Vertical Vibration Analysis in Metro-Adjacent Buildings: Influence of Structural Height, Span Length, and Plan Position on Maximum Levels

Selecting optimal measurement points to capture maximum vertical vibration levels induced by metro systems on adjacent buildings is a crucial yet often overlooked task. In this study, an on-site vibration test and simulation analysis of a building near the Nanjing metro line were conducted. A vibration wave screening method based on machine learning algorithms was introduced, with decision trees used to filter anomalous data and supervised learning models to identify data damaged by environmental vibration and to obtain representative vibration inputs. Subsequently, vertical vibration analysis was used to examine the influence of structural components, span lengths, and vertical height on vibration propagation and to quickly determine peak vibration locations. The results showed a positive correlation between span length and maximum vibration levels. Slabs are more sensitive to vibration than columns, with higher levels at the center of slabs than at the edges. Additionally, the vibration amplitude increases and then decreases as the vertical height increases. These findings were confirmed by on-site vibration tests and offer insights for sustainable vibration management in metro-adjacent buildings, supporting resilient infrastructure development. The study also provides guidance for selecting vibration measurement points, enhancing human discomfort assessments to reduce health risks and promote socially sustainable communities.