The QuieterRail project, funded by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), is driving new strategies for cost-effective railway noise reduction. As part of the UIC Railway Noise Days, the project hosted its first public event, highlighting two key focus areas: Work Package 3 (WP3) on rail roughness monitoring and grinding strategies, and Work Package 4 (WP4) on track optimisation for noise, vibration, and life cycle costs.

WP3: Precision in rail roughness monitoring and grinding

The WP3 session brought together over 60 experts to explore the latest advancements in on-board rail roughness measurement and grinding strategies. Discussions focused on how rail roughness impacts noise levels and explored the best methods for monitoring and control from user, supplier, and research perspectives. Key insights from experts included:

• Baldrik Faure, National Railways of France (SNCF), who underlined the importance of roughness control in reducing railway noise and maintaining strong community relationships to be a good neighbour.
• Ard Kuijpers, M+P, who shared a supplier’s perspective on on-board roughness measurement technologies, highlighting opportunities for future improvements.
• Luis Baeza, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), who presented a research-based approach using axle-box vibration measurements and advanced modelling.
• Juliette Florentin, Infrabel, who discussed how optimised rail grinding reduces noise complaints from communities, integrating insights from the UIC Acoustics of reprofiling and onboard monitoring of rail roughness (ACORD) project, and gave an overview of their role on the ERJU QuieterRail advisory board.

The session underscored the importance of harmonised measurement standards and industry-wide collaboration. Pınar Yılmazer, UIC and WP3 Leader, urged stakeholders to participate in both developing harmonised guidelines for measurement systems and an open-source assessment tool. The survey to collect suppliers’ perspectives has been launched and interested parties are encourage to join the initiative at ERJU QuieterRail

Looking ahead, QuieterRail is working to standardise roughness measurements, ensuring accurate data for noise mapping and effective grinding strategies. Early detection through continuous monitoring will be crucial to enhancing safety, maintenance efficiency, and long-term rail sustainability.
 
QuieterRail WP4 Workshop: Advancing rail noise optimisation

On Day 2, QuieterRail took centre stage, focusing on integrating noise mitigation into railway asset management. The goal is to assess whether noise control measures are cost effective and if so, to incorporate them into long-term railway planning.

WP4 Leader David Thompson, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), University of Southampton, and Simon Blainey, University of Birmingham, outlined the project’s approach, while Marcus Young, University of Southampton, showcased a demo version of an open-source decision-support tool, which will be released upon the project’s completion.

Additionally, the event featured a highly interactive session moderated by UIC Chair of Noise and Vibration Sector Jakob Oertli, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), and UIC Chair of Train-Track Interaction Sector Anup Chalisey, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), who are both members of the UIC-led Advisory Board Group. Participants shared their insights and recommendations from real-world use cases, discussed defining optimisation criteria, and addressed key challenges in railway noise control.

Key conclusions from the discussion and recommendations for future QuieterRail outputs:

• Customisable noise, vibration, and cost data to enhance flexibility and accuracy, and enable the future integration of new railway assets.
• Comprehensive reporting with transparent methodologies.
• Database connectivity for better decision-making and accessibility.
• Consideration of mixed traffic operations, accounting for speed variations.

Building a quieter, more efficient railway network

As QuieterRail progresses, by focusing on WP3 and WP4, it will continue to advance measurement precision, optimise grinding strategies, and integrate noise mitigation into asset management. By fostering collaboration among suppliers, researchers, and railway operators, QuieterRail is laying the foundation for a smarter, quieter, and more sustainable railway system.