The generation and propagation of vibration in various soils produced by the dynamic loading of road pavements

Abstract Traffic vibration is experienced by many people living alongside heavily trafficked roads, and there is a need to understand the nature of this problem so that predictions of nuisance can be made and remedial treatments can be devised. Ground-borne vibration is one component of this problem, since these vibrations can enter buildings through the foundations and produce perceptible vibrations which may cause annoyance and may lead to complaints. A series of test is reported in which a falling weight impact device was used as a vibration source to investigate the response and transmission properties of different soils. Results show very wide differences in the ground response and marked variations in attenuation rates with frequency.