Practical back-analysis methodology to predict underground train-induced building vibrations.

The vehicle-track interaction leads to the vibrating source for the prediction of train-induced building vibrations. To prevent modeling difficulties in the source part, this study proposes a practical back-analysis methodology for calculating underground train-induced building vibrations. The methodology combines the advantages of field measurements and numerical simulations. The fundamental concept of the hybrid methodology is to first create a virtualized moving source at the rail surface and subsequently modify it until the numerical predictions are consistent with the field measurements at the same locations. These locations are frequently selected at the ground surface or near the building foundation. Finally, this imaginary force can be used to predict the vibrations of buildings. The practicality of the hybrid methodology is verified by comparing the predicted vibrations of buildings with field test results. As an application of the proposed method, the transmission laws and characteristics of the vibrations in buildings are analyzed.