| When a vehicle crosses the grid section of an open grid or bascule bridge, a tonal noise is generated. The tonal character of the noise is a consequence of the periodic excitation of both the tire and the grid, that comes from the interaction between the vehicle tire and the periodic grid members. In this thesis, the parameters that control the level and frequency of the generated noise are investigated, with emphasis on understanding the contribution to the overall noise level from the vibrations of the grid. Field and laboratory measurements have been performed, together with analytical analysis, on sample grid designs. By determining the acoustic radiation efficiency of the grid, the noise contribution from the grid vibrations is estimated by combing the radiation efficiency with the field measured vibration levels. The results of this study show that the contribution from the grid is small compared to that which may be coming from the vibration of the tire. Without first reducing tire noise, structural modifications to the grid in the form of damping or acoustic baffles will not produce any significant noise reduction. |
