A numerical model for the isolation of moving-load induced vibrations by pile rows embedded in layered porous media

A numerical model is developed to analyse the isolation of moving-load induced vibrations using pile rows embedded in a layered poroelastic half-space. Based on Biot’s theory and the transmission and reflection matrices (TRM) method, the free wave field solution for a moving load applied on the surface of a layered poroelastic half-space and the fundamental solution for an harmonic circular patch load are determined. Using Muki and Sternberg’s method, the second kind of frequency domain Fredholm integral equations for the dynamic interaction between pile rows and the layered poroelastic half-space are derived. The time domain solution is recovered via inverse Fourier transform in order to obtain the amplitude reduction ratio and thus assess the vibration isolation efficiency of pile rows. A special case of the present model shows good agreement with an existing solution. Numerical results of this study show that the speed of moving loads has an important influence on the isolation of vibrations by pile rows: the same pile rows can achieve better isolation efficiencies for higher speed loads than for lower speed loads. Pile rows embedded in a two-layered poroelastic half-space with a softer overlying layer usually generate better vibration isolation effects than those with a stiffer overlying layer. Finally, better isolation vibration may be realized by increasing the pile length and decreasing the net spacing between neighboring piles in a pile row.