Summary

1. Acoustic Requirements – Calculation data is available for different train types.

2. Estimation of Installation Costs for Soundblock – Factors such as railway embankment widening and track access must be considered.

3.Estimation of Long-Term Costs (e.g., 50-year period) – Includes maintenance costs related to lifting blocks for track work, snow removal procedures, and additional routines. These calculations are typically only necessary when low barriers are installed on both sides of the track, as Soundblock itself is maintenance-free.
Detailed Breakdown

Summary
Acoustic Requirements – Calculation data is available for different train types.
Estimation of Installation Costs for Soundblock – Factors such as railway embankment widening and track access must be considered.
Estimation of Long-Term Costs (e.g., 50-year period) – Includes maintenance costs related to lifting blocks for track work, snow removal procedures, and additional routines. These calculations are typically only necessary when low barriers are installed on both sides of the track, as Soundblock itself is maintenance-free.
Detailed Breakdown
1. Acoustic Requirements The first step is to ensure that Soundblock meets the acoustic requirements for the specific railway section. Evaluating the acoustic performance of low noise barriers has historically been a challenge. To address this, we have developed a calculation model in collaboration with Tyréns AB to simplify the assessment process. This calculation model can be requested at Nicklas@zblocnorden.se.

Additionally, we can work with an acoustics consultancy to perform an initial basic calculation to determine feasibility.

Soundblock provides a stable noise reduction of 5–7 dB (depending on train type), regardless of the receiver’s location.
For some train types, a reduction of 10–11 dB can be achieved in certain areas.
It may be useful to compare the required height of a traditional high barrier placed below the embankment with a trackside barrier standing only 73 cm above the rail head.

2. Estimating Installation Costs sts
Once we confirm that a low barrier is acoustically viable, the next step is to evaluate installation costs. We have extensive experience in this area and are happy to assist.

Key considerations include:

Does the railway embankment need to be widened?
What is the accessibility to the track?
How long can work be performed on the track during each installation session?
To optimize the process, we welcome images and technical drawings of the site to help identify potential adaptations that may be necessary. Adjustments might include:

Integrating the cable duct into the Soundblock structure.
Modifying certain Soundblock elements during the casting process to accommodate existing infrastructure on the embankment.

3. Estimating Long-Term Maintenance Costs Finally, maintenance costs over the relevant timeframe must be considered. One of the key advantages of Soundblock is that it is easy to lift and remove when necessary. However, this does come with a cost—typically around 2,000 SEK per meter for removal and reinstallation (depending on site accessibility).

When Soundblock barriers are installed on both sides of the track, challenges may arise for ballast cleaning and sleeper replacement. However, these maintenance tasks typically occur at 30–40 year intervals, meaning it is beneficial to coordinate any necessary maintenance work during the initial installation to avoid major railway maintenance within the first 5–10 years of operation.

More frequent maintenance tasks, such as using a ballast plow, do not significantly impact maintenance costs—although operators may need to proceed with slightly more caution. The same conditions apply as when operating near a platform (same height and distance).

For snow removal, it is recommended that the contractor is required to engage a provider with a track-mounted snow blower. Including clear snow removal guidelines in the procurement documentation ensures fair competition among contractors and prevents unexpected additional costs.

Establishing snow removal routines and safety procedures naturally involves some additional time and costs compared to traditional barriers. However, extensive experience exists in this area.

Special Transport Considerations
Special transports may also be affected when noise barriers are placed on the railway embankment. A simple rule of thumb:

If a special transport can pass a platform, it can also pass a Soundblock barrier.
If a section has frequent special transports, a low trackside barrier may not be the most cost-effective solution.
Access to the Track
Track accessibility may change depending on the installation. However, just like a traditional barrier—where access is granted through designated openings—Soundblock barriers can be equipped with doors at regular intervals to facilitate entry when needed.

For More Information
For more detailed information and assistance with technical documentation, please contact:

Nicklas Erlandsson
0708-321 680
nicklas@zblocnorden.se