Experimental investigation on train-induced vibration of the ground railway embankment and under-crossing subway tunnels

This paper presents a field measurement of the train-induced vibration in the northwest Shanghai, where Shanghai Metro Line 11 crosses under Beijing-Shanghai Railway. Ground and tunnel accelerations are measured for the separate and simultaneous passages of the ground and subway trains. Vibration characteristics are subsequently analyzed in the time domain and in the frequency domain. Measurement results show that the ground vibration acceleration level (VAL) induced by the simultaneous operation of the ground and subway trains is 6 similar to 13 dB greater than that induced by the separate operation for the frequency range 20 similar to 160 Hz. Significant frequency components of the vibration induced by the simultaneous operation are shown to be redistributed to cover those induced by the separate operation. Measured data in this experimental test can also be used to validate future numerical models for predicting train induced vibration of similar embankment-tunnel systems.

Automated summary

This study presents a field measurement of train-induced vibration in northwest Shanghai, specifically where Shanghai Metro Line 11 crosses under Beijing-Shanghai Railway. Results showed that the simultaneous operation of ground and subway trains induced significantly higher ground vibration acceleration levels compared to separate operations, with a redistribution of vibration frequency components. These findings can be used to validate future numerical models for predicting similar train-induced vibration in embankment-tunnel systems.