Objective Train-induced vibrations can transmit through track and other structures to the buildings above, induce indoor vibration and secondary noise potentially, thereby affecting the normal functions and comfort of the above-ground buildings. Therefore, it is necessary to study the characteristics of train-induced vibration in different depot areas and the effectiveness of vibration reduction measures.

Method Taking a metro depot with over-station development under hard rock geological conditions as research object, a numerical model of vehicle–track–above-ground building–foundation is established and validated using field measurement data. The vibration propagation characteristics and impacts of throat, operation-maintenance workshop and test track are studied under corresponding train speeds and different vibration reduction measures.

Result & Conclusion  The wheel-rail interaction in the throat area is complex, resulting in prominent vibrant responses. When the train operating speed exceeds 15 km/h, a track bed with strip-type vibration damping pads can be adopted; for special requirements, the steel spring floating slab track can be considered. In the operation-maintenance workshop, when the train speed is relatively low (below 10 km/h), and the horizontal distance between the above-ground building and the track exceeds 5 m, adjacent buildings are basically unaffected by train operation on the line. When the train speed is 10~15 km/h, for above-ground buildings within 5 meters to the track, the first-floor slab exhibits significant vibration, while buildings located 10 more meters away horizontally from the track exhibit no excessive vibration. On the test track, due to large variations in train speed and wide vibration frequency range, when the train runs at 40 km/h, excessive vibration may be severe. When the train speed is below 20 km/h, adopting the track bed with strip-type vibration damping pads can meet vibration control standards. Considering the functional requirements of the test track area, it is recommended to adopt a steel spring floating slab track structure.