MEASUREMENTS OF RAILROAD NOISE-LINE OPERATIONS, YARD BOUNDARIES, AND RETARDERS

A field investigation of noise emission from railroad operations was conducted. The objectives of the study were the establishment of a data base on the noise levels associated with railroad operations, both line (trains in transit) and yard, and the development of measurement procedures that could be utilized in regulations applicable to the noise from rail carrier equipment and facilities. For trains in transit, measurements were made as a function of horizontal distance from the tracks, and as a function of microphone height. Train passby data are presented as the maximum A-weighted sound level observed during the passby and as Single Event Noise Exposure Levels. The directionality of retarder noise was also investigated. Measurements were made of the noise emitted in various directions during retarder operation.