HUMAN ANNOYANCE FROM RAILWAY TRAFFIC-INDUCED GROUND VIBRATIONS IN URBAN: A REVIEW

The increasing focus on urbanization and transportation networks has raised concerns about the impact of ground-borne vibrations from railway traffic on human well-being. These vibrations, transmitted through the ground into nearby buildings, can cause annoyance, discomfort, and potential health issues. While past research explored vibration fundamentals and progress, this review addresses gaps in understanding their psychological and social impacts on urban populations. The review examines the correlation between factors influencing ground-borne vibration (GBV) including vibration intensity, frequency, exposure duration, soil conditions, and buildings characteristics and human annoyance, as well as the associated psychological and social impacts on urban communities. Findings highlight that low-frequency vibrations are strongly associated with higher annoyance levels. Proximity to railway lines and older building infrastructure intensified effects. Individual sensitivity varied, with some reporting discomfort even at lower vibration levels. The review also emphasizes the importance of considering residents' subjective experiences when assessing impact. Ultimately, this review concludes that railway-induced vibrations significantly affect quality of life in urban areas, underscoring the need for effective mitigation strategies and stricter regulatory frameworks.