Schaal adds that SoundPLAN’s noise maps are more reliable than manual measurements as it can automatically identify individual sources of noise emissions in a location and the direction the noise is travelling.
Schaal says that by leveraging the software to calculate noise propagation, rail companies can focus on the practical part of noise planning, present the software-generated calculation and research to municipalities, environmental administrations and government bodies who can then plan mitigation processes. Reliability allows for more careful planning Managing director of SoundPLAN GmbH Jochen Schaal puts it in simple words: “The core of our business is the prediction of noise in the environment.” Based on these calculations, railway companies can then assess the best options to reduce excessive noise. To tackle this issue, German company SoundPLAN GmbH have created a software called Sound PLAN which is in accordance with all international standards and is used to identify the cause, location and propagation of sound. While there are a number of mitigation measures available that can be applied to railway tracks, the effectiveness of these measures can differ as it often involves a large degree of uncertainty due to factors such as disturbances in surroundings. In Europe, for example, a framework called Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe for strategic noise mapping has been introduced in accordance with the Environmental Noise Directive which requires strategic noise maps to be created for main rail lines and EU-wide carriageways. Given that being exposed to noise above 85 decibels (dB(A)) for a continuous period can put one at the risk of permanent hearing damage according to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, there are a number of international standards and regulations in place which require rail companies to control the noise generated for the safety of workers and those in the vicinity. Trains often produce noise when entering or leaving stations and tunnels which poses health risks for those living and working in the vicinity. Ncreasing freight and passenger traffic has caused a surge in noise emissions.