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Effect of foundation shape and properties of the adjacent buildings on the railway-induced vibrations

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Abstract

Controlling the ground-borne vibrations affecting structures by changing the geometry and weight of foundation as an inexpensive and efficient method has rarely been considered by researchers. In this article, the effect of foundation geometry and weight built on different soil types on the induced vibration level in a building at the proximity of the railway track is investigated. To this end, a three-dimensional finite/infinite element model including soil, building and track is developed by considering the elastodynamic aspects. The accuracy of numerical modeling is demonstrated using the field tests. A comprehensive parametric analysis on three soil types (soft, medium and stiff) and specifications of building foundation is conducted. The obtained results unveiled that, contrary to the existing belief, foundation integration or increasing its weight does not necessarily end in the reduction in vibration level in building floors. Also, the transferred level of vibration to the building floors depends on the soil type, foundation properties and roof natural frequency. The findings highlight an orthogonal strip foundation in soft soil and single footing in medium and stiff soils transfer smaller vibration amplitude to floors. Additionally, the strip footing with greater weight on soft soil results in the highest vibration reduction in floors, while the single footing with lower weight on stiff soil has the same effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Jabbarali Zakeri, Morteza Esmaeili & Mehrad Mousavi-Rahimi

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  1. Jabbarali Zakeri
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  2. Morteza Esmaeili
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  3. Mehrad Mousavi-Rahimi
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Correspondence to Morteza Esmaeili.

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Zakeri, J., Esmaeili, M. & Mousavi-Rahimi, M. Effect of foundation shape and properties of the adjacent buildings on the railway-induced vibrations. Asian J Civ Eng 21, 1095–1108 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42107-020-00264-w

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