Railways and the environment

Railway transport is generally considered to be environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, trains create vibration and noise which is a form of pollution. The excessive noise levels created by high speed trains has compelled the European Commission to require new and modified railway vehicles to meet higher requirements. Compulsory tests will take place on reference tracks where noise levels from locomotives, metro and commuter vehicles, freight cars and work vehicles will be measured. The EU has also decided that threshold values for passing locomotives and other rolling stock will be lowered by 5 dB (A) in about ten years.

Measurement provides knowledge

In order to substantially reduce unwanted noise, measuring the source of the noise is mandatory. In the same way that there is a difference between footsteps from steel heels in a corridor and the traffic noise outside the window, commuter trains and high-speed trains sound differently. Different types of noise must be reduced with different solutions. In order to improve the sound environment, detailed knowledge about the noise is required.
 
Shaking walls

If vibration substantially impacts buildings located along a railroad line, a lot of money might be at stake. The INFRA system has the capability of measuring and reporting what actually happens, at a very low cost. Excellent value for the money thanks to a minimum need of surveillance and easy setup.

Old and new poison

Land and water can be contaminated as a result of using certain hazardous substances in railway infrastructure as well as in the operation and maintenance of the railway. These substances can be disseminated into the land and water.  Earlier use of chemicals can also create pollutant problems, “old sins” can be a problem when new legislation takes effect.

Vibration and noise measurement is Sigicom’s specialty. However, in areas where appropriate sensors are available, the INFRA system is also a good application for measuring pollutants.