Research into building vibrations

Abstract

Underground and surface arteries for vehicle or railway traffic can create vibrations that travel to nearby buildings. These vibrations can cause structural damage or human discomfort. Displacement time histories collected from buildings abutting the central surface artery were used to drive mathematical models so that asphaltic and polymeric bearings could be studied as possible passive mitigators of such vibrations. Neither material attenuated vibrations to below threshold levels for human annoyance, but they could dampen levels to resist structural damage if enough material was used to bring the apparent natural frequency away from the range characteristic of traffic vibration. In addition, for resonant cases, the materials did not create enough damping force to counter the inertia of heavy structures, because the materials were too stiff and the displacements and velocities too small. For new construction, it is suggested that these vibrations should be prevented from entering the foundation area by surrounding the foundation with a concrete wall or absorbent foam blocks. For retrofits, polymeric or asphaltic pads could be used and would be relatively easy to install.