Smart mitigation of low-frequency railway vibrations
Ground vibrations from trains–especially cargo–are increasingly problematic in the Netherlands and worldwide. Existing solutions are often ineffective in areas with soft soils especially due to the low frequencies generated. WaveGuard introduces an innovative nonlinear metamaterial designed to attenuate precisely these low frequencies. By exploiting nonlinear effects and tailored geometries, the solution promises to achieve effective and broadband vibration mitigation. This opens the door to effective and scalable mitigation strategies for railway infrastructure.
From lab-scale validation to engineering implementationFrom lab-scale valid
The project integrates advanced numerical modelling with experimental validation in a custom-built laboratory setup. Different metamaterial configurations will be assessed under realistic soil types and loading scenarios. The outcomes will support the development of an optimized design tailored to various conditions, as well as engineering guidelines to enable future field implementation. This combined approach ensures a clear pathway from fundamental research to practical application, with tangible impact on reducing environmental vibrations.