BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 Railway Applications: Acoustics and Noise Management

Introducing the BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025, a comprehensive standard dedicated to the measurement of rail and wheel roughness in relation to noise generation. This essential document is a must-have for professionals in the railway industry, providing critical guidelines and methodologies to ensure effective noise management and compliance with acoustic standards.

Key Features of the Standard

The BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard is meticulously crafted to address the complexities of noise generation in railway applications. Here are some of the key features and benefits:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Spanning 44 pages, this standard offers an in-depth exploration of rail and wheel roughness measurement techniques, ensuring you have all the information needed to implement effective noise control strategies.
• Latest Updates: Released on June 12, 2025, this document includes the latest amendments and updates, ensuring your practices are aligned with current industry standards.
• ISBN: 978 0 539 29113 1 - Easily reference and cite this standard in your professional documentation and reports.
• Standard Number: BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 - Recognized and respected across the industry, this standard is a testament to quality and reliability.

Why Noise Management Matters in Railway Applications

Noise pollution is a significant concern in urban and rural areas alike, particularly in regions with extensive railway networks. The impact of noise on communities, wildlife, and the environment necessitates stringent control measures. The BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard provides the framework needed to address these challenges effectively.

By adhering to this standard, railway operators can:

• Enhance Passenger Comfort: Reducing noise levels contributes to a more pleasant travel experience for passengers, fostering a positive perception of rail transport.
• Comply with Regulations: Meeting the requirements of this standard ensures compliance with national and international noise regulations, avoiding potential legal and financial penalties.
• Promote Environmental Responsibility: Implementing noise reduction strategies demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Technical Insights and Methodologies

The BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard delves into the technical aspects of measuring rail and wheel roughness, providing detailed methodologies and best practices. This includes:

• Measurement Techniques: Detailed guidance on the tools and techniques used to accurately measure roughness, ensuring precise data collection.
• Data Analysis: Instructions on analyzing measurement data to identify noise sources and develop targeted mitigation strategies.
• Implementation Guidelines: Practical advice on integrating noise management practices into existing railway operations, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals within the railway industry, including:

• Railway Engineers: Engineers responsible for the design, maintenance, and operation of railway systems will find this standard essential for ensuring noise control measures are effectively implemented.
• Acoustic Consultants: Specialists in noise management and acoustics can leverage the detailed methodologies provided to enhance their consultancy services.
• Regulatory Bodies: Government and regulatory agencies can use this standard as a benchmark for evaluating compliance with noise regulations.

Conclusion

The BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard is a critical tool for anyone involved in the railway industry, offering the guidance needed to manage noise effectively and sustainably. By implementing the practices outlined in this document, you can ensure compliance, enhance passenger experience, and contribute to a quieter, more environmentally friendly railway network.

Invest in the future of railway acoustics and noise management with the BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 standard, and be at the forefront of industry excellence.

BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025

This standard BS EN 15610:2019+A1:2025 Railway applications. Acoustics. Rail and wheel roughness measurement related to noise generation is classified in these ICS categories:

• 93.100 Construction of railways
• 17.140.30 Noise emitted by means of transport

1.1 This document specifies a direct measurement method for characterizing the surface roughness of the rail and wheel associated with rolling noise ("acoustic roughness"), in the form of a one-third octave band spectrum. This document describes a method for: a) selecting measuring positions along a track or selecting wheels of a vehicle; b) selecting lateral positions for measurements; c) the data acquisition procedure; d) measurement data processing in order to estimate a set of one-third octave band roughness spectra; e) presentation of this estimate for comparison with limits of acoustic roughness; f) comparison with a given upper limit in terms of a one-third octave band wavelength spectrum; g) the measuring system requirements. 1.2 It is applicable to the: a) compliance testing of reference track sections in relation to the acceptance test for noise emitted by railway vehicles; b) performance testing of track sections in relation to noise emitted by railway vehicles; c) acceptance of the running surface condition only in the case where the acoustic roughness is the acceptance criterion; d) assessment of the wheel surface condition as an input for the acoustic acceptance of brake blocks; e) assessment of the wheel and rail roughness as input to the calculation of combined wheel rail roughness; f) diagnosis of wheel-rail noise issues for specific tracks or wheels; g) assessment of the wheel and rail roughness as input to rolling noise modelling; h) assessment of the wheel and rail roughness as input to noise source separation methods. 1.3 It is not applicable to the: a) measurement of roughness (rail roughness, wheel roughness or combined roughness) using an indirect method; b) analysis of the effect of wheel-rail interaction, such as a “contact filter”; c) approval of rail and wheel reprofiling, including rail grinding operations, except for those where the acoustic roughness is specifically the approval criterion (and not the grinding quality criteria as provided in e.g. EN 13231-3); d) characterization of track and wheel geometry except where associated with noise generation.