Attenuation of noise and vibration caused by underground trains, using soil replacement

Tunnels are used to convey transportation in dense urban areas, especially by underground trains. Underground trains radiate noise and vibration by airborne sound and by transmission of vibration through the rails to the surrounding ground. The acoustic wave propagates through the ground, being transmitted by soil–structure interactions to nearby buildings. The transportation induced vibrations add to the static and other types of loads, and their specific spectral features are well distinguished and perceived as nuisance to people. The disturbing effect caused by these solid borne vibrations can be significantly mitigated by soil replacement of the material under the rails. This technique, which was described in previous publications by the authors, is further developed and analyzed here by modeling and numerical analysis, for underground applications. Illustrative examples show through spectral analysis the role of soil replacement, avoiding sound bridges. In this context, the required thickness of the soil replacement layer was considered. It is shown that a 0.5 m thick layer may be sufficient for most practical purposes.