Noise & vibration evaluation of a floating slab implementation in the Keramikos Archaelogical area at Athens Metro Network

Abstract

This paper describes the work performed for Athens Metro Network, at the relevant extension of line 3 from Monastiraki to Egaleo, in central Athens area, that passes under the famous "Keramikos Archaeological Area" and the "Keramikos Museum". The aim of, the ground borne noise and vibration measured data, presented in this article, is to evaluate the behavior of the implemented mitigation measures, in form of continuous floating slab, in order to guarantee, in each sensitive archaeological finding and or area, along the extension alignment, that all strict allowable ground borne noise and vibration levels are met in the nearby sensitive receptors. In order to reach this objective, the relevant extension was divided into homogeneous sections, i.e. sections along which the tunnel and soil types, depth and distance from nearby buildings and presence or not of a switch to be considered as constant, with particular emphasis on sections in direct contact with the most important archaeological findings & especially the Museum. Predictions from the relevant prediction model were evaluated in the basis of a complete measurement campaign during Metro operation in the area. The implemented full floating slab solution, according to the relevant measured results during Athens Metro operation, has presented, recorded levels of ground borne noise and vibration (including both vibration velocity rms & ppv levels in μm/sec for Keramikos area & Radio station), measured, both at soil surface locations, receptors inside the Keramikos Archaeological Museum and also, on the marble statues & in vicinity of various artifacts in sensitive glazed racks inside the Museum, well within the severe imposed criteria. For this project the author and the Transportation Sector of the University of Thessaly (Faculty Of Civil Engineers) was awarded with the "2008 ECOPOLIS Prize for Environmental Sensitivity".