Numerical Investigation into the Effects of Geometric Symmetry Breaking on Low-Frequency Noise in Urban Rail Transit Viaducts

The expansion of urban rail transit has exacerbated environmental issues related to low-frequency noise (LFN), yet the impact of geometric symmetry breaking on structure-borne noise remains underexplored. This study aims to quantify the mechanism by which cross-sectional asymmetry influences the vibro-acoustic coupling of viaducts. A 2.5D Hybrid Finite Element-Boundary Element Method (FEM-BEM) was employed to model a parametric box girder under eccentric track loading, and the numerical framework was validated against analytical benchmarks. The “Modal Symmetry Index” (MSI) and “Acoustic Asymmetry Indicator” (AAI) were defined to evaluate the effects of the asymmetry parameter (α) on sound field distribution. Numerical results reveal a nonlinear “V-shaped” relationship between geometric asymmetry and acoustic directivity. While severe asymmetry (α>0.15) exacerbates noise deflection via flexural–torsional coupling, a critical “self-balance zone” exists. Specifically, moderate asymmetry (α≈0.07) effectively neutralizes load eccentricity, reducing the AAI from 1.5 dB (in strictly symmetric designs) to nearly 0 dB. Robustness analysis under right-side loading conditions further confirms a “reverse deflection” phenomenon, verifying that the proposed self-balance design minimizes directional sensitivity. These findings challenge the traditional assumption that geometric symmetry is acoustically optimal. A “competition–compensation” mechanism is identified, suggesting that deliberate, slight geometric asymmetry can serve as an effective passive noise control strategy for viaducts.