Semi-analytical study of train induced ground borne-vibrations effects

Vibrations generated by the train passage depends upon the combined behaviour of the different railway system components: the train, the track and the ground. In the first case, the train speed plays a significant role in the amplification effect in the system response. On the other hand, the various track properties influence the overall response; in fact, the rolling-stock interaction with the track can increase the dynamic forces and result in noise generation and vibration amplification of both the track and the ground components. Also, the supporting soil properties can influence the system response, leading to vibration problems when combined with high-speed train's effect and likely causing disturbances to vicinity structures. Thus, this paper employs semi-analytical approaches in order to investigate the ground-borne vibration effects. Particular interest is given to the different track types resting on homogeneous half-space and layered soils and the train-induced ground vibrations excitation components.