Noise Abatement: investigates the acoustic and psychoacoustic description of unwanted sounds and supports the specification of methods for reducing noise, from whatever source (Sound Quality Design).

Perceiving sound as noise is a subjective reaction to disturbing acoustic signals. The intensity, pitch, sharpness, variation and roughness as well as the subjective attitude and motivation all play a role in the perceived noisiness. Railway noise is the main detractor when planning new high-speed tracks. The condition of the wheels and the track has a significant effect on the sound generation (see also: harmonisation). Literature:

  • NOIDESC: Deskriptoren von Lärmsignalen: Deutsch Werner A. & Waubke Holger (2004) .
  • Descriptoren für aircraft noise
  • Lärm-Messungen an Hochgeschwindigkeitszügen (64-Kanal-Mikrophon-array): Melk-Pöchlarn (2004)
  • Erschütterungen an Bahntrassen. Waubke Holger (2004).
  • Visualisierung von Bahnlärm (1996). AK08. in: Deutsch, Werner A. & Elisabeth Hilscher & Herta Spielmann (eds.): Tagungsband der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft, Johannes Kepler, Universität Linz. Wien: Forschungsstelle für Schallforschung der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp.27-29.

Relevant Links

Noise Pollution Clearinghouse (NPC Online Library: sehr ausführlich): http://www.nonoise.org/library.htm
NPC Noise News Index: Alphabetical Index

The EU-Commission (DG-XI, Environment) has decided to pursue the Noise Policy by installing 6 Working Groups covering the following topics: Noise and traffic - diese Seite hat auch weitere wertvolle Links:

WG-I

Harmonising Noise Metrics

WG-II

Information on Effects of Noise

WG-III

Harmonising Calculation and Assessment methods

WG-IV

Harmonising Noise Maps

WG-V

Effectivity of Noise Abatement Measures

WG-VI

Emission Control of Railway vehicles

Calculation of ROAD traffic noise. Noise levels motor vehicles

Future Noise Policy - European Commission Green Paper - Brussels November 1996
7. Noise - Towards fair and efficient pricing in transport, policy options for internalising the external costs of transport in the European Union, Green Paper presented by the Commission [COM(95)691]

Railway Noise - In the 1990s, reduction of railway noise is high on the agenda, due to the construction of new lines, increased and faster traffic, existing and future noise legislation and the need for the railways to compete with other modes of transport.