Vibrations generated by trams are one of the most sensitive issues in urban rail transport, especially in dense urban areas. In Germany, recent tests carried out on a tram network have shown that technical modifications to the vehicle can significantly reduce these effects, with measured reductions of up to 51% at certain points.
Independent measurements under real operating conditions
Manufacturer Stadler presented the results of measurements taken in December on several representative sections of the tram network in Darmstadt.
The tests were carried out after technical modifications were made to the wheels and suspension of TINA trams with the aim of reducing the vibrations transmitted to buildings in the vicinity of the lines.
The investigations were carried out by an independent and accredited testing institute in accordance with applicable standards, including DIN 4150, and the raw data collected underwent an extensive analysis and validation process.
Stadler explains that the evaluation of such field measurements typically takes several weeks to allow for solid and comparable conclusions to be drawn.
How the field tests were conducted
Three sections of the tram network were selected for the measurement runs based on technical criteria established by Stadler. All selected points had previously been analyzed in a study conducted by the operator HEAG mobilo, which had identified significant differences between TINA trams and older vehicles.
The December tests were carried out with a modified TINA tram and unmodified reference vehicles to ensure comparable conditions.
Measurements were taken in buildings along the route, and natural variations in speed and operating behavior were taken into account in the final analysis.
Results: clear reductions in vibrations
The analyzed data indicate an overall reduction in vibrations in the modified TINA trams.
The most pronounced improvements were observed on Wilhelm-Leuschner Street, where the greatest deviations from existing vehicles had previously been recorded.
At this point, the maximum vibration intensity decreased by up to 51%, and the average reduction was over 33%.
On the other sections analyzed, the initial vibration values were lower and the improvements were more moderate on the following streets:
- on Elisabeth-Selbert, slight but consistent reductions were recorded at all measurement points;
- on Heidelberger, the results indicate, on average, a slight improvement in vibration levels.
According to Stadler, the results confirm that wheel optimization is also effective in Darmstadt and that the vibrations transmitted to buildings are lower compared to unmodified TINA trams.
New technical interventions
Following the positive results, Stadler intends to continue optimizing technical solutions and prepare their implementation for series production.
At the same time, the company has developed an additional technical measure in recent months, initially tested in Basel, which promises a further reduction in vibrations, especially at low speeds.
Stadler is currently working on designing the necessary modifications to the TINA tram used for measurements in Darmstadt.
If the solution receives approval from the technical supervisory authority, it will also be implemented in local operations.
According to the company, this approach is part of the strategy applied since 2025, which provides for testing technical solutions in real networks, their independent evaluation, and subsequently extending the modifications to the entire fleet.
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