Acoustic control for new composite blocks

Project description

This project will protect the sectors reputation and credibility for noise management by resolving a weak point in the noise TSI and Implementing regulation 2015/429. The current noise TSI states that once an existing freight wagon has been retrofitted with composite brake blocks then the wagon is assumed to be compliant (ie silent), no actual noise measurements are required. This approach was accepted by ERA, on the recommendation of the rail sector, because it removes the cost of noise tests (an important barrier) and therefore promotes the rapid development of a silent wagon fleet. Currently there is no control of the noise performance for new composite brake blocks (in UIC leaflet 541-4 or any other relevant document). Whilst all currently homologated composite blocks are low noise, there is a risk that some of the new composite blocks in development will give rise to high noise levels. The existing regulatory framework is not able to prevent the use of any such new noisy composite block. Should a wagon be retrofitted with a new noisy composite block, this wagon would be assumed compliant with the TSI and benefit from track access noise bonuses as defined in Implementing regulation 2015/429 Article 2 concerning NDTAC. If this were to happen it would seriously damage the sectors credibility and undermine the strategy for reducing freight noise in Europe. By validating a method for testing the noise performance of new composite blocks this project will remove the risk of new noisy brake blocks.