Assessment of train noise at platforms in underground metro stations

Abstract

Metro has become one of the most used means among public transit due to its advantages such as mass transit capacity, safety, fast speed, and comfort. Despite its benefits, workers and passengers ride the metro daily, and they are continuously being exposed to a high level of noise. Noise exposure has been related to various health-related issues. This paper presents an evaluation of the acoustic environment at the station's platform and studies factors affecting the platform's noise levels. Greater Cairo Metro Line 1, 2, and 3 have been selected as a case study. The result indicates that noise levels are unacceptable compared with the international standards of noise exposure as the highest measured noise level at station platforms was 93.93 dB(A). Regarding the rolling stocks type, the LAeqwas different from one type to another, with a range of 2.28 to 6.5 dB(A). The LAeqon the underground platforms station was 11 dB(A) higher than on the surface stations regarding the station type. For underground stations, the LAeqon curved platforms higher than the straight platforms when a train arrived, stop and go from the station with a range of 2.7 to 4.9 dB(A). Regarding the station platform dimension, the LAeqon the underground platforms with a 5 m width is higher than the one with a 3 m width by 3 dB(A).