A test house was subjected to simulated groundborne and acoustically coupled vibrations as part of a programme of research into the effects of traffic induced vibrations on buildings. This paper describes the response of the structure to this exposure and to 'energetic activity' within the house and to actual vehicles travelling on the road near the front facade. The response of the house was monitored using triaxial geophone arrays and strain gauges. The geophones allowed the calculation of the peak particle velocity (ppv) in three directions. Strain gauge measurements were used to determine the amount of movement taking place at significant cracks in the plasterwork. Measurements of ppv were taken on floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and windows at various levels throughout the building. Results showed that the building responded strongly to the simulated groundborne vibration which produced ppvs in excess of 10 mm/s in an upper floor. Responses to acoustically coupled vibrations were generally lower and localised near the source. Maximum crack movements occurred close to the groundborne vibration source. Displacements were small with maximum amplitudes less than 50 microns. (a) for the covering abstract of the trrl research report in which this paper was published see irrd 816050. (this paper was published in acoustics '87. Proceedings of the institute of acoustics, portsmouth, 1987. (see irrd 816055).
Samenvatting