The objectives of SILENT TRACK are to develop a number of innovative technical solutions to be applied to existing tracks, and also to new infrastructure, allowing to reach, together with a combined action on vehicles, a global reduction of noise emitted by the train/track system by about 10 dB(A). The cost of implementing these solutions, by retrofit on existing tracks, or from building stage for new ones, must remain reasonable, that means significantly lower than the cost of a noise barrier.
Work will include development of investigation and simulation tools, design and validation of solutions (with a strong emphasis on the understanding of phenomena governing rail roughness) and the optimisation of the design of track components (rail, fastening systems, sleepers...). It will be concluded by a demonstration exercise coordinated with SILENT FREIGHT where prototype solutions for wagons and track will be jointly tested, showing achievable noise reduction and allowing an extensive validation of new models. Guidelines will been produced in view of standardisation and of defining a policy for the implementation of low noise design in Europe.