Numerical Evaluation of Pile-Driving-Induced Vibrations in Soil and Their Impact on Adjacent Structures

In urban environments, the scarcity of available land often necessitates the construction of closely spaced, high-rise buildings, which rely heavily on pile foundations to support substantial loads.However, the pile-driving process, essential for such foundations, generates vibrations that can propagate through the ground and affect surrounding structures, potentially leading to adverse consequences.These vibrations can disrupt the comfort of residents and cause structural damage to adjacent buildings, including residential properties, hotels, and hospitals, where both the comfort and safety of occupants are of paramount importance.Furthermore, pile-driving-induced vibrations can result in the development of cracks in the architecture, settlement of foundations, or even severe structural failure in sensitive installations.To assess the effects of pile-driving on nearby buildings, a series of 77 finite element models were developed using PLAXIS 3D, which simulated varying pile-to-building distances and driving depths.The analyses focused on both the comfort of residents and the structural integrity of adjacent buildings, with comparisons drawn against international standards for vibration levels.The results revealed that the optimal driving depth could effectively minimize peak vibration levels, thereby reducing the risk of disruption to nearby structures.Additionally, the influence of parameters such as pile-driving load, pile penetration depth, and soil characteristics on vibration propagation was systematically explored.The findings provide critical insights into the mitigation of pile-driving-induced vibrations in urban settings and offer guidance for optimizing pile-driving operations to safeguard both resident comfort and structural safety.