New alternatives to acoustic panels explored to reduce train noise in Badalona

More efficient mechanical ventilation for intensive care patients
September 22, 2021
Monitoring odour episodes in Vacarisses
September 15, 2021
15/09/2021

Badalona City Council has commissioned the Acoustic and Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (LEAM) of the UPC’s CATMech research group to find technical alternatives for train noise reduction that do not involve the installation of acoustic panels in two stretches of the city’s Rambla de Santa Madrona. The panels were the solution proposed by the Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (ADIF).



After a meeting between Badalona Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol, Director of the School of Engineering Esther Real and CatMech Researcher Jordi Romeu, held on 10 September, the UPC was commissioned to draw up a report to propose noise pollution reduction measures for trains. These measures must mitigate the sound impact by working on aspects such as the rail infrastructure, wheels and rails, which could be the cause of the noise.

The city council commissioned this study because the spaces affected by the installation of the screens are within the urban protection area of the Rambla, in the Badalona Heritage Catalogue, listed as a Cultural Asset of Local (BCIL). The screens would have a strong visual impact on the street and the affected buildings.


Related Projects