Design of wave barriers for mitigation of train-induced vibrations using a coupled genetic-algorithm/finite-element methodology

Train-induced ground vibrations can cause major problems in structures that accommodate sensitive apparatus or located in densely populated districts. Wave barriers are used extensively in practice to mitigate the detrimental effects of these vibrations. Many factors have influence on the efficacy of the wave barriers, and a robust procedure is required for an appropriate design that can consider the effect of these factors. This paper describes a coupled genetic-algorithm/finite-element methodology for design of wave barriers. In this methodology, all of the important geometrical and material parameters associated with the performance of wave barriers are considered collectively. Therefore, the combined effect of all parameters and their interdependency is acknowledged. These parameters include the shape, dimensions, position, number, and material properties of the wave barriers. In addition, the uncertainties associated with the nature of transient train-induced loading are taken into account. The results of this study show that open trenches have much higher mitigation capacities when compared with the in-filled trenches, and importantly using double-trench barriers instead of single-trench, enhances the mitigation capacity by as much as 20%. However, such a great boost in the mitigation level is not observed for triple-trench barriers.