Whole Body Vibration Exposure to Train Passenger

Abstract

Problem statement: Train is one of the important and famous public transportations in the whole world. High magnitude of whole-body vibration formed by the train may cause diseases and health problems to the human especially a low back pain. This study will give an account of daily exposure to vibration A(8) and Vibration Dose Value (VDV) exposed to the passengers travelling in the train and the effects produced by the exposure towards human body. Approach: One national train travelled from East Coast to the South has been chosen to conduct the study. The whole-body vibration exposure was measured in 8 h, which is equal to the duration for normal occupation condition. All the data was computed by using IEPE (ICP^TM) accelerometer sensor connected to DT9837 device which is capable to measure and analyze vibration effectively. The vibration results attained were displayed in personal computer by using custom Graphical User Interface (GUI). MATLAB software was used to interpret the data obtained. From the results shown, the whole-body vibration exposure level can be determined. Results: The values of daily exposure to vibration A(8) and Vibration Dose Value (VDV) in Experiment 3 were 0.3749 m sec^-2 and 1.2513 m sec^-1.75 respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the whole-body vibration absorbed by human body enhanced when the duration of vibration exposure and the total of the trips that has been passed by the passengers increased. This can be proved by the increasing of the value of daily exposure to vibration A(8) and Vibration Dose Value (VDV) calculated in the study.