Basement-construction-vibration-guideline

1.        Introduction
Construction plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of the Gold Coast.

The City of Gold Coast (City) manages how development is undertaken in our City through our City Plan
and development approval process.

As the population of the Gold Coast continues to grow, we can expect more buildings to be constructed
in populated areas. The construction of these buildings will often involve basement construction.

Basement construction includes the retention of soil as a permanent or temporary measure during
construction. It may also be referred to as basement retention, foundation walling, ground retention or
shoring. Methods of basement construction include sheet piling, rotary bored piling, CFA (Continuous
Flight Auger) piling and secant piles.

Basement construction in populated areas can create noise and vibration impacts for those living, visiting
and working nearby. The construction industry needs to respond by appropriately managing noise and
vibration issues for basement construction.

This guideline outlines the City’s requirements for basement vibration management, including a
measurable standard of what is acceptable for vibration and how to monitor. It seeks to balance the need
for new construction with reasonable community expectations by encouraging best practice.

Those involved with basement construction are advised to plan projects in accordance with this
guideline. For some projects this will be mandatory when referenced through development conditions.

Throughout this document any reference to a Local Law, Act or Regulation includes reference to any
subsequent amending of the relevant Local Law, Act or Regulation.

This guideline specifically applies to the basement construction stage of building work. The guideline is to
be referenced through development conditions for buildings with basement construction (excluding
houses).




2.        Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for industry in relation to managing noise and
vibration for basement construction while focusing on vibration limits as the best method to achieve
outcomes for both.
This guideline seeks to:
          Define basement construction vibration limits for vibration management plans.
          Provide indicative vibration data for basement construction methods.
          Provide guidance for vibration monitoring of basement construction.
          Avoid onerous or prohibitive requirements on the development industry, while encouraging best
           practice.
          Balance the needs of the construction industry with reasonable community expectations.


2.1        Scope
This guideline addresses vibration requirements for basement construction with general advice for noise.
The remainder of the construction process (including the demolition and excavation phases) may form
part of a separate noise management plans.

This guideline relates to development conditions for all buildings with basement construction (excluding
houses).




 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION MANAGMENT GUIDELINE (A45139253)                                   Page 3 of 13