An efficient three-dimensional dynamic stiffness-based model for predicting subway train-induced building vibrations

Abstract

The prediction of train-induced vibration in buildings constructed above the subway is a challenging problem due to its sophisticated system and time-consuming calculation. This paper proposes an efficient three-dimensional (3D) dynamic stiffness-based model (DSM) to predict subway train-induced building vibrations. The DSM has the capability to analytically explore the axial, bending, and torsional vibrations of columns and beams, as well as the flexural and in-plane vibrations of floors and walls induced by the moving train, which few studies have focused on before, and has high computational efficiency compared to the traditional finite element method (FEM). In the DSM, the dynamic stiffness matrices of floors, walls, columns and beams are formulated by the stiffness theory firstly. Then, the global dynamic stiffness matrix of the building is determined following an assembly procedure and the vibration responses of the building can be calculated by the dynamic stiffness equation in the frequency domain. Further, the calculation accuracy and efficiency of the DSM are validated by comparison with a 3D finite element model. Finally, the DSM is used to predict the train-induced vibrations of a building constructed at a subway station based on a subway train-slab track coupled dynamics model. Results show that the building vibrations induced by the moving train are significant in both vertical and horizontal directions and the steel-spring floating-slab track can effectively suppress the train-induced building vibrations.