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The problem of vibration isolation by a row of piles is numerically solved in a three‐dimensional context by an advanced frequency domain boundary element method (BEM). Both the piles and the soil are modelled by boundary elements and coupled together through equilibrium and compatibility at their interfaces. Linear elastic or viscoelastic material behaviour is assumed for both the piles and the soil. The piles can be tubular or solid and have circular or square cross‐section. The vibration source is a vertical harmonically varying with time force and the row of piles acts as a wave barrier in a passive way. The boundary element method is first validated for accuracy by solving two three‐dimensional wave diffraction problems dealing with spheres and trenches as scatterers for which there are analytical and highly accurate numerical solutions available in the literature. Numerical examples dealing with passive …