Project
DECIBELL LIFE07 ENV/F/000176 - Conception and qualification by UIC of a LL composite material to substitute cast iron brake shoes on existing wagons, to decrease noise (potential of 600000 wagons impacted)
Funding origin:
European
STRIA Roadmaps:
Transport infrastructure (INF)
Transport mode:
Rail
Transport sectors:
Passenger transport
Freight transport
Project website:
Duration:
Start date: 01/01/2009,
End date: 01/12/2012
Status: Finished
Funding details:
Overview
Background & policy context:
In 2006, a Commission Decision 2006/66/EC was adopted setting out the technical specifications for inter-operability relating to the “rolling stock-noise” of the trans-European conventional rail system. This decision aimed to reduce noise due to rail traffic. In 2007, the Commission furthermore launched a communication campaign entitled “Rail noise abatement measures addressing the existing fleet”.
Currently, some 600 000 freight cars run night and day through Europe. Rolling noise is currently measured by railway operators or regional authorities in those freight corridors most subject to noise nuisances.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the DECIBELL project are to:
- Conduct a technical assessment by 2012 of an innovative substitute brakeshoe. This assessment is to be carried out by the International Union of Railways (UIC);
- Demonstrate the safety and economic performance, as well as the noise reduction effectiveness, of the brake substitute by equipping a fleet of some 100 freight cars.
- Reduce noise by a factor of 2 to 4 compared with current levels; and
- Decrease the carbon footprint of Europe’s freight sector by supporting a shift from road to rail traffic.
The project will result in the creation of rolling noise maps for each Member State.
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