A Field Study Using Coir–Latex Composites as Wave Barriers for the attenuation of Ground Vibration

• Published in: Indian Geotechnical Journal Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 1511 - 1526
• Main Authors: Lekshmi Chandran, M., Jaya, V., Balan, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acceleration; Accelerometers; Density; Energy levels; Engineering; Explosions; Foundations; Geoengineering; Ground motion; Hydraulics; Impact loads; Impedance; Latex; Machine foundations; Mitigation; Original Paper; Shear wave velocities; Soil characteristics; Soil classification; Soil properties; Trenches; Velocity; Vibration; Vibration measurement; Vibrations; Wave attenuation; Wave velocity; Wave barrier; Vibration isolation; NFCLC; Amplitude reduction ratio; Field study
• ISSN: 0971-9555; 2277-3347
• DOI: 10.1007/s40098-023-00828-y

The environment is facing growing concern due to the substantial generation of undesirable vibrations from various sources, including construction activities, heavy traffic, explosions, machine foundations, and railway transportation. These vibrations pose a significant threat to the surrounding ecosystem, requiring urgent attention and the implementation of effective mitigation measures. Suitable wave barriers, such as open or in-filled trenches, can be provided to mitigate the effects of ground vibrations from these sources. In this study, the needle felt coir–latex composite (NFCLC) was used as fill material in trenches, considering its properties such as lower density, impedance, and shear wave velocity. The soil characteristics, including density, classification, and shear wave velocity of the site, were studied before the installation of the in-filled trenches. The ground vibrations were generated by dropping an SPT hammer as an impact load from different heights: 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 m, respectively. The distance of the source of impact from the trench was varied during the test, specifically 2.00 and 3.00 m. Vibrations were measured before and after the trench using accelerometers. The amplitude reduction ratio was evaluated based on the acceleration measurements and used to quantify the effect of the NFCLC barrier on ground vibration isolation. The impedance ratio of the NFCLC50 and the soil was found to be 0.009, which is less than 1. The difference in the efficiencies of an open trench and NFCLC50 in-filled trench was only less than 10% for all the energy levels considered in the study. Therefore, NFCLC50 can be an effective in-fill material to use as a wave barrier instead of open trenches.