Feedback from acoustic and vibration mitigation measures on buildings along railways

Designing buildings very close to existing railway track with heavy commuting traffic requires special attention regarding noise and vibration. The situation reported in this paper is that of an existing embanked railway line 20 km East of Paris, where buildings have been constructed right above the embankment and not too far from a station. Consequently, as the tracks cannot be modified, the mitigation measures have been taken on the receiver side, i.e. the buildings. The noise and vibration mitigation measures implemented in buildings in order to limit occupant annoyance are first described. Then, acoustic and vibration measurements inside and outside of the considered buildings are discussed and results examined with respect to the implemented mitigation solutions. Finally, measured vibration and sound levels are compared to target values under discussion for new regulation on ground borne-noise and vibration levels in buildings along railways.