Numerical simulation of train-induced vibrations in rock masses

• The vibrations generated by a moving train in a tunnel will radiate into the surrounding ground which, in densely populated areas, will reach nearby buildings and its residents. Analyses are commonly made where the aim is to estimate the ground-borne noise and vibrations levels that may occur in nearby buildings. A common assumption is to treat the rock mass as an isotropic, homogeneous, and linear elastic material. Thus, the influence of discontinuities on the propagation of waves is not considered in the analyses. Within this study, numerical simulations were performed to study the propagation of low-frequency waves through a rock mass near a tunnel. A single period sinusoidal wave was applied as dynamic source on the floor of the tunnel. Observation points were located on the ground surface and around the tunnel. The influence on wave propagation from overburden, position of a discontinuity in relation to the tunnel, and normal and shear stiffness of the discontinuity, was studied by using the Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC). The results show that increasing overburden reduces the vibration levels on the ground surface. Furthermore, the influence of the normal and shear stiffness of discontinuities depends on where the horizontal discontinuity is positioned in relation to the tunnel. If the horizontal discontinuity is positioned above the dynamic source (e.g. above tunnel or in the tunnel wall) the vibration levels on the ground surface will be reduced but if the horizontal discontinuity is located below the dynamic source (e.g. below the tunnel) the vibration levels on the ground surface will be enhanced. In our analyses, discontinuities only have an impact on the wave propagation if the normal and shear stiffness of is ≤10 GPa/m.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Geoteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Geotechnical Engineering (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Annan samhällsbyggnadsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Other Civil Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Dynamics

Numerical modelling

Rock joints

Geoteknik

Soil Mechanics

Mining and Rock Engineering

Gruv- och berganläggningsteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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