Noise and Vibration Report - Transnet

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ENVIRO-ACOUSTIC RESEARCHSCOPING NOISE REPORT – TRANSNET: SWAZI RAIL LINK – DAVEL YARD TO NERSTON RSA ROUTE4 POTENTIAL NOISE SOURCESIncreased noise levels are directly linked with the various activities associated with theconstruction of the railway line and infrastructure as well as the operational phase of theactivity. The specific activities relating to construction of the railway line will only beknown during the EIA phase of the project, and therefore will only be discussed in ageneralised manner in the following sections.Note that the most significant stage relating to noise is due to the operational phase andnot the construction phase. This is due to the duration of activities during the constructionphase are generally short.4.1 POTENTIAL NOISE SOURCES: CONSTRUCTION PHASE4.1.1 Construction equipmentConstruction activities include:• Site establishment, including the development of a contractors camps at suitablelocations along the route;• Potentially the development and upgrading of access roads to allow the delivery ofequipment to railway line sections as well as maintenance access routes to railwaylines at future dates;• Site preparation e.g. advance fencing, geological survey, stripping of topsoil,material disposal;• Development of foundation and trenches (for laying of cables etc.)• Development of sub-structure (formation, sub-ballast and ballast), setting of thesleepers and laying of the tracks, turn-outs, railroad ties and foundation concretepouring; and• Building of buildings and refuelling stations at rail loops.The equipment likely to be required to complete the above tasks will typically include:• excavator/grader, bulldozer, dump trucks, vibratory roller, bucket loader, rockbreaker, (potentially) drill rig, excavator/grader, bulldozer, dump truck, flat bedtrucks, concrete truck(s), pile driver, cranes, fork lift and various 4WD and servicevehicles.The level and character of the construction noise will be highly variable as differentactivities with different equipment take place at different times, for different periods ofP a g e | 19
ENVIRO-ACOUSTIC RESEARCHSCOPING NOISE REPORT – TRANSNET: SWAZI RAIL LINK – DAVEL YARD TO NERSTON RSA ROUTEtime (operating cycles), in different combinations, in different sequences and on differentparts of the construction site. Table 4-1 gives an indication of the maximum noise levelsthat can potentially be generated by a variety of construction equipment. Table 4.2presents the equivalent (average) noise level as measured over a long period, as well asthe potential extend of such a noise level.4.1.2 Material, Equipment supply and Borrow PitsMaterial and equipment supply has not yet been defined. It is likely that Transnet will bemaking use of road transport, railway line transportation as well as borrow pits to sourceaggregate. This will increase traffic (both road and rail) at construction areas along therailway route. Construction traffic is expected to be generated throughout the entireconstruction period, however, the volume and type of traffic generated will be dependentupon the construction activities being conducted, which will vary during the constructionperiod. This however will only be investigated during the ENIA phase.4.1.3 BlastingBlasting may be required as part of the civil works to clear obstacles or to preparefoundations. Should a borrow pit be used to supply rocks for construction and ballastsupply purposes, blasting could also be expected.Blasting will not be considered during the scoping or ENIA phase for the following reasons:• Blasting is highly regulated, and control of blasting to protect human health,equipment and infrastructure will ensure that any blasts will use minimumexplosives and will occur in a controlled manner. With regards to blasting in borrowpits, explosives are used with a low detonation speed, reducing vibration, soundpressure levels and air blasts. The breaking of obstacles with explosives is also aspecialized field, and when correct techniques are used, it causes less noise thanusing a rock-breaker.• People are generally more concerned over ground vibration and air blast levels thatmight cause building damage than the impact of the noise from the blast.• Blasts are an infrequent occurrence, with a loud but a relative instantaneouscharacter. Potentially affected parties normally receive sufficient notice (siren), andthe knowledge that the duration of the siren noise as well as the blast will be overrelative fast, resulting in a higher acceptance of the noise.P a g e | 20
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Noise and Vibration Report - Transnet

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