Running head: RAILWAY NOISE REDUCTION

Railway Noise Reduction

A Case Analysis

Sean Ewing

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

TRAN 401
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Case Analysis
Railway Noise Reduction

I. Summary

There are many environmental impacts from railway operations, but noise is one of the

most critical. As cities have come to rely on trains for local and long distance transportation,

more people and wildlife are being exposed to the noises and vibrations produced by trains.

Noise pollution is a particular problem in cities, as people are exposed to noise day and night,

which can lead to health problems (Basner et al., 2014).

II. Problem

The problem is that trains generate high levels of noise and vibration which can travel for

long distances during normal operation. There are two main sources of noise during train

operations: The first, and loudest, sound source is the wheels rolling along the rail; the second

source is from the engines, electric motors, transmissions, brakes, and pantographs (Zvolensky,

Grencik, Pultznerova, & Kasiar, 2017). Sound generated from wheels may the affected by the

speed and weight of the train, among other factors. Another major factor is whether the

locomotive power source is diesel or electricity.

III. Significance of the Problem

Continuing exposure to high levels of noise, as happens near railroad tracks, has been

linked to disturbed sleep, emotional problems, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and

impaired cognitive ability in school children, as well as damage to hearing (Basner et al., 2014).

One study found that school children “in a school next to an elevated train in NYC were one year

behind in reading ability if they had been on the noisy side of the school” (Californians

Advocating Responsible Rail Design, 2016). In countries where rail transport has become
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important, such as Korea and Japan, trains may be the greatest source of urban noise pollution

(Shahidan, Hannan, Maarof, Leman, & Senin, 2017).

IV. Development of Alternative Actions

Alternative Action 1. The first alternative is to place sound barriers between the rails and the

local population.

Advantages. Significant reductions in noise can be achieved by erecting barriers near the

rails (Kralov, 2017). Several proven solutions are commercially available to suit different

environments and needs (Kralov, 2017). Simple solutions can be inexpensive and long lasting

(Kralov, 2017).

Disadvantages. Effective sound barriers can be very large and unattractive to the local

population. They may also block sunlight and provide a negative environment for residents.

Alternative Action 2. The second alternative is to improve maintenance of the rails. This is done

by grinding the rails smooth and lubricating (Liepert, Mohler, Schreckenberg, & Schuemer,

2013).

Advantages. Rail grinding has been proven to reduce noise levels by 10-15 dB (Liepert

et al., 2013). This the most cost-effective method (Liepert et al., 2013), and has the lowest carbon

footprint (European Commission, 2017).

Disadvantages. Rail grinding is not a permanent solution and must be performed

regularly to be effective (Liepert et al., 2013). Also, the grinding process itself is noisy and can

be disturbing to the community while it is taking place (Liepert et al., 2013).

V. Recommendation

The combination of regular rail grinding and strategically placed barriers should provide

a significant reduction in railway noise. But a newer, high tech solution would involve the use of
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active noise cancelling. This technology already exists for headphones and is used in the interiors

of some automobiles. These systems use a microphone to measure ambient noise, then speakers

generate sound waves that are opposite in phase to the ambient noise (Honda, 2014). If such a

system could be upsized, it could be installed in neighborhoods which are particularly effected

by train noise. Large speakers would be positioned near the tracks and pointed at the trains.

Although expensive, this solution could greatly improve the health of those living near train

tracks.
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References

Basner, M., Babisch, W., Davis, A., Brink, M., Clark, C., Janssen, S., & Stansfeld, S. (2013).

Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3988259/.

Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design. (2016). Noise pollution. Retrieved from

http://calhsr.com/environmental-review/noise-pollution/

European Commission. (2017). Reducing railway noise and vibration: life-cycle assessments can

help decide the best measures. Retrieved from

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/reducing_railway_noi

se_vibration_life_cycle_assessments_help_decide_best_measures_493na4_en.pdf

Honda New Zealand. (2014). Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Retrieved from

https://www.honda.co.nz/technology/driving/anc/

Kralov, I. (2017). New solution for transport and industrial noise protection through reflective

noise barriers.

doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.1051/matecconf/201713306001

Liepert, M., Mohler, U., Schreckenberg, D., & Schuemer, R. (2013). The impact of rail grinding

on noise levels and residents' noise responses – Part I: Study design and acoustical

results. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dirk_Schreckenberg/publication/260244206_The_i

mpact_of_railway_grinding_on_noise_levels_and_residents%27_noise_responses_-

_Part_I_Study_design_and_acoustical_results/links/594e5e7aaca27248ae3853c0/The-

impact-of-railway-grinding-on-noise-levels-and-residents-noise-responses-Part-I-Study-

design-and-acoustical-results.pdf
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Shahidan, S., Hannan, N., Maarof, M., Leman, A., & Senin, M. (2017). Comprehensive review

on the effectiveness of existing noise barriers commonly used in the railway industry.

DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/20178701007.

Zvolenský, P., Grenčík, J., Pultznerová, A., & Kašiar, Ľ. (2017). Research of noise emission

sources in railway transport and effective ways of their reduction.

doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.1051/matecconf/201710700073