A Calculation Framework for the Fatigue Assessment of Timber Acoustic Panels Subjected to Train-Induced Aerodynamic Loading

Timber acoustic panels offer a renewable and structurally efficient solution for noise barriers installed along railway lines. However, repeated aerodynamic pressure and suction generated by passing trains may cause cyclic bending, stiffness degradation, excessive deformation, cracking, and deterioration of panel connections. This study presents a calculation framework for the fatigue assessment of framed timber acoustic panels subjected to train-induced aerodynamic actions. The procedure follows the fatigue-assessment framework established in PN-EN 16727-2-1, uses PN-EN 16727-2-2 to determine the equivalent aerodynamic action, incorporates structural analysis of the panel and the definition of representative stress cycles, and defines the required fatigue verification of timber members, connections, and critical details in accordance with the provisions of PN-EN 1995-2. The proposed approach accounts for the panel geometry, timber properties, support conditions, load-transfer mechanism, stress ratio, number of effective cycles, and fatigue-relevant connection details. Its application is demonstrated using a practical acoustic panel comprising a rectangular sawn-timber frame, intermediate stiffeners, tongue-and-groove timber cladding, acoustic infill and installation between steel supporting posts. The framework provides a consistent engineering basis for identifying critical structural components and verifying the fatigue resistance of timber acoustic panels used along conventional and high-speed railway lines.