The environmental impact of the vibration induced by the passage of trains at various speeds

Abstract

Vibration from railways has a negative impact on the surrounding area. During homologation tests of the Pendolino (EMU 250), the vibrations of building have been measured during the passage of the trains at speeds varying between 40 and 250 km/h. In situ measurements were conducted by the staff of the accredited Laboratory of Structural Mechanics at Cracow University of Technology. The tests took place in Poland. The study presents a selection of vibration measurement results and discusses the negative environmental impact caused by the passage of different kinds of trains at various speeds. The evaluated building was located at distance of approximately 50m from the track. Two sensors recording the horizontal vibrations were fixed on the building foundation at ground level in accordance with the applicable Polish standards. Assessment of the impact of vibrations on the building was identified using the scales of dynamic influences (SDI scales) according to Polish standards and indicators of the perceptibility of vibration through constructions (WODB). The results are presented by graphs in frequency domain.