Vibration and noise control at MARTA

Abstract

Control of vibration and noise has received careful and thorough consideration throughout the design of the MARTA [Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority] rail transit system facilities and vehicles. This has included use of sound barriers, damping of structures and resilient support, or vibration isolation supports for rails. Operations on the limited extent of the system now in service have allowed for measurements to show the effectiveness of the designs in controlling vibration and noise. Floating slab trackbed for vibration isolation of the rails from the supporting structure proved effective in reducing ground‐borne vibration and noise. Sound barrier walls on aerial structures give substantial reduction of airborne noise from the transit vehicles. Damping of aerial structure girders proved effective in reducing low‐frequency noise radiated from the structure. Primarily emphasizing wayside vibration and noise, design configuration details and results showing effectiveness will be presented for floating slab rail supports and aerial structure with barriers and damping.