NEW EXPERIMENTAL METHODS FOR AN IMPROVED CHARACTERISATION OF THE NOISE EMISSION LEVELS OF RAILWAY SYSTEMS

The requirements to harmonize the limits for noise emission for the railway systems within Europe demands improvements of the existing joint measurement standards (ISO 3095 and CEN/TC 256). Recent research on rolling noise mechanisms or specific measurement techniques may help to meet the EC noise emission requirements. Some results from these studies have been taken into account in the CEN project standard document on noise emission of railbound vehicles. A review of the standardization approach is presented initially. Some measurement methods developed by SNCF, mainly of a diagnostic nature are then reviewed, including: methods, which may contribute to research work in that field, are reported, and results are presented.