Experimental assessment of train-induced soil vibration characteristics using Arduino-based accelerometers

Vibration is a significant factor causing structural damage to nearby structures. This study, conducted in Athi River-Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya in accordance with ISO-14837, focuses on the importance of structural health monitoring and structural audits for existing structures. The instrumentation and data acquisition system used in this study comprised triaxial ADXL-345 and MPU 6050 accelerometers, Arduino UNO R3, and I2C protocol communication for data logging. Field measurements were conducted on moving trains, revealing a maximum peak particle velocity of 50.77 mm/s at the rail vibration source, and a minimum of 1.049 mm/s at a distance of 16 m from the rail. According to BS7385-2 (1993), ground-borne vibration becomes damaging at a peak particle velocity of 50 mm/s at 4 Hz, while the Standards Association of Australia (ASCA) prescribes a limiting value of 25 mm/s. The Swiss Association for Standardization recommends a limiting value of 8 mm/sec within the frequency range of 10-60 Hz. The measured vibration values were consistent with established standards for peak particle velocity values for damage and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in assessing and managing ground-borne vibrations. This research emphasizes the importance of early vibration detection through digital technology to mitigate structural damage and as a precondition prior to development approvals.