Evaluation of Noise Generated by Freight Trains at Night: Case Study of Paneriai Station

Abstract

Rail transport is one of the dominant transport industries that can carry large loads and passenger flows successfully over long distances. Rail transport is the transport sector with the lowest negative impact on the environment, the most sustainable mode of transport, because it consumes the least energy compared to other modes of transport, generates less CO2, occupies less territory. However, the noise it produces has a negative impact on the human body and, in particular, the environmental impact of this mode of transport is felt on the railways, in the station areas. Especially in the earlier building areas, where there are relatively small distances between the running lines and buildings requiring noise protection. The application of active and passive noise abatement measures is an effective way to protect the living areas adjacent to the railway from the negative effects of noise. The installation of noise-canceling screens – the walls is one of the most effective means of suppressing noise on its propagation path.

This article presents the results of the measured noise level in Paneriai railway station area, two points. The results are compared with the permissible noise level. To measure train noise there was used the noise meter which can be used indoors, in vehicles, as well as in measuring different levels of noise. During the study, the noise level at Paneriai railway station was evaluated, when no train was running and no maneuvering was performed. The average noise level during the measurement is 4.65 dBA, which does not exceed the permissible noise level. Therefore, it should be concluded that in the case of a natural background noise at night, the permissible noise levels would be within the normal range and would not cause discomfort to the population. However, the study found that at the Paneriai railway station during the evening shorter trains allowed at the station, regardless of type, are causing less noise than longer trains.