Method for Predicting Environmental Vibration Impact of Existing Subway Lines and Its Practical Application

Abstract

To predict accurately the impact of track vibrations caused by subway trains on adjacent buildings and address the problem of their excessive dynamic response, a method for predicting the environmental vibration impact of existing subway lines is proposed in this paper. A coupled numerical dynamical model of the train/track/tunnel system is established using the multi-scale method. Using field-measured soil vibration data, empirical formulas for soil frequency and material damping coefficient are calibrated. By combining the numerical model and the empirical formulas, buildings’ indoor vibrations and noise level can be assessed. At the same time, a solution to the problem of excessive vibration of buildings along a subway line is also proposed that optimizes the track fastener parameters. Field tests verified the accuracy of the prediction method and the effectiveness of the optimized track parameters. These research results provide a reference for predicting the vibration of buildings along subway lines and using the proposed preventive solutions.