BS EN 16727-1 provides criteria to verify railway noise barriers and related devices according to basic mechanical performance under standard conditions of exposure, irrespective of the materials used. A range of conditions and optional requirements is provided to allow for the wide diversity of practice within Europe. Individual aspects of performance are covered separately in the annexes.
It is important that acoustic elements are tested together with the structural elements to represent the noise barrier as in the intended use.
BS EN 16727-1 provides test methods and criteria for the assessment of railway noise barriers with respect to their mechanical performance and stability under static loading.
BS EN 16727-1 applies only to noise barriers composed of posts as structural elements and panels as acoustic elements (fabricated for example from metal, timber, plastic or concrete panels). It also applies for acoustic claddings of existing walls and partial or total acoustic coverings of the rail track.
BS EN 16727-1 used for the determination of the characteristic values and design values.
BS EN 16727-1 on Railway applications - noise barrier component is useful for:
Noise barriers and related devices acting on airborne sound propagation are exposed to permanent, variable or accidental actions as set out in BS EN 1990.
Under combinations of permanent, variable, and accidental actions, it is essential that the structural behaviour of the noise barrier is evaluated with the aim of preventing excessive stress of material, separation of elements from structural posts and excessive deflections that may affect their acoustic effectiveness and robustness.
Different materials used in the design of a noise barrier are due to be chemically compatible and not adversely affect each other’s characteristics. With specific reference to accidental actions caused by ballast stones or other debris from passing trains, minor damage may be tolerated but attention will be paid to safety, environmental and functional requirements. Shatter properties are treated in BS EN 167273. In circumstances where there is a lack of design information, or doubt about the parameters required to undertake tests or calculation for verification of a design, additional surveys and geotechnical investigations are essential so as to obtain the required values in order to ensure the safety and serviceability of the complete noise barrier.
BS EN 16727-1 document permits the evaluation of the effects of forces due to self-weight, air pressure load and impact loads that can act on the noise barrier and/or its components.
EN 16727-1:2018