Recent developments in operational rail noise and vibration in NSW, Australia

Abstract

This paper provides a brief overview of the history of operational noise and vibration management on the NSW rail network and then gives a detailed description of a number of recent mitigation projects, programs and techniques. It covers mapping of rail noise on a number of urban lines for the prioritisation of mitigation options; detection of "noisy" wheel defects; and the application of source noise control. It also describes mitigation measures applied to new rail projects, including both ground-borne and airborne noise mitigation for tunnel and surface tracks. The mitigation techniques include both design measures (such as track support systems) and ongoing maintenance of both track and rolling stock during operation. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.