Noise prediction models for gondola ropeway components

The proposed investigation deals with the description of a procedure for the determination of specific prediction models for the noise produced by gondola ropeways. The main system components were analyzed: stations and towers. Towers and stations may be represented as multiple noise sources; thus, their noise emissions are not well evaluated by the traditional noise propagation models (i.e. models for point, linear or areal sources). Noise measurements were conducted near new generation gondola ropeway stations and towers for different working conditions. In particular, the most used kinds of stations and towers were investigated: towers with support, hold-down and double-acting sheaves; stations with tensioning system or with underground motor unit. Noise propagation models for the mentioned gondola ropeway components were determined by the measurement results. Normalized sound spectra were also evaluated for each investigated noise source. The proposed models were tested and validated by their comparison with measurement results in control points.