Effectiveness and Optimization Analysis of Vibration Isolation Performance of Circular and Rectangular Hollow Pipes: Numerical Modeling

Abstract

This study developed robust finite-element models based on barrier test scenarios and validated them using field measurement data to demonstrate the practical value of the horizontal hollow pipe vibration isolation barrier in engineering. The vibration isolation response of hollow pipe and traditional barriers was analyzed using the validated models. The results showed that hollow pipes exhibit superior vibration isolation performance compared to filled trenches, piles, and wave-impeding blocks and are comparable to open trenches. A comparison of rectangular and circular hollow pipes underground and underground loads revealed that the circular hollow pipe has better vibration isolation underground loading, while the rectangular hollow pipe performs better under underground loading conditions. Parametric studies were conducted on factors such as hollow ratio, number of pipes, pipe length, distance from the vibration source, and reduction length of lower hollow pipes, along with exploration of vibration isolation optimization methods for rectangular and circular hollow pipes. The results revealed that optimizing the number of hollow pipes, increasing the hollow ratio, and positioning the barrier near the protection area can significantly improve vibration isolation efficiency for rectangular hollow pipes. For circular hollow pipes, burying them at an incline and arranging them in a stepped pattern can enhance vibration isolation efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights for improving the vibration isolation performance of hollow pipe barriers in engineering applications while minimizing material costs and simplifying construction processes. In modern urban construction, with the accelerated urbanization process and dense transportation networks, environmental vibration issues caused by construction activities and rail transit are becoming increasingly prominent, severely impacting the quality of life for residents and the urban environment. This study proposes a horizontal buried hollow pipe barrier, which involves layering hollow pipes in trenches that have already been excavated. The research findings indicate that compared to filling trenches, wave-impeding blocks, or piles, this new type of hollow pipe barrier offers better vibration isolation effects, showing practicality in engineering vibration isolation. Furthermore, through parametric studies, it was discovered that optimizing the number of hollow pipes while keeping the total length constant, increasing the hollow ratio, and positioning the barrier near the protected area significantly enhances the vibration isolation efficiency of rectangular hollow pipes. For circular hollow pipes, laying them obliquely and using a stepped arrangement also improves vibration isolation efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing the vibration isolation performance of hollow tube barriers in engineering applications while reducing material costs and simplifying construction processes.