Field measurement and evaluation of vibrations inside buildings above metro tunnels

The buildings above metro tunnels have developed rapidly in China in recent years because it can make comprehensive use of land resources. However, buildings are closer to the vibration source, which makes them sensitive to train-induced vibration and adversely affect the living quality of the building occupants. Based on field-measured vibration data of buildings above metro tunnels, the response characteristics of train-induced vibrations at the basement and floor slabs of buildings were investigated herein. The results showed that the vertical acceleration was much larger than the horizontal acceleration. The vertical acceleration of the floor slabs was greater than that of the basement, and the main frequency band of vertical vibration was 50-70 Hz. In this case, with an increase in the floor, the vertical acceleration of the buildings first increased, decayed rapidly, and finally increased slightly; that is, a vibration amplification phenomenon on the top three floors of the buildings was observed. The maximum vertical acceleration appeared on the 4th floor and the minimum vertical acceleration appeared on the floor, which was three floors below the top. The horizontal distance between the building and tunnel has a significant effect on the amplitude of vertical acceleration. The vibration levels caused by different trains have little difference, with a maximum variance of 2.3 dB. The Z vibration levels of all the measuring points were significantly lower than the first-level vibration limit (73 dB) specified in Chinese standard for limits and measurement methods of vibration in the room of residential building (GB/T 50355-2018).

Automated summary

The development of buildings above metro tunnels in China has been rapid in recent years due to the utilization of land resources. However, these buildings are more susceptible to train-induced vibrations, which adversely affect the living quality of occupants. This study investigated the response characteristics of train-induced vibrations at the basement and floor slabs of buildings based on field-measured vibration data. The results showed that the vertical acceleration was greater than the horizontal acceleration, with the main frequency band of vertical vibration being 50-70 Hz.