Dominant frequencies of train-induced vibrations

This paper investigates the dynamic characteristics of ground vibrations induced by moving vehicles including the mass rapid transit system, high-speed train railway, and general railway on bridges, embankments, and in tunnels using field experiments and theoretical solutions. The results indicate that train-induced ground vibrations at the trainload dominant frequencies are significantly large for both subsonic and supersonic train speeds, and the vibrations from carriage natural frequencies and engine frequencies are minor. For trains moving on bridges, the resonant vibrations are serious when the natural frequencies of the bridge are close to the trainload dominant frequencies, but resonance does not occur when the carriage natural frequencies and trainload dominant frequencies match. The trainload dominant frequency and its influence factor can be computed using the two simple equations deducted in this paper.