Prediction of environmental vibrations induced by railway traffic using a three-dimensional dynamic finite element analysis

Abstract

This paper presents the modelling possibilities of a full tridimensional finite element approach for prediction of railway ground-borne vibrations. Non-reflecting boundaries are compared to classical ones, with the emphasis on the modelling of the soil wave propagation and reflection. Considering that the ground wave propagation is a transient problem, the time domain formulation is preferred. Rules about domain dimension and element size are clearly emphasized, in order to establish the best compromise between accuracy and numerical model heaviness. Typical results are presented, considering cases of homogeneous or layered halfspace, and illustrate the calculation of the structural response of a building during the passage of a tram at constant speed. © Civil-Comp Press, 2011.