24 Jun 2019
Loughborough academic releases new book on the impact of high-speed railways
Professor Victor Krylov, Chair in Acoustics and Vibration at Loughborough University, has edited a new book that delves into the complex problems associated with ground vibrations caused by high-speed railways.
Krylov is the sole editor, and contributor to the opening chapter of, Ground Vibrations from High-speed Railways: Prediction and Mitigation, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
The book tackles the discussion around the disruption caused by the increasing speeds of high-speed trains. In 1994, Professor Krylov predicted that if the trains exceeded the velocity of Rayleigh surface waves (which can be as low as approximately 160km per hour for some types of soil) ‘ground vibration booms’, similar to sonic booms, may occur.
Currently they run at around 300km per hour but are expected to increase to 400km per hour. Consequently, increased disruption to residents and wildlife, due to the noise and vibrations, is predicted.
Professor Krylov commented: “This book discusses recent academic research that looks at possible ways to reduce the environmental impact of ground vibrations, making it an essential read for scientists and engineers working in the field.”
However, he added that he believes university students and railway enthusiasts will also enjoy it.
Ground Vibrations from High-speed Railways: Prediction and Mitigation is available for purchase here.