Department of Rapid Transit Systems

To reduce the impact of noise and vibration from MRT trackwork on the adjacent buildings, DORTS not only adopts an EMU system with the required specifications but also uses either steel wheels or rubber-tyred wheels. For the steel wheel system, floating slab track (FST), having already shown high-quality performance abroad, was introduced. FST uses natural rubber bearings or steel spring to isolate the trackbed slab from the civil structure, totally blocking transmission of vibration. For the rubber-tyred wheel system, smooth steel slabs are used for the running surface to eliminate vibration caused by uneven surfaces. The two above-mentioned techniques applied to the two different systems are the most effective ways of isolating or reducing vibration arising from MRT tracks. In addition to the techniques mentioned above, to avoid the impact of noise on buildings located near viaduct sections DORTS conducted simulation assessments and constructed sound insulation facilities, such as sound-absorbing cotton and sound barriers.