Analysis of Tram-induced Vibrations Affecting Roads and Buildings in Standard Urban Sites

The passage of trams in towns and cities can cause considerable disturbance to people living or working on streets with tramways. This study investigates the impact of tram-induced vibrations in streets with different arrangements, i.e. different road layout and building types, and measured at varying distances from and heights above the tram lines. The first step involved the definition of a methodology for choosing test sites and defining ways of measuring the vibrations. In the second step, a series of measurements was made in order to compile a database which could provide initial indications regarding the impact of vibrations on different types of site and buildings. These results enabled the planning of a new series of in situ measurements using the proposed methodology, as well as a programme of measurements to be carried out in laboratory conditions in order to study the effects of wheel and track conditions on vibration.