Centrifugal simulation of vibration reduction generated by high-speed trains using rubber-modified asphalt foundation and EPS barrier

When constructing a high-speed railway route in urban areas, the reduction of ground vibration and noise generated by the passage of a high-speed train is of vital importance for environmental considerations. This paper describes the results of a laboratory study on ground vibration caused by high-speed trains, using a series of centrifuge model tests to investigate the effect of a vibration reduction method which uses a crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) layer at the vibration source and an EPS barrier at the transmission path. It was found through centrifuge tests that CRMA, which is a material with high shear stiffness and damping ratio, can reduce the vibration away from the source especially when working together with EPS barrier. Therefore, CRMA has great potential as a foundation material for high-speed railway trackbed.