What is BS EN 16272-4 - Characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices on noise barriers about?
BS EN 16272-4 describes a test method for determining the intrinsic characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices installed on the top of railway noise barriers. The test method prescribes measurements of the sound pressure level at several reference points near the top edge of a noise barrier with and without the added device installed on its top. The intrinsic effectiveness of the added device is calculated as the difference between the measured values with and without the added devices, correcting for any change in height. In other words, the method described here gives the acoustic benefit of changing the shape and materials of the top edge over a simple barrier of the same height. This is an intrinsic characteristic of the added device, provided that the source and receiver positions are standardized.
Note1: In practice, when the added device is placed over an existing barrier, it raises the height and this provide additional screening, depending on the source and receiver positions; this additional screening is not considered in this BS EN 16272-4.
Note2: BS EN 16272-4 is intended for the following applications:
- Preliminary qualification, outdoors or indoors, of added devices to be installed on noise barriers
- Determination of the sound diffraction index difference of added devices in actual use
- Comparison of design specifications of an added device with actual performance data after the completion of the construction work
- Verification of the long-term performance of added devices (with a repeated application of the method)
- The interactive design process of new products, including the formulation of installation manuals
Note3: BS EN 16272-4 can be applied both in situ and on samples purposely built to be tested using the method described here.
Note4: Results are expressed as a function of frequency, in one-third octave bands between 100 Hz and 5 kHz. If it is not possible to get valid measurements results over the whole frequency range indicated, the results shall be given in the restricted frequency range and the reasons for the restriction(s) shall be clearly reported. A single-number rating is calculated from frequency data.
Who is BS EN 16272-4 - Characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices on noise barriers for?
BS EN 16272-4 on Railway noise barriers - Characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices is useful for:
- Railway infrastructure regulatory bodies
- Railway engineer
- Operators
- Designers
- Mechanical engineer
Why should you use BS EN 16272-4 - Characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices on noise barriers?
Passing trains generate an air pressure wave, which impacts on noise barriers installed alongside the track. It is important that noise barriers withstand this impact without any part of them becoming detached or displaced in an unsafe manner, they should be designed for the specified requirements in ultimate, serviceability.
BS EN 16272-4 is used to qualify products before the installation along railways as well as to verify the compliance of installed added devices to design specifications. Repeated application of the method can be used to verify the long-term performance of added devices.
BS EN 16272-4 specifies methods for determining the intrinsic characteristics of sound diffraction of added devices installed on the top of railway noise barriers. In this manner, you will be able to create an efficient and noise-free functioning of the railway infrastructure.
Added devices installed on the top of the railway noise barrier should not pose hazards to rail users or other people in the vicinity or to the environment at large. BS EN 16272-4 helps to minimize risk to adjacent premises, or to rail users in confined corridors.
