Research project MD/DD/19 (Research action MD)
Research objectives
Traffic induced vibrations cause problems in the built environment. Discomfort to people, malfunctioning of sensitive equipment and damage to buildings are recognized as possible consequences of traffic induced vibrations. The existing gap in knowledge regarding the physical interpretation of in situ measurements, the formulation of norms and guidelines defining allowable vibration levels and the estimation of the efficiency of vibration isolating measures justify continuing scientific research.
1. The short term and main objective of this research project is to acquire a better understanding of the relevant physical phenomena and the relative importance of determining factors for traffic induced vibration nuisance. Therefore, a theoretical model will be developed, that accounts for the coupled nature of the problem, resulting in more reliable numerical predictions.
2. The development, the validation and the use of the model will be based on the results of an elaborate in situ measurement campaign. If possible, use will also be made of the results of historical in situ measurements, performed by the Roads and Traffic Administration of the Ministry of the Flemish Community.
3. Using the theoretical model, an extensive parametric study will be performed to clarify the relative importance of determining factors for traffic induced vibrations in buildings. A wide variety of parameters determining the characteristics of the source, the soil and the structure will be accounted for.
4. The model can be used to study existing or new situations where vibration nuisance is experienced or should be avoided, as well as the assessment of the efficiency of local vibration isolation measures. In each of these cases, numerical modelling is complementary to in situ measurements.:
5. Whereas this project will primarily consider traffic induced vibrations, it is important to note that the methodology is also applicable to railway induced vibrations. More generally, vibration problems that are not due to mobility can also be treated, such as industrial activities (looms, printing presses) and building activities (driving of foundation piles and sheet pile walls, demolition of buildings).
Methodology
By analogy with an existing model for vibrations caused by surface rail traffic, a theoretical prediction model for road traffic induced vibrations will be developed. The model employs modern concepts for the solution of dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) problems such as substructures, the coupling of finite element (FE) models for the structures and a boundary element (BE) model for the soil and the modelling of moving sources. Wave propagation in the soil is crucial as it couples (transmission) the traffic (emission) and the building where vibration nuisance is experienced. Furthermore, the model accounts for a large variety of parameters related to the vehicle, the road surface and road foundation, the subsoil and the building. The development, validation and use of the theoretical model rely largely on the results of planned and, if possible, available in situ measurements.
Potential users
The experience gained with the development of the model, the realisation of in situ measurements and the elaboration of a parametric study is not only of importance for researchers and the government, but also for those study offices, manufacturers, building contractors and industrials that are dealing with problems related to traffic induced vibrations. The problem under consideration is not only relevant to Belgium but to any densely populated region where traffic induced vibrations are a matter of environmental concern. Research in the Structural Mechanics division related to vibration problems is therefore conducted in an international context; examples are the VIS/95/6 project and the Brite Euram project CONVURT.
Link to Sustainable Development
The midterm objective of this research project is to support a sustainable mobility policy. The acquired knowledge will provide a technical basis for the preparation of national or international vibration norms and guidelines as well as for the evaluation of global measures that aim at a reduction of vibration nuisance. Besides the local vibration isolating measures referred to above, global measures imposed or supported by government may be very effective, e.g. more stringent legislation and compliance of the law regarding maximum tolerable weight and speed of trucks and buses, guidelines for vehicle suspension systems, quality requirements for road surface profiles and foundations, road maintenance programs, discouragement of ribbon building and structural recommendations for newly-built houses. Apart from technical considerations, social and economical aspects are of great importance.
Study of determining factors for traffic induced vibrations in building: final report
Brussels: OSTC, 2001 (SP0897)
[To download]
Studie van determinerende factoren voor trillingshinder in gebouwen ten gevolge van wegverkeer: samenvatting
Brussel: DWTC, 2001 (SP0898)
[To download]
Study of determining factors for traffic induced vibrations in building: summary
Brussels: OSTC, 2001 (SP0899)
[To download]
