This project proposes an innovative Compact Resonant Wave Barrier (CRWB) to mitigate railway-induced ground vibrations. Conventional pile barriers often require large dimensions, limiting their feasibility in densely populated urban environments. By exploiting the concept of locally resonant metamaterials, the project aims to design a barrier with dimensions suitable for practical engineering implementation. The research will pursue three core objectives: (i) analytical design of the CRWB guided by dispersion laws using Multiple Scattering theory, (ii) numerical modelling and optimization based on a mixed wave finite element formulation combined with machine-learning techniques, and (iii) fabrication and field testing of a prototype CRWB.
The project follows a structured training pathway spanning ETH Zurich (outgoing phase), KU Leuven (secondment), and the University of Bologna (return phase). This framework ensures exposure to complementary expertise in ground-borne vibration mitigation, wave propagation in heterogeneous media, data-driven modelling, and signal processing. The expected outcome is a validated CRWB concept and an enhanced scientific profile of the Research Fellow through advanced research training, interdisciplinary skill acquisition, and high-impact dissemination activities.