These rail pads are designed to reduce train noise
Traveling by train is considered a sustainable alternative to driving a car. However, passing trains also generate a lot of noise. A research team from Switzerland now has a solution for this. So-called rail pads should significantly reduce railway noise in the future.
When it comes to getting around, the train is considered a sustainable alternative to the car. However, trains have one disadvantage: they are extremely loud. This not only bothers local residents, but also disturbs the environment.
There are various approaches to reducing noise: noise barriers, quieter wheel systems and brakes. In Switzerland, however, a research team is pursuing a somewhat different one approach.
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New rail pads are designed to dampen tracks
In order to solve the noise problem, scientists from the Swiss research institution Empa a inconspicuous part of the rail system in detail: the so-called rail pads.
The rail pads lie between the rails and are usually made of hard plastic. In order to protect the track made of compacted ballast and concrete sleepers, rail pads made of elastic plastic have already been discussed in the past. However, the vibrations would actually increase the traffic noise.
Splint pads with a hard shell and a soft core
A composite material should now solve this problem. The idea is: hard shell, soft core. The new rail pads have a cover made of hard plastic on the outside. Inside they consist of a soft, viscoelastic material.
The researchers tuned the interior of the new rail pads to the frequency range of around 200 to 2,000 Hertz, because that is where the vibrations are particularly noisy.
Practical testing of the rail pads delivers good results
According to Empa researcher Bart Van Damme, test measurements on a 100-meter-long section of track near Nottwill in the Swiss canton of Lucerne were positive.
Our models have measured lower noise levels and lower vibrations from rails and sleepers from 800 Hertz. So exactly what we wanted.
Thanks to the results, the researchers are optimistic that the components can be installed extensively in the Swiss railway network in the future.
Innovative splint pads are cheap
The research team developed the innovative rail padding on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, the Federal Office for Transport and in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Railways. The plastics company Semperit manufactured the prototypes for the practical test.
According to Empa, the production would not generate any significant additional costs. So the Rail Pads could quite simply make a significant contribution to reducing rail noise – and maybe not just in Switzerland in the future.
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