Vibration Control in tramway and L.R.T. systems

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. SystemsVibration Control in tramway and L.R.T.systemsby Markus TecklenburgGetzner Werkstoffe GmbH - AustriaVibration control in Tramway and L. R. T. systemsPresentation of technically demanding anti-vibration solutions inTramway- and Rail superstructure used for over 25 years and indifferent railway systems through world-wide projects. Therebyoffering tailor-made, economical and tested solutions with highefficiency according to customers demand and specification like:Mass-Spring-System, Ballast Mats, Sleeper-pads/MicrocellularPads for Rubber Boots, Baseplate pads and Embedded TrackSystem. Also taking into consideration which aspects are importantto consider when deciding on a certain system and the efficiencythat can be expected out of the different solutionsGetzner Werkstoffe GmbH 1

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. Systems1. IntroductionRising demands in railway operations the past 30 years have resulted inincreasing requirements for both, superstructures and rolling stock with respectto reduced maintenance, increased riding comfort and reduced environmentalimpact - especially in light of noise and vibration mitigation led to new types ofsuperstructures.Managing these special tasks in a variety of modern railway systems rangingfrom tramways, subways to high speed lines demand new views in modernrailway design. Covering this multitude of tasks one solution has been identifiedduring a long development process:Designed Elasticity in the Superstructure.The historical superstructure, Picture 1 - rail, stiff fastening system, sleeper andballast no longer fulfil these modern requirements and consequently a new typeof superstructure has to be developed - The Elastic Superstructure (see Picture2).Picture 1Getzner Werkstoffe was one of the first companies in the world that has beeninvolved since the early 70-ies in the development of designed elasticity. Duringthe past 30 years, Getzner Werkstoffe has built up strong competencies in thearea of elasticity design for modern superstructures of all kinds. The reality oftechnological opportunities is shown in Picture 2. Theses solutions can, butusually are not used all together in one system. It only shows an overview andthe position where elasticity can be applied in the superstructure to be technicallyfeasible and provide an optimised economical feature.Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH 2

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. SystemsPicture 2Today Getzner Werkstoffe offers a wide range of engineering know-how andsolutions, i.e. specifically designed and tested resilient components for railwayapplications enabling to fulfil every specification with regard to elasticity,maintenance, noise and vibration mitigation.Giving a brief overview about Getzner’s competencies in elasticity design,following application provide an insight into possibilities to bring elasticity intotracks:• Rail- and Baseplate PadsPicture 3Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH 3

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. Systems• Ballast MatsPicture 4Elastic Supports for Floating Slab Tracks andBallast Troughs/Mass-Spring-Systems (MSS)Picture 52.1 SYLOMER ® and SYLODYN ® Baseplate Pads and RailPadsfor Elastic Rail FastenersBaseplate- and Rail Pads produced by Getzner Werkstoffe have been in use formore than 15 years as elastic components for rail fasteners (Table 1).They are used for:• Providing the required track elasticity for floating slab tracks• Reducing ballast compression and loads on sleepers for heavily-used lines onhard or stiff foundations, especially for high-speed linesGetzner Werkstoffe GmbH 4

Frequently Asked Questions6. I’m a parent or guardian and my student has assigned transportation. How do I find out where mychild should catch the bus if the District is on snow routes?The District mails letters to parents/guardians or families identifying these routes. Parents can also call206‐252‐0900 to identify their snow route.7. What is a snow route and how is it determined? Why is it different than a regular route?The District, in collaboration with the City of Seattle, identifies centrally located streets and majorarterials that will be cleared first in the event of a snowstorm. Snow routes use these streets andarterials to improve student safety.8. Does the District use robo‐calls to notify parents and staff about possible school closures?Yes. The District automatically phones parents and staff about school closures, if the decision has beenmade the night before.9. Are there winter safety tips you have for students for getting ready for school?• Students should be dressed properly for the weather as transportation delays will occur.• Students should be brightly dressed and easy to see.• Items should be placed in a backpack or school bag, thus making hands free to be used forstability.• Students should arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled pickup up time.10. Are there tips you have for walking to the bus stop?• Allow extra time in the morning to get to the bus stop on time.• Wear bright clothing so the bus driver and other motorists can see you in the early morningand late evening.• Dress properly for the weather. Winter clothing, hats, mittens and boots will keep you warm.• Pedestrian travel should be done on sidewalks or a safe walking path. When there is nosidewalk and you have to walk on the road, be sure to walk facing traffic.• Watch traffic while walking to your stop. Vehicles may lose control in the snow and ice andyou need to be aware of your surroundings.• Ensure your balance by walking with hands out of pockets, free from unnecessary materials.• Young children should be walked to the bus stop; older children should walk in groups.• When crossing a street, look left, right and left. Walk across a street at corners, usecrosswalks whenever possible. Do not run.• Be careful around cars parked along the street. Drivers coming down the street may not seeyou.• Listen for the sound of car motors, sirens, horns or emergency announcements beforestepping into the street.11. Where can I find information about Metro/ORCA?Please see the Metro website at http://metro.kingcounty.gov/up/rr/snow.html for their snow routes.4

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. SystemsEssentially, there are three different types of such systems:• full surface layer (Picture 11)• linear support (Picture 12)• discrete bearings (Picture 13)Picture 11 Picture 12 Picture 13For decades one material has proven to be particularly useful in many projects:Sylomer ® by Getzner Werkstoffe. This material type is tuned to the specificdemands by operators and guarantee required mitigation efficiency.Through our continuing efforts to develop and perfect this well proven and testedmaterials, we have created a whole new generation of high performanceelastomers: Sylodyn ® .Both material types offer a magnitude of advantages when used as elasticbearings for slab tracks and ballast troughs:• reliable, homogeneous and durable elastic properties• resistance to even extreme overloading in the short-term• ease of use in compensating construction tolerances• adaptable to all applications by varying the density of the material, thethickness and surface area of the support.• highly resistance to environmental impacts i.e. moisture, chemicals, oil,grease etc.• maintenance freeSylomer ® and Sylodyn ® are the perfect choice for elastic supports in all types ofmass-spring systems.Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH 9

Vibration Control in Tramway and L. R. T. SystemsRail- and Baseplate Padsfor rail fastenersPicture 14f 0 ≥ 25 HzTuning frequency of thesuperstructure underdesign axle loadElastic Supports for slabtracks and ballasttroughs/mass-springsystemsPicture 15f 0 ≥ 6 HzBallast matsTuning frequency of thesuperstructure under designaxle loadPicture 16f 0 ≥ 15 HzTuning frequency of thesuperstructure underdesign axle loadGetzner Werkstoffe GmbH 10