Evaluation of noise generated by a rail yard

The mitigation of noise generated by transportation infrastructures is a well-known problem. Particular attention should be paid to mitigation when the infrastructure is close to residential areas. This study consists of a noise evaluation for a mitigation design in a rail yard close to an urban residential area. Firstly, an evaluation of the acoustic environment was performed in the rail yard in three positions with an unobstructed view of the yard. The duration of the measurements was 5 days and the instruments used were compliant with the Italian regulations on environmental noise evaluation. The second step was the characterization of noise sources in the yard. Four types of sources were measured: (1) fixed and (2) non-fixed point sources, (3) area sources, and (4) line sources. The third step consisted of the evaluation of secondary sources not directly related to the rail yard: 1 urban arterial road, 2 urban collector roads, 1 urban local road and 1 railway. The measurements performed were used to create a 3D forecasting model for the design of mitigations where the noise level exceeds the limits fixed by national legislation.