The Role of Buildings and Slabs-on-Grade in the Suppression of Low-Amplitude Ambient Ground Vibrations

This paper discusses the manner in which the stiffness of a slab-on-grade or building will alter the free- field vibrations at a building site. This phenomenon is dependent upon the rigidity of slab or foundation in the direction of wave propagation, and the relationship between wavelength and the dimension of the slab or foundation in the direction of wave propagation. Measurements from field studies are used as examples. Many processes involved in advanced technology applications are highly sensitive to vibrations. Among these processes are precision metrology, molecular-scale imaging, nanotechnology, high-energy physics, long- beam-path laser applications, biotechnology research, and the R&D and production of semiconductors. Typically, the work carried out in these facilities requires environmental conditions more sophisticated than those provided by buildings intended for conventional occupancy. In many cases, vibrations are of concern. Keywords—Ground vibration, soil-structure interaction,