Mitigation of Curve Squeal Noise in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia

Operational noise is an increasingly important issue for the rail industry. One source of operational noise is curve squeal, a high pitched screech noise that can occur when trains traverse curves in the track. Curve squeal is one of the Australian rail industrys top noise mitigation priorities, on account of the acute levels of noise it generates, together with the large number of populated locations near curves. This paper provides an overview of many of the curve squeal investigations and trials that have been carried out in Australia, and summarises the lessons learnt and the patterns observed. Observations suggest that the majority of curve squeal effects can be categorised into one of three types. Importantly, the techniques for investigation and effective treatment can differ significantly between the types. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E218118.