Experimental, numerical and analytical studies on the attenuation of maglev train-induced vibrations with depth in layered soils

This paper investigates the attenuation characteristics of far-field environmental vibrations induced by the highspeed maglev train, especially the attenuation with depth. Field tests are carried out to measure the train-induced ground vibrations at different distances and soil depths. The vibration amplitude generally decreases as the distance increases according to Bornitz's formula. However, for the vibration along depth, there is an amplification zone where the vibration amplitude is much larger than the analytical prediction in a homogeneous soil. Numerical simulation using finite element method is also adopted to analyze the attenuation of vibrations and the results are consistent with the field measurements. Moreover, analytical transfer-matrix method is used to calculate the dispersion curve of Rayleigh wave in layered soils, and an analytical model is proposed to predict the vibration attenuation with depth. The vibration attenuation curve along depth obtained by the proposed model shows good agreements with the field measurement and numerical simulation. It reveals that the amplification of vibration at certain depths below the ground is attributed to the resonance of Rayleigh wave in layered soils.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the attenuation characteristics of environmental vibrations induced by high-speed maglev trains, focusing on the attenuation with depth. Field tests and numerical simulation are conducted to measure and analyze the train-induced ground vibrations. The study reveals that the amplification of vibrations at certain depths is attributed to the resonance of Rayleigh wave in layered soils, as confirmed by both field measurements and numerical simulations.