Pristupačnost
Project Summary
Rail transport plays a key role in public urban mobility and the green transition. In densely populated urban areas, rail traffic generates elevated levels of noise and vibration, while conventional high noise barriers are often neither spatially nor visually acceptable. The ENVIRAIL project focuses on the development and implementation of innovative solutions for reducing noise from tram traffic. The emphasis is placed on low-height trackside barriers and rail dampers, which can be easily integrated into the existing urban environment.
The main objective of the project is to analyze, develop, and test sustainable solutions that effectively reduce low-frequency noise, rolling noise, and curve squeal, thereby contributing to a more comfortable and healthier urban environment.
Within the ENVIRAIL project, detailed measurements and analyses of noise sources at the wheel-rail contact will be carried out using vibroacoustic methods, long-term monitoring of noise and vibrations from tram vehicles in regular operation, and advanced machine learning models for identifying critical locations on the infrastructure. Based on these findings, a prototype of a low-height noise barrier made from recycled and reusable materials will be developed, with a carefully designed absorbing layer tailored to tram track systems.
In addition, the potential application of rail web dampers in urban environments will be investigated as a simple method for further reducing noise and vibrations. To better assess the effectiveness of the proposed measures, noise maps will be developed based on computational models of sound emission and propagation, taking into account known noise sources and urban spatial characteristics.
By combining sustainable materials, advanced analysis methods, and machine learning, ENVIRAIL aims to contribute to the creation of quieter, healthier, and more environmentally friendly urban spaces in line with European sustainability goals.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the project is to analyze, develop, and test sustainable and applicable solutions for protection against noise from rail vehicles in urban environments, with a focus on low-frequency noise, rolling noise, and curve squeal.
To achieve this main objective, the following specific objectives are defined:
- To characterize vibroacoustic excitation on railway infrastructure, including both vehicle and track.
- To identify critical locations on the infrastructure based on noise and vibration monitoring using machine learning.
- To develop a prototype of a low-height noise barrier made from recycled materials, based on optimization of the acoustic absorbing layer.
- To investigate the applicability of rail web dampers on tracks in urban environments.
- To define a methodology for modeling noise from tram traffic in urban environments, including the application of the proposed mitigation measures.
The stated objectives will be achieved through the following work packages and activities:
