The presentation of the scope and expected results marked the launch event for the Fondef project “Scaling Up the Dynamic Vibration Absorber System Applied to the Mitigation of Noise Induced by Railroad Tracks,” which is being developed by the University of Santiago de Chile (Usach).
The proposal was presented by the research team, led by Dr. Roberto Ortega, a professor and director of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DIMEC), alongside mechanical engineer Francisco Sierra, M.Sc. Participants in the event included Dr. Erick Saavedra, director of Community Engagement at the School of Engineering, professionals from the Technology Management Office (DGT), and representatives from Metro de Santiago.
During his presentation, Dr. Ortega explained that the research involves scaling up and validating, in real-world operational environments, a device designed to mitigate dynamic vibrations and structural noise caused by rail transport, thereby contributing to the development of a more efficient and people-friendly urban mobility system in cities.
“The expansion of rail networks has increased noise and vibration pollution in urban areas, causing significant impacts on communities and the environment. Our goal is to propose a non-invasive, adaptable, and economically viable technology that reduces these effects without the need to halt rail operations,” said the professor.
He added that the device operates using a damping mechanism that reduces the vibration and noise generated by passing trains, and is characterized by its easy installation and lower cost compared to other engineering solutions, many of which require more complex interventions or the temporary suspension of service.
In this context, Ortega highlighted that one of the main advantages is its compatibility with both new and existing rail lines. “We are seeking a low-maintenance, easily integrated solution that can be applied both in Chile and in other countries,” he added.
Currently, this technical development is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, which corresponds to experimental laboratory validation. With this new phase funded by ANID, the team expects to conduct tests in real-world scenarios and move closer to future commercial applications and technology transfer.
Prototype and New Advances
Dr. Roberto Ortega then presented the background that gave rise to this line of railway engineering research, which originated from Francisco Sierra’s graduate thesis.
As a result of that experience, progress was made in the design and construction of an experimental prototype, with support from the USACH Technology Management Office through the award of the internal Transfiere DGT grant. Thanks to this funding, it was possible to conduct tests and evaluate the device’s performance on a section of track.
“That work helped identify a significant opportunity and generate experimental evidence capable of transforming academic research into a solution with potential for commercialization,” explained Ortega, who also highlighted the role of the VRIIC Technology Management Directorate team in the technology maturation process.
Collaboration with Metro
Another topic addressed during the event was the collaboration between the University of Santiago and Metro de Santiago, a partnership that will enable testing under real operational conditions and expand the scope of technical validations.
This will allow for testing on longer tracks, to obtain more robust information on the system’s performance in the field. “Metro has the infrastructure, technical capabilities, and necessary conditions to evaluate the device in an environment where it can have a concrete impact,” said the professor.
At the conclusion of the event, Felipe Ibáñez, assistant manager of Track Maintenance at Metro de Santiago, praised the potential contribution of this initiative to the rail sector, emphasizing that it can help “address a significant issue such as the environmental impact of vibration in the city.”