Overcoming the challenges associated with the design of noise barriers for high-speed railways

Noise barriers on high-speed lines have attracted significant attention in recent years due to concerns over performance in use. Lightweight barriers have been damaged by bird strike, train aerodynamic pressures have led to some early fatigue failures and materials selection with limited durability have led to unexpected maintenance costs.

This paper presents the results of dynamic analysis to meet the requirements of BS EN 16727-2-2: 2016 for HS2, including a determination of the dynamic response of noise barriers. It considers variations in both the modal properties of the barrier and the spectral content of the train pressure loading, and considers cumulative effects from the nose, intercar and tail pulses.

The relationship between the spectral content of these pulses, along with the main response modes of the barrier is demonstrated graphically in order to clarify the response peaks which should be designed for or avoided.

Design solutions for these peaks are explored including damping and strengthening solutions, along with confirmation by testing.

The design is based around a cranked noise barrier geometry selected for visual impact and acoustic reasons and consistent with the emerging Common Design Element (CDE) proposals. This introduces additional complications over traditional vertical barriers which are also highlighted in the paper.