Characterisation of tram noise emission and contribution of the noise sources

The recent expansion of French tram networks and the related local residential complaints mean that a better knowledge of the situations leading to negative reactions from the local inhabitants is required. Hence a research project has been conducted to evaluate and describe noise and vibration emission of trams as well as the perception by the local residents. This paper investigates tram noise emission on common straight track sections, involving two vehicle scales. First the acoustic power and the mean vertical directivity of the total tramset is assessed using an arc of microphones. Then the localisation and the analysis of the main noise sources are performed by means of a cross array during the tram pass-by. Two tram types representing two generations of French rolling stock, both running on two sites with distinct track characteristics, have been investigated considering the effect of speed, tram type, and track type on the noise source contributions and spectral features. Most sources are located in the lower part of the trams, mainly related to rolling noise, with a strong dependence on speed and track type. The tram type dependency, although globally of second importance, influences greatly the noise spectral distribution and behaviour. The HVAC was the only roof-mounted source which could be detected; its contribution towards building storeys becomes significant in configurations of low rolling noise. A tram noise emission model based on the various noise sources has been developed.