Noise and vibrations at tram track intersection

Abstract

In urban areas noise and vibration due to public traffic diminish the quality of life. In Zagreb, tram traffic is the most important form of public transport. Tram network has 120 km of the tracks and 190 trams are used for passengers transport every day. In the movement of the vehicle over track, the interaction between the wheel and track plays the most important role in the field of noise and vibrations. The increasing of noise and vibrations are particularly emphasized at track intersection where a given number of track switches and crossings are installed. This paper presents an experimental study of noise and ground vibrations through the passage of three types of tram vehicles. The measurements were done on the tram intersection with the highest traffic volume in Zagreb's tram network. Two types of track construction were analyzed, discrete and continuous rail fastening system. During the track reconstruction at this intersection, the existing discrete rail fastening system was replaced with a continuous. Because of that, the measurements were carried before and after reconstruction at the same test points. Test results have showed significant reductions of noise and vibrations at track intersection in the case of continuous rail installation.