Enhancing Wave Barrier Design for Train-Induced Vibrations: A Comparative Analysis of 2D and 3D Finite Element Simulations

Train-induced ground vibrations cause numerous problems for adjacent buildings, residents, and vibration-sensitive equipment due to the expansion of rail transportation. One of the most effective solutions to this problem is the implementation of wave barriers along the propagation path. This classic method has garnered significant attention from researchers, and numerous numerical studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of wave barriers, considering various effective parameters, such as the barrier geometry, material, and nature of loading. While the real problem occurs in a three-dimensional (3D) space, most of the numerical studies are performed in a two-dimensional (2D) space, violating some crucial physical aspects. The present paper focuses on the differences between 2D and 3D simulations in wave barrier design using robust finite element models. Various parameters, such as wave barrier geometry and material, are compared in 2D and 3D simulations, highlighting the differences. Moreover, the study investigates the effectiveness of limited-length trenches, which cannot be accurately represented in a 2D space. It is concluded that the mitigation capacity of the wave barriers has higher values in the 2D analysis, which makes the design unconservative. This conclusion relates to the different moving load assumptions in 2D and 3D spaces.