Abstract: A theoretical methodology which can calculate multiple scattering of plane SH waves by arbitrarily arranged and configuration of multi-row tubular piles is achieved. It can be considered the commonly so-called single scattering as the first order of multiple scattering. The second order of scattering of certain tubular pile is derived from incident waves which are excited from the first order of scattering by all tubular piles, which are also be regarded as the secondary waves by the first scattering. The rest scattering process of multiple order can be considered in the same manner. Assuming that every scattering order at pile-soil interface and interior of tubular pile are satisfied the elastic boundary conditions, the incident, scattering and transmitted waves are expanded in wave functions with Graf’s addition theorem so that the undetermined scattering (transmitted) complex coefficients are obtained. Theoretical solutions of total scattering and transmitted wave fields inside the tubular piles are achieved. The influences of multiple scattering orders, ratios of the pile radius and distance between piles (or pile rows), shear modulus ratios of pile and soil, ratios of internal and external radius of tubular piles, geometric parameters of multi-row tubular piles etc. on screening effectiveness is discussed with numerical examples. The results show that tubular piles can achieve better screening effects than solid piles do. Several valuable reference bases of engineering design with discontinuous barriers made by tubular piles are delivered consequently.

Key words: vibration isolation, discontinuous barrier, tubular pile, multiple scattering, arbitrary arrangement