ABSTRACT
It is getting more common for rapid transit system to traverse through the urban city in underground tunnels in close proximity to buildings. Vibration and secondary noise arising from running trains could be a concern at some existing developments which are near the tunnels. Slab track is specified typically for the new underground, fully automatic, driverless Downtown Line (DTL) rail transit system in Singapore. At locations where the vibration transmitted from the tunnel is excessive, the choice of suitable trackform as mitigation becomes necessary. The selection would influence the track stiffness, which plays an important role in mitigating the vibration from running trains, and hence the secondary noise in adjacent developments.
This paper looks at the selection of some low stiffness track fastening systems for use at specific locations in the DTL track to reduce vibration levels. Other important factors including the construction, durability, and ease in maintenance of the track have also been considered in the selection.
Keywords: Trackform, Vibration, Floating slab track.
