Mitigation of Ground Vibrations from Freight Trains

Abstract

This chapter reports on the results of the EC research project CARGOVIBES. It discusses the difference in vibration emission between freight trains and conventional trains. The chapter describes the methods to design vibration mitigation solutions for freight trains, and proposes solutions at the source and in the propagation path. Deterioration of track quality leads to increased ground borne vibrations at low frequencies which are directly related to the speed of the train and the defect wavelengths of the track. These low frequency vibration problems cannot be solved by conventional vibration control measures such as under sleeper pads and ballast mats. The dynamic vehicle track interaction of a train running over a track generates a contact force on the rail contact surface that depends strongly on the train speed, the wheel-rail surface quality, the track and the wheel receptance, but is less dependent on the vehicle suspension system.