Basement-construction-vibration-guideline

Energy from equipment is transmitted into the ground and transformed into vibration, which attenuates with
distance. The magnitude and attenuation of ground vibration is dependent on the following:
          The efficiency of the energy transfer mechanism of the equipment (i.e. impulsive, reciprocating,
           rolling or rotating equipment).
          The frequency content.
          The impact medium stiffness.
          The type of wave (surface or body)
          The ground type and topography.

Due to the above factors, there is inherent variability in ground vibration predictions without site-specific
measurement data.

Without site specific information, exact vibration levels experienced at receptor buildings is difficult to predict. As
such, vibration levels have been estimated at nominal distances from vibration intensive equipment and are
based on maximum measured data of similar equipment. It is recommended that the results are subjected to
further investigation to determine the following:
          Ground hardness (based on geotechnical reports of the ground in the relevant construction areas).
          Measured vibration data of the exact equipment proposed to be used.
          Shortest distance between vibration intensive works and the nearest sensitive buildings, especially
           for piling (except for bored), vibratory rolling, rock-breaking/tunnelling and excavation works.

The exact distance between vibration intensive construction activities and the nearest buildings is not available
at this stage. As such, vibration levels from nominal distances have been predicted and are based on measured
data of similar construction equipment in table 5.

Table 5: Indicative vibration levels at nominal distances from equipment

                                         Predicted Vibration Level (PPV mm/s) at distances between
Equipment                                vibration intensive equipment and building

                                         2 metres     3 metres     4 metres     5 metres     10 metres      15 metres
Piling (impact)                          121.5        71.8         49.4         36.9         15.0            8.9
Concrete saw                             4.1          2.4          1.6          1.2          0.5             0.3
Jackhammer                               4.1          2.4          1.6          1.2          0.5             0.3
Excavator                                15.2         8.9          6.2          4.6          1.9             1.1
Continuous Flight Auger (CFA)            0.7          0.4          0.3          0.2          0.1             0.1
Small hydraulic hammer                   16.2         9.6          6.6          4.9          2.0             1.2
Medium hydraulic hammer                  57           33           23           17           7               4
Large hydraulic hammer                   178          105          72           54           22              13
Impact sheet piling                      146          86           59           44           18              11
Vibratory sheet piling                   243          144          99           74           30              18
Piling (bored)                           6.5          3.8          2.6          2.0          0.8             0.5


4.4       Vibration buffers
Based on the vibration levels predicted in Table 5, recommended working buffer distances have been
determined for vibration intensive activities in Table 6. It should be noted that further investigation should be
undertaken when more details about the exact location of construction activities and the ground characteristics
are made available.



 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION MANAGMENT GUIDELINE (A45139253)                                            Page 9 of 13