastructure that is both more cost-effective and generates less societal disbenefits.
WS3 - Ground-borne vibration prediction
WP5 - Ground vibration prediction and experiments
WP6 - Hybrid vibration prediction tool
The ambition of WS3 is to enhance the computational core of the hybrid vibration prediction tool developed in SILVARSTAR with prediction models for urban railways, and to develop a track-independent vehicle indicator. We will also substantially extend the numerical database with soil impedance and transfer functions, as well as building correction factors, to cover a wider range of soil stratifications and building typologies.
WS4 - In situ testing to support validation
WP1, WP2 and WP5 (transversal)
The ambition of WS4 is to perform the necessary in situ noise and vibration measurements to support the development and validation of models and procedures developed in WP1 (Noise in curves), WP2 (Transposition, uncertainties and acceptance testing) and WP5 (Ground vibration prediction and experiments). Two test sites are selected for this purpose: an urban railway network served by trams and light rail vehicles, and a mainline railway served by mixed rolling stock (regional and freight trains).