Modelling, simulation and evaluation of ground vibration caused by rail vehicles

• Published in: Vehicle system dynamics Vol. 57; no. 7; pp. 936 - 983
• Main Authors: Thompson, David J., Kouroussis, Georges, Ntotsios, Evangelos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 03.07.2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Buildings; Computer simulation; Damage assessment; environmental assessment; Ground motion; ground-borne noise; Noise; Noise prediction; Numerical methods; Numerical prediction; Rail transportation; Railway vibration; Structural damage; structural vibration; transition zone; vehicle/track interaction; Vibration control; Vibration measurement; Vibration perception
• ISSN: 0042-3114; 1744-5159
• DOI: 10.1080/00423114.2019.1602274

There is a great need to develop rail networks over long distances and within cities as more sustainable transport options. However, noise and vibration are seen as a negative environmental consequence. Compared with airborne noise, the related problem of ground vibration is much more complex. The properties of the ground vary significantly from one location to another. There is no common assessment criterion or measurement quantity and no equivalent to the noise maps. Ground-borne vibration is transmitted into buildings and perceived either as feelable whole-body vibration or as low frequency noise; it can also affect sensitive equipment but it is generally at a level that is too low to cause structural or cosmetic damage to buildings. A review is given of evaluation criteria for both feelable vibration and ground-borne noise, empirical and numerical prediction methods, the main vehicle and track parameters that can affect the vibration levels and a range of possible mitigation methods.