A Comparison of Rolling Noise from Different Tram Tracks

A number of different track forms are studied from one tramway system including tracks in ballast, on slab, and embedded rail in grass. Measurements have been carried out of rail roughness, wheel roughness and track decay rate, which are used as input data for the noise prediction model TWINS. The rail vibration and exterior noise of trams in operation have also been measured for comparison with the prediction model. The model is used to identify the relative contributions of noise radiated by the track and the wheels. The differences between different track forms are determined and the reasons for them are identified.