Vibration in

roads, bridges
and railways
Introduction:
The oscillatory motion or movement of these structures caused by various external
factors and loads is referred to as vibration in roads, bridges, and railways. These
vibrations can come from a variety of sources, and they can have an impact on the
safety, durability, and comfort of these transportation infrastructure components.
Objectives:
• To know what the reasons are why roads, railways, and bridges vibrate
• To understand the effects of vibrations on roads, railways, and bridges
• To create mitigation strategies or plans that reduce the risk of the negative
effects of vibration on roads, railways, and bridges
 Causes of vibration in roads, bridges and
railways
Vibration in Roads:

Traffic-Induced Vibration
• Traffic-induced vibration is primarily generated by the interaction between the wheels of vehicles
and the road surface.

Road Surface Irregularities

• Uneven or damaged road surfaces can induce vibrations in vehicles, which may, in turn, affect the
road's structural integrity.
 Causes of vibration in roads, bridges and railways
Vibration in Bridges:
Traffic Load
• Dynamic loads like traffic make bridges vibrate.

Structural Vibrations
• Bridges can have inherent vibrations due to their flexibility and load response.

Vibration in Railways:
Wheel-Rail Interaction
• The interaction between train wheels and rails is a source of vibrations, which result from the
repetitive impacts of the wheels on rail joints and surface irregularities.

Train-Induced Vibration
• It is the oscillatory motion or movement of the ground and nearby structures caused by passing
trains.
 Effects of vibration in roads, bridges and
Vibration in Roads:
railways
Structural Damage
• Excessive vibration can lead to damage to the road surface, especially when combined with factors
like heavy traffic and poor road maintenance.
Increased Maintenance Costs
• The need for frequent repairs and maintenance to address vibration-induced damage can lead to
increased maintenance costs for road authorities and governments.
Discomfort and Safety Concerns
• Vibration can cause discomfort for passengers and drivers, particularly in the case of uneven or
deteriorating road surfaces.
Environmental Impact
• Vibrations generated by traffic can propagate to nearby buildings and structures, causing disturbances
and potential damage to properties, leading to environmental concerns.
 Effects of vibration in roads, bridges and railways

Vibration in Bridges:

Structural Damage
• Bridges are particularly sensitive to vibrations, and excessive vibration can lead to structural
damage, including cracks, wear and tear, and, in severe cases, structural failure.

Reduced Lifespan:
• Frequent vibration-induced stress on bridge components can reduce the overall lifespan of the
structure, necessitating more frequent repairs and maintenance.
Safety Risks:
• Vibration-induced damage to bridges can pose safety risks to the users of the bridge, including
drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Discomfort for Users

• Vibrations can create discomfort for vehicle occupants and pedestrians using the bridge, affecting
their overall experience and safety.
 Effects of vibration in roads, bridges and railways

Vibration in Railways
Discomfort for Passengers: Impact on Nearby Structures:
Structural Damage:
• The vibrations experienced by • Vibrations can propagate to
• Repeated train-induced vibration
passengers inside train carriages nearby buildings and homes,
can lead to structural damage to
can lead to discomfort and, in causing damage and
railway tracks and supporting
some cases, health issues, disturbances for residents
infrastructure, including rail
particularly during long living in close proximity to
joints, sleepers, and ballast.
journeys. the railway line.

Safety Risks: Environmental Concerns:

• Excessive vibration can pose safety risks by • Noise and vibration generated by trains can have
affecting the stability of tracks and environmental implications, including noise
infrastructure, potentially leading to pollution, which can affect communities near
derailments or accidents. railways.
 Mitigation Strategies:

Road Surface Smooth Pavement: Speed Limits and

Maintenance: Weight Restrictions:

Regularly repair and Use high-quality, smooth

resurface road surfaces to
prevent the development of
potholes, cracks, and other
irregularities that can cause
vibrations.
pavement materials to Implement speed limits and
minimize the generation of weight restrictions to limit
vibrations caused by tire-road the impact of heavy
interactions. vehicles on road surfaces.
 Reducing Vibration in
Bridges
During the design phase, consider factors such as the
Design span of the bridge, the type of materials used, and the
Considerations: arrangement of support structures to minimize vibration
effects.

Vibration Install vibration dampers or isolators on bridges to

absorb and reduce vibrations caused by traffic
Dampers: loads.
Regularly inspect and maintain bridge structures to
Maintenance and detect and address any damage or wear that may
Inspection: lead to increased vibration.

Weight Restrictions:Implement weight restrictions for heavy vehicles

on bridges to reduce dynamic loads and vibrations.

Consider the use of advanced materials and

Advanced construction techniques that can provide better
Materials: vibration resistance.
 Reducing Vibration in
Railways
Track Regularly inspect and maintain railway tracks to ensure
they are in good condition.
Maintenance:

Use suitable materials for the track bed, such as resilient

Track Bed
materials or innovative track forms that can dampen
Materials: vibrations.

Equip train carriages with dampers or suspension

Train Dampers: systems that reduce the transmission of vibrations to
passengers.

In densely populated areas, tunneling and boring

Tunneling and techniques can be employed to minimize the
Boring: transmission of vibrations to the surface.
 THANK YOU
GROUP MEMBERS:

Salta, John Paul Sabado, Jerry Simbol, Evander

Bungay, Princess Santos, Niño Jairo Valencia, Gabrielle