THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NOISE CONTROL MEASURES ON AN URBAN RAILWAY

✍ Scribed by B.M. Fitzgerald

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 226 KB
• Volume: 193
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-460X
• DOI: 10.1006/jsvi.1996.0278

✦ Synopsis

This paper describes the development and implementation of noise control measures by Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London, to meet obligations set out in its Noise and Vibration Policy, adherence to which is set by an Act of the U.K. Parliament. Noise levels from the operational railway exceeded targets given in the policy at two noise-sensitive urban residential sites. Following diagnosis by noise survey of the problems specific to each site and by noise reduction predictions, acoustic absorbent screens were installed which, it was subsequently demonstrated, succeeded in providing the required level of noise reduction. These schemes needed to accommodate the requirements of the railway for maintenance (leading to the barriers having to be fully demountable), safe trackside walking routes and easy passenger evacuation from trains. During construction, liaison was developed with the local authority for the control of environmental pollution (primarily noise) and hours of working (which had to suit railway possessions) and good relations were fostered with local residents through regular contact. Fulfilment of project objectives was demonstrated by a programme of post-installation noise measurements. The paper concludes with an evaluation of noise mitigation performance achieved together with a suggested alternative strategy for addressing the noise problem from a system-wide perspective.