The calculation of noise from railway viaducts and bridges

Abstract

The noise radiated by railway bridges and viaducts may add to the environmental impact of railways. Statutory requirements for environmental impact assessment of new railway schemes have led to the development of different methods for calculating such noise. A rapid calculation method is presented that is based on a particular form of statistical energy analysis. The method takes account of the origin of the noise, i.e. the relative roughness at the wheel-rail interface, and provides a framework for the calculation of the propagation, dissipation and final radiation of vibrational energy as noise. Validation of the method is provided for a particular form of composite concrete and steel viaduct. The elements of the structure contributing most to the levels of structure-radiated sound under the soffit are identified, along with means for reducing that noise by track and bridge or viaduct design.