Evaluation train induced ground vibration boom with Vibtrain
Abstract
The Swedish Transport Administration is planning new high-speed railway lines that will connect Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, with operating speeds from 250 to 320 km/h. However, at such high speeds in soft soil areas, can result in significant amplification of ground vibrations, a "ground vibration boom." This phenomenon was first observed in Sweden in 1997, leading to extensive research, during which the NGI developed the VibTrain tool for train-induced ground vibration analysis. There are still various challenges associated with train speeds exceeding 200 km/h on soft ground. To achieve optimized and sustainable ground improvement, a better understanding of its dynamic and cyclic behavior, as well as the validation of design tools and construction techniques, is needed. This paper presents a revival and re-evaluation of VibTrain for assessing the risk of the ground vibration boom for planning of new lines. The tool was compared with previous analyses of the Ledsgård case and extended with a parametric study of both the load model HSLM-A and ground improvement using lime cement stabilization. Additionally, VibTrain was compared with the results from Tyrens (2016) for the Järna location in East link. The analysis indicates that VibTrain is well-suited for initial assessments of the risk associated with the ground vibration boom. However, for the detailed design of soil improvement, more sophisticated calculation models are required. Results indicate importance of the train load description and of well characterized dynamic properties of track and subsoil. Validation of numerical models with field test at speeds above 300 km/h are recommended. Evaluation train induced ground vibration boom with Vibtrain