APPENDIX E

NOISE AND VIBRATION
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Reference Vibration Curve Adjustment Factors
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Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 1 October2012

Table 1 

Reference Vibration Curve Adjustment Factors (Existing Use)

Reference Curve Assumptions:

Vehicle Type: Locomotive Powered Passenger or Freight

Speed (mph): 50

Track: Continuously Welded Rail (CWR)

Geology: Normal soil, inefficient at transmitting vibration

Traffic Condition A (Chicago to Aurora):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 60

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 149,704 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 31,583 Linear Ft 

Total 181,287 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 1.6 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

8.3 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 9.8 dB

Traffic Condition B (Aurora to Wyanet):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 70

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 299,141 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 105,188 Linear Ft 

Total 404,329 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 2.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 10.3 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 2 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 1 (continued)

Traffic Condition C (Wyanet to Silvis):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 118,423 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 110,877 Linear Ft 

Total 229,300 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

5.2 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 2.1 dB

Traffic Condition D (Silvis to Rock Island):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 5

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 41,934 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,437 Linear Ft 

Total 56,371 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -20.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -12.6 dB

Traffic Condition E (Rock Island to Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 268,415 Linear Ft 

Total 268,415 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 3 October2012

Table 1 (continued)

Traffic Condition F (Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 5

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,129 Linear Ft 

Total 14,129 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -20.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -20.0 dB

Traffic Condition G (Iowa City to E. Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 589,517 Linear Ft 

Total 589,517 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB

Traffic Condition H (Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 10

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 73,699 Linear Ft 

Total 73,699 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -14.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -14.0 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 4 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 1 (continued)

Traffic Condition I (W. Des Moines to Council Bluffs):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 653,157 Linear Ft 

Total 653,157 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB

Traffic Condition J (Council Bluffs to Omaha):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 10

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 16,353 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 86,094 Linear Ft 

Total 102,447 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -14.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

1.6 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -12.4 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 5 October2012
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 6 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 2 

Reference Vibration Curve Adjustment Factors (Future No-build Condition)

Reference Curve Assumptions:

Vehicle Type: Locomotive Powered Passenger or Freight

Speed (mph): 50

Track: Continuously Welded Rail (CWR)

Geology: Normal soil, inefficient at transmitting vibration

Traffic Condition A (Chicago to Aurora):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 60

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 149,704 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 31,583 Linear Ft 

Total 181,287 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 1.6 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

8.3 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 9.8 dB

Traffic Condition B (Aurora to Wyanet):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 70

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 299,141 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 105,188 Linear Ft 

Total 404,329 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 2.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 10.3 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 7 October2012

Table 2 (continued)

Traffic Condition C (Wyanet to Silvis):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 118,423 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 110,877 Linear Ft 

Total 229,300 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

5.2 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 2.1 dB

Traffic Condition D (Silvis to Rock Island):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 5

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 41,934 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,437 Linear Ft 

Total 56,371 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -20.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -12.6 dB

Traffic Condition E (Rock Island to Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 268,415 Linear Ft 

Total 268,415 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 8 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 2 (continued)

Traffic Condition F (Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 5

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,129 Linear Ft 

Total 14,129 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -20.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -20.0 dB

Traffic Condition G (Iowa City to E. Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 589,517 Linear Ft 

Total 589,517 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB

Traffic Condition H (Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 10

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 73,699 Linear Ft 

Total 73,699 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -14.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -14.0 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 9 October2012

Table 2 (continued)

Traffic Condition I (W. Des Moines to Council Bluffs):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 35

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 653,157 Linear Ft 

Total 653,157 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -3.1 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -3.1 dB

Traffic Condition J (Council Bluffs to Omaha):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight (no existing passenger trains)

Speed (mph): 10

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 16,353 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 86,094 Linear Ft 

Total 102,447 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -14.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

1.6 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -12.4 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 10 Tier 1 Service Level EIS
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 11 October2012

Table 3 

Reference Vibration Curve Adjustment Factors (Future Build Condition)

Reference Curve Assumptions:

Vehicle Type: Locomotive Powered Passenger or Freight

Speed (mph): 50

Track: Continuously Welded Rail (CWR)

Geology: Normal soil, inefficient at transmitting vibration

Traffic Condition A (Chicago to Aurora):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 60

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 149,704 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 31,583 Linear Ft 

Total 181,287 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 1.6 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

8.3 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 9.8 dB

Traffic Condition B (Aurora to Wyanet):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 100

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 299,141 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 105,188 Linear Ft 

Total 404,329 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 6.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 13.4 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 12 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 3 (continued)

Traffic Condition C (Wyanet to Silvis):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 100

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 118,423 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 110,877 Linear Ft 

Total 229,300 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 6.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

5.2 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 11.2 dB

Traffic Condition D (Silvis to Rock Island):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 40

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 41,934 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,437 Linear Ft 

Total 56,371 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -1.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

7.4 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 5.5 dB

Traffic Condition E (Rock Island to Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 100

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 268,415 Linear Ft 

Total 268,415 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 6.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 6.0 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 13 October2012

Table 3 (continued)

Traffic Condition F (Iowa City):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 40

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 14,129 Linear Ft 

Total 14,129 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -1.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -1.9 dB

Traffic Condition G (Iowa City to E. Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 100

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 589,517 Linear Ft 

Total 589,517 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 6.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 6.0 dB

Traffic Condition H (Des Moines):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 40

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 73,699 Linear Ft 

Total 73,699 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -1.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -1.9 dB
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 14 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

Table 3 (continued)

Traffic Condition I (W. Des Moines to Council Bluffs):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 100

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 0 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 653,157 Linear Ft 

Total 653,157 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: 6.0 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

0.0 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: 6.0 dB

Traffic Condition J (Council Bluffs to Omaha):

Train Type: Locomotive Powered Freight and Passenger

Speed (mph): 40

Track: CWR (same as reference case)

Geology: Till 16,353 Linear Ft 

Sand/Gravel/Sed 86,094 Linear Ft 

Total 102,447 Linear Ft 

Reference Curve Adjustment Factors:

Increased Speed: -1.9 dB, calc. per FTA guidance

Track: 0 dB

Geology: 10 dB, for till (efficient soil) 

0 dB, for sand/gravel/sediment (inefficient soil)

1.6 dB, weighted average over section

Total Adjustments: -0.3 dB
Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study Appendix E, Noise and Vibration

Tier 1 Service Level EIS 15 October2012
Appendix E, Noise and Vibration Chicago to Council Bluffs-Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study

October2012 16 Tier 1 Service Level EIS

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