Analysis of Traffic Induced Building Vibrations Using Spectral Element Method

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of traffic induced ground vibrations on the three frame buildings of different height are analyzed. The structures are subjected to horizontal and vertical ground vibrations which were measured in Belgrade, along the route of future metro line. Dynamic analysis including soil-structure interaction is carried out in frequency domain, using substructure approach. The dynamic response of frames is obtained using the Spectral Element Method (SEM) for frame elements and relevant impedance functions for foundation. Displacement fields of spectral element are exact solutions of the beam’s partial differential equations of motion for axial deformation and bending. It results in the exact form of the interpolation functions, which can be presented as trigonometric or hyperbolic functions. Impedance functions of the soil are calculated using Integral Transform Method (ITM). Based on theoretical considerations, the numerical analysis has been performed in order to determine dynamic responses and maximum vibration levels of investigated frames. Numerical results are compared with allowable vibration levels according to British Standard: 6472.