A fundamental study on energy-based assessment of Shinkansen railway noise in Japan

This study examines the assessment of environmental noise standards for the Shinkansen in Japan, which predominantly relies on averaging the highest noise levels, specifically L_(A,Smax) obtained from actual measurements taken at key locations along the Shinkansen routes. In contrast, the international approach, based on Europe, typically involves energy-based evaluations that calculate noise exposure over time using estimated values. By investigating the correlation between L_(A,Smax) and energy-based noise levels (L_AE), including data from the latest Shinkansen model, the N700S, this research aims to explore the potential for adopting energy-based noise assessments in Japan, aligning with international methodologies. Additionally, it compares the relationship between measured L_AE and L_(A,Smax) with that of estimated L_(A,Smax) and measured L_(A,Smax). The study also examines the calculation equations by derivingL_(A,Smax) from L_AE and considers factors contributing to the increase in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), such as differences in routes, distances from the track surface to the measurement points, vehicle types, and the influence of building clusters.