Optimizing Capacity of Railroad Yards within Noise Limits Using a Dynamic Noise Model

Abstract

At railroad yards passenger trains are parked overnight and prepared for the next day and/or freight trains are shunted. These activities are diverse and commonly processed ad-hoc. Noise permits for railroad yards are in contrast inflexible. More activities take place at the railroad yards as the intensity on the tracks increases. Noise production is increased and the permit becomes more and more restrictive.

ProRail is the railway infrastructure manager and responsible for complying with the community noise limits from the environmental laws. ProRail is also responsible for the yearly capacity allocation process. A noise propagation model is used for the calculation of the noise levels. Building such a model is time-intensive so the noise impact of only one mode of operation of the yard is investigated, leaving other modes of operations to be unknown.

M+P developed a software program “Dynamic Noise Model” (DNM) on behalf of ProRail. Many possible modes of operation can be evaluated with just a push of a button with this calculation tool. This makes it easier to find alternative modes of operations which produce less noise. Optimization of the use of the yard within noise limits is possible. A DNM also can be used to make informed decisions about taking noise measures or applying changes to the activities in the yard.

The DNM uses a database with two datasets. The first set has the attenuations between standardized processes and receivers. These attenuations are calculated in advance with a propagation model. The second dataset contains all sound power levels (SPL) by train type. This is combined with a list of all activities taking place in the railroad yard, resulting in the total SPL for all receiver positions.

ProRail is going to use the DNM for a large number of railroad yards for testing for compliance with environmental laws during the capacity allocation process.