Attenuation of ambient vibrations induced in urban buildings

Abstract

A numerical study of a control system to attenuate the vibrations induced by traffic in buildings is presented herein. Three-dimensional finite-element method numerical models of the structures were built, including the influence of masonry walls and soil–foundation interaction, in order to estimate their dynamic characteristics, as well as time history responses to vibrations induced by the traffic of heavy vehicles. The models were calibrated through correlation with the experimental data obtained with the uncontrolled structure. The description, results and analysis of the extensive experimental measurements constitute a fundamental part of the work and are summarised herein. The responses obtained with the models were used to present alternative solutions to the problem. One of these solutions is composed of prestressed slender steel pipe columns with rubber pads at their tops to be installed in between the floor slabs of the building. The good effectiveness of this solution is demonstrated through numerical simulations.