Field Testing and Numerical Modeling of Vehicle-Induced Vibrations on an Ancient Seawall via an Approach Slab

The Yanguan Ancient Seawall, located at the Qiantang River estuary, is a nationally protected cultural heritage site and an in-service vital flood defense structure. Construction activities, including vehicle crossings, pose risks of vibration-induced damage. This study developed a three-dimensional finite element model to evaluate the vibration effects of moving vehicles on the Yanguan Ancient Seawall. The model captured the seawall's unique discrete-continuum structural characteristics by representing rubble stones with solid elements and sticky rice mortar with cohesive zone elements. Additionally, a Vehicle-Road Interaction element, capable of modeling vertical and tangential wheel-road contact forces, was implemented via the ABAQUS User Element interface. Field vibration tests validated the proposed methodology, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy. The validated model was applied to predict and analyze vibration responses under varying approach slab inclination angles, which contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage structures by providing scientific evidence to guide vibration protection measures.