EVALUATION OF THE STRUCTURAL VIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS AND THE SEISMIC RESPONSES ALONG THE RAILWAY LINE

Abstract

 At present, the train operation control during earthquakes is implemented based on the earthquake motions observed on the ground surface along the railway line. To operate the trains during earthquakes adequately, the consideration of the structural seismic responses as well as earthquake ground motions is necessary. In this study, we estimated S-wave velocity structures and structural vibration characteristics using microtremore data along the model railway. And we evaluated earthquake motions not only on the ground surface but also on the structures along the railway line, using the seismic data observed at a reference site. As a result, the earthquake motions estimated are good correlations with those observed. Furthermore, we evaluated the amplification factors of the subsurface structures and the railway structures, using the earthquake motions estimated on the ground surface and the structures. These information can be applied to the judgment of train operation control. And also, it shows the week points of railway structures in which the seismic retrofit are needed before earthquakes and safety inspections are required right after earthquakes.