Assessment of Traffic-Induced Ground Vibrations and Effects on Masonry Monuments in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an assessment study of traffic-induced ground vibrations and their effects on masonry-type historic structures in Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The first objective is to propose a practical prediction of the attenuation rate of vibration for risk management of the monuments located along roadsides in the city. The attenuation of vibration waves traveling from traffic sources and the intensity of ground vibrations were determined by in situ vibration measurement. The results from the investigations in the Ayutthaya area were compared with those obtained from other sites having different characteristics of subsoil classified by the average shear wave velocity (Vs). It was found that the attenuation rates at a long distance from the source tend to be dependent on soil property in terms of Vs of subsoils. The attenuation curves derived from the regression analysis are proposed for risk management from the vibration of the heritage site. The second objective is to assess the effects of traffic vibrations on historic structures. The highest amplitude observed in Ayutthaya was within the recommended vibration criteria for historic buildings. In addition, finite element analysis of a 3D stupa model revealed that the stresses resulting from the ground vibration records induced by traffic was lower than the strength of ancient brick and mortar.

KEYWORDS:

• Traffic-induced vibration
• vibration measurement
• masonry structure
• finite element analysis
• Ayutthaya Historical Park

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by a research grant from the Thailand Research Fund, research number RDG5930007, and ‘Thammasat Research Unit in Infrastructure Inspection and Monitoring, Repair and Strengthening (IIMRS)’, Thammasat School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University, Thailand. The sources of support are gratefully acknowledged.