Generation of Low-Frequency Ground Vibrations by Sound Waves Propagating in Underground Gas Pipes

Abstract

The hypothesis is examined about sources of disturbing low-frequency hums arising from buried gas or petrol pipes in which turbulent flows of gas or liquid generate sound waves of high amplitude propagating in pipe-lines as in waveguides. Theoretical investigation of this problem shows that if the velocities of sound inside the pipes (450 m/s for methane) are higher than the velocities of Rayleigh surface waves in the ground (typically 300–600 m/s) then ground Rayleigh waves are effectively generated by sound waves propagating inside the pipes, the mechanism of generation being similar to that of sonic boom from supersonic jets. The Rayleigh waves then propagate to buildings and cause building vibration and structure-borne noise. Central frequencies of generated Rayleigh wave spectra are in the range of 5–20 Hz and depend on pipe-depth. The amplitudes of ground vibration velocity may achieve 70 dB (relative to 10⁻⁹ m/s). This is quite enough to annoy some people both due to the direct impact of vibrations and to structure-borne noise. The results obtained may contribute to a fuller understanding of the nature of low-frequency hums.