Dominant frequencies of train-induced vibrations in a seasonally frozen region

•Conduct three field experiments in spring, summer and winter, respectively.•Present the formula of the peak frequency, and verify it with the experiment data.•Investigated the dominant frequencies of train-induced vibration response•Influence factors are described via 1/3 octave center frequency spectrum.•Factors such as the seasons, travel speed, train type and so on are described.

To investigate the acceleration response in frequency domain of subgrade vibrations induced by moving vehicles in a seasonally frozen region, three field experiments were carried out in the Daqing area of China in spring, summer and winter, respectively. The results show that: (1) there are several frequency bands in an acceleration frequency spectrum, within each frequency band there is a peak frequency which can be computed using the simple equations obtained in this paper; (2) acceleration response in frequency domain is influenced by train types, the train formation, travel speed and train load together; and (3) the main frequency in vertical and longitudinal directions is the largest in the freezing period, followed by unfrozen period and minimum in thawing period.