Modeling of vibrations induced by Mecca-Medinah high-speed train and earthquake mitigation analysis-Paper

Paper

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The study investigates ground vibrations generated by the Al-Haramain high-speed railway near Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and evaluates a tire-derived aggregate (TDA) barrier for mitigating earthquake-induced vibrations in the track.<br /><br />Researchers measured vibrations during train passages at a nearby farm and conducted a multichannel analysis of surface waves survey to characterize the soil. They used these data to calibrate and validate a three-dimensional finite element model in PLAXIS 3D. The model represents the track, sleepers, ballast, embankment, and layered ground, with moving train loads based on the observed train speed. A scaled earthquake record was then applied to assess lateral track response with and without a TDA barrier.<br /><br />The model reproduced the measured vibration patterns, frequency content, and attenuation with distance from the railway. Its predicted amplitudes were generally about 40% lower than field measurements, although the overall trends were similar. The model also captured amplification associated with soil layering.<br /><br />Numerical analyses indicated that the proposed TDA barrier—a long, shallow strip beneath the track—substantially reduced lateral rail vibrations caused by the scaled earthquake signal. The authors conclude that the validated model is useful for studying train-induced ground vibrations and that TDA barriers show potential for earthquake vibration mitigation. Further field testing would help confirm the barrier’s effectiveness under real conditions.

Keywords

Al-Haramain high-speed railway

ground vibrations

earthquake-induced vibrations

tire-derived aggregate

TDA barrier

PLAXIS 3D

finite element model

train-induced vibrations

soil layering

vibration mitigation