Structural Dynamics, Noise and Vibration: Buildings Adjacent to Train Lines

In architecture and civil engineering there is a growing interest in the study of the dynamics of structures. The dynamic effects are due to various actions, but their influence is widened or reduced according to the design of the structure. Structures can be highly susceptible to the action of dynamic loads produced by the action of wind, earthquake, industrial activities, blasting activities, construction sites, road vehicles, trains, building services and human activities. Noise and vibration can have significant environmental impact on buildings and structures and can damage track components, crack roadways, unsettle foundations, affect sensitive equipment, impact human comfort and damage structures. Structure-borne noise and vibration can be a major and often overlooked consideration in the planning, design and operation of existing or new developments. A reliable, considered approach to assessing noise and vibration is needed to achieve outcomes that meet client expectations while maintaining on-going compliance with relevant standards and regulatory and planning requirements. The proposed paper will focus on a general overview of the structure-borne noise and vibration risks, associated with new developments that are adjacent to existing rail lines during the early design stages, from commercial and residential buildings to sensitive research facilities. It will further explain the general description of the design process, including problem descriptions, measurements of ground and structural vibration levels at the proposed site, vibration criteria, finite element analysis and provisions of the isolation system required to be considered at the building to achieve the relevant criteria.