NOISE IMPACT SIMULATION OF ROLLING STOCK IMPROVEMENT: SPECIFIC CASE STUDIES IN SWITZERLAND

Planning cost-effective noise abatement measures can be improved by computer simulation. The method used in Switzerland is illustrated by use of a specific case study in the community of Rheinfelden. Two different interlinked models are used to determine investments and reduction of noise exposure. First, conflict zones are identified in a 2-D model. Then, with detailed information on topography, location and height of buildings, 3-D modelling is used to determine best noise abatement measures in the case study situation. The computer simulation compares different scenarios including improved rolling stock, noise abatement barriers and insulating windows. The results show that improvement of rolling stock reduces the costs for other noise protection measures. However, cost effects of rolling stock improvement in this specific case are much lower than in the average over the entire railway network. This is a typical result for regions with high noise exposure values. It also shows that an optimization of investments in noise abatement measures must take into account at least a representative part of the network, including areas with different noise levels.