Feasibility of ambient vibration screening by periodic geofoam-filled trenches

Single in-filled trench barriers have been widely investigated to mitigate ground vibrations. However, investigations on the application of multiple rows of in-filled trenches are very limited. This paper investigates the attenuation of surface waves by periodic geofoam-filled trenches in single-phased elastic soil deposits. First, a field test of train-induced ground vibration is carried out, from which the corresponding acceleration record and main frequency are obtained. Second, attenuation zones for surface waves in periodic geofoam-filled trenches are studied based on the periodic theory of solid-state physics. Finally, a numerical model for ambient vibration isolation is built under the conditions of plane strain, and the responses are performed both in frequency domain and in time domain by finite element method. The screening effectiveness of the proposed wave barrier is studied by conducting an extensive dimensionless parameter investigation. Results show that the proposed periodic geofoam-filled trenches can attenuate surface waves effectively, when the frequencies of surface waves are located in the attenuation zones. The present study provides a new concept for designing periodic in-filled trench barriers to mitigate ground vibrations. •Periodic in-filled trench barriers are proposed for vibration isolation.•Attenuation zones for surface waves in periodic in-filled trenches are calculated.•The screening properties of the proposed wave barrier are comprehensively studied.•The effectiveness of the proposed periodic in-filled trench is validated.