Validation of the Pipe in Pipe vibration software model to determine ground-borne noise and vibration levels above construction tunnels and the determination of end corrections for different train operating scenarios

Abstract

The London Crossrail project requires that re-radiated noise from the construction of the tunnels should achieve exceptionally stringent criteria with respect to groundborne noise and vibration. The challenge has been to implement robust vibration modeling for the movement of construction trains within the tunnel in order to derive noise levels within sensitive properties (including recording studios) above the tunnel. The Pipe in Pipe (PiP) software model (which is based on elastic continuum theory) developed by Hunt and Hussein has been modified and refined empirically utilizing the measurement of exceptionally low vibration levels emanating from the temporary underground construction railway track. The paper describes the extensive and challenging monitoring and modeling which been carried out. The study represents the first rigorous method of determining noise and vibration at properties above the tunnel from construction trains for the Crossrail project, with an associated detailed validation exercise in line with ISO 14837-1 `Mechanical vibration— Ground-borne noise and vibration arising from rail systems'. A combination of modeling and vibration measurements were used to inform the predictions of groundborne noise levels, which can be adjusted to replicate the behavior of other track and rail support types.