This paper describes the results from an experiment studying the effects of road traffic vibrations on buildings. A vacant house founded on loose sand was subjected to simulated traffic vibration over a period of four months. During exposure to vibration, the dynamic behaviour of the structure was monitored in several locations. At regular intervals, a number of techniques were employed to measure long term movements in the structure and the underlying soil. In addition any damage that occurred was measured. In the paper the results of the experiment are presented. Possible damage mechanisms are postulated in the light of the small amount of damage actually recorded. Distinction is made between the effects of airborne and groundborne vibration and between trigger and fatigue damage. Conclusions are drawn regarding risks of building damage from traffic induced vibration. (a) (this paper was also published in acoustics '87. Proceedings of the institute of acoustics, portsmouth 1987. See irrd 816055). for the abstract of the paper which describes the methods of vibration simulation, measurement and analysis used in this study see irrd 816052. For the abstract of the full report see irrd 812591. For the covering abstract of the trrl research report in which this paper was published see irrd 816050.
Abstract