Zentralbahn’s Acoustic Measurement System

We developed the software for an acoustic measurement system for Zentralbahn, while InfraTech implemented the hardware. In close collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), which developed the analysis tool, we created a comprehensive solution for recording and evaluating noise emissions during rail operations. The measurement box continuously records acoustic, weather, and event data and makes this data available to the analysis tool. This allows for a targeted investigation of the relationships between the vehicle, the track, and noise emissions.

The goal of the project is to enable data-driven decisions aimed at reducing rail noise. The insights gained support, among other things, the optimization of the targeted use of lubricants on selected vehicle types and the planning of wheel regrooving. In this way, the solution helps to sustainably reduce noise emissions and alleviate the impact on residents—especially in densely populated areas and at night.