A semi-analytical method for predicting train-induced vibrations considering train-track-soil and soil-pile-building dynamic interactions

Abstract

A semi-analytical methodology was proposed to predict vibrations considering train-track-soil and soil-pile-building coupling. It contained three subsystems of vehicle-track-soil generation, ground-borne vibration propagation, and soil-pile-building dynamic interaction. The vibration generation was simulated with a 10-degree-of-freedom multi-body vehicle model and a three-layer track model, including the soil dynamics through the predicted complex stiffness from the layered soil under surface traction. An equivalent uniform pressure under each bogie was obtained which subsequently helped formulate the ground-borne vibration transmission model. Finally, the soil-pile-building dynamic interaction was established using the double Fourier transform and impedance method, with inputs from previously predicted free field motion. The methodology was applied to a case study where train-induced vibration predictions at the ground surface and column bases were compared with corresponding field measurements, through which it was demonstrated to have good prediction accuracy. Varied pile and building configurations were subsequently investigated through the parametric study to unveil the complex influence factors and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method to different scenarios.