Propagation and attenuation characteristics of the vibration in soft soil foundations induced by high-speed trains

Abstract

The vibration caused by high-speed trains (HSTs) can result in reductions of strength and bearing capacity of the railway foundation, unexpected settlement, and other geotechnical engineering problems. Thus it is essential to estimate the vibration level at different depths of the foundation. This study investigates the propagation and attenuation characteristics of the vibration in the soft soil foundation induced by high-speed trains. A series of field experiments were conducted to measure the HST-induced vibration in the soft soil foundation in Shanghai, China. The measurement provides a unique dataset for numerical model validations. Based on the Bornitz equation, a new attenuation model is proposed for layered homogeneous media. The material damping coefficient and the geometric damping coefficient, two input parameters for the model, are thoroughly investigated using measurements in this study and from the existing literature. The proposed model was applied to estimate the vertical vibration levels at different depths in typical subgrade and foundation of HSTs in the soft area. Model performance is supported by the good agreement between predictions and observations. Our model provides an alternative tool to further investigate the effect of HST-induced vibration on foundation soils and adjacent underground structures.