Influence of Structural Parameters and Isolation Measures on Subway-Induced Building Vibration

Subway-induced building vibration has become an increasingly prominent concern. However, the effectiveness of various vibration isolation measures remains to be systematically evaluated. This study characterizes such vibration, analyzes its propagation patterns, and assesses the effectiveness of these measures. Field measurements were conducted on an over-tunnel building above Guangzhou Metro Line 3. A train–track multibody dynamics model and a three-dimensional tunnel–soil–building finite element model were developed and validated. Based on these models, the influence of structural parameters and three vibration isolation measures—isolation layer, cushion sand layer, and disc spring support—on the building vibration response was investigated using the vertical Z-vibration level as the evaluation metric. The results show that floor slab vibrations are predominantly in the 10–50 Hz range and attenuate with increasing floor height. Among the structural parameters, the number of stories exerts the most significant influence on the building vibration response. For the vibration isolation measures, the isolation layer is the most effective, followed by the disc spring support, while the cushion sand layer provides only limited vibration reduction. This study provides a scientific basis and practical guidance for the vibration serviceability assessment of buildings near subway lines.