This draft European Standard applies only for noise barriers composed of posts as structural elements and panels as acoustic elements (fabricated for example from metal, timber, plastic or concrete panels, etc.), including accidental combination of these materials. It also applies for acoustic claddings of existing walls and partial or total acoustic coverings of the rail track. Acoustic elements need to be tested together with the structural elements to represent the noise barrier as in the intended use. This draft European Standard provides criteria to verify railway noise barriers and related devices according to basic mechanical performance under standard conditions of exposure, irrespective of the materials used. A range of conditions and optional requirements is provided to allow for the wide diversity of practice within Europe. Individual aspects of performance are covered separately in the annexes. This draft European Standard provides test methods and criteria for the assessment of railway noise barriers with respect to their mechanical performance and stability under static loading.