Executive Summary : | Railway-induced noise and ground vibrations in buildings can cause adverse effects on local communities situated in an urban area near the lines. In the urban area, these vibrations are a consequence of the vehicle forces acting from the wheels onto the track in local defects. Hence, many researchers have tried to explore the acoustic absorption properties of different types of natural fibres to be used as insulating materials. Natural fibres perform extremely good when combined with other fibres and matrices in a mixture of composites. The surface modification and quantity of fiber increases interfacial adhesion, which improves both mechanical and acoustic absorption properties. In the present study, field tests are planned to investigate the ground induced noise and vibrations which are sensed by neighbours residing close to the railway lines. Experimental investigations are performed to measure noise and vibrations at different site locations that are close to both railway lines and the buildings. Based on the measured intensity of vibrations, tests are planned using alternate material in the ground to absorb vibration intensities. To study the vibration absorption capacity of the ground, trial test pits are planned to make near to the railway line at distinct locations and these pits are compacted with a composite of tyre waste and construction waste. Further, the ground response is measured to quantify the amount of vibration absorption capacity of the composite mixture. Further studies are also planned to explore the train-induced vibration transmission from the ground up to the building and the structure-radiated noise within the building. Laboratory studies are performed to study the dynamic properties of composite tyres and construction waste. Numerical studies will be carried out to validate the experimental studies on the composite mixture. |