Vibration & Noise Monitoring

Geotechnical vibration and noise monitoring involves the measurement and assessment of ground-borne vibrations and ambient noise levels generated by construction or other activities. Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG) understand that to ensure the integrity of your project, vibrations and noises are a critical aspect to monitor and maintain within acceptable thresholds to prevent damage to structures and minimise nuisance to nearby occupants.

Construction Methods AETG Can Employ Vibration Monitoring

This involves measuring ground vibrations typically caused by:

  • Piling
  • Blasting
  • Demolition
  • Compaction
  • Excavation

Purpose:

  • Compliance: Ensure vibration levels meet regulatory limits (e.g., DIN 4150-3, BS 7385).
  • Protect structures: Avoid cosmetic or structural damage to nearby buildings (especially heritage or sensitive structures).
  • Occupant comfort: Prevent human discomfort due to perceptible vibrations.
  • Project assurance: Provide data to manage construction impacts and mitigate risk.

Typical Parameters Measured:

  • Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) in mm/s
  • Vibration frequency and duration

What is Noise Monitoring?

This involves recording sound pressure levels (in decibels, dB) generated during construction or operational phases.

Purpose:

  • Protect public amenity: Limit nuisance to surrounding residents and businesses.
  • Support environmental reporting: Demonstrate mitigation of environmental impacts.
  • Ensure compliance: Meet criteria set in Environmental Protection or Development Consent conditions.

Typical Parameters Measured:

  • LAeq (equivalent continuous sound level)
  • LA90 (background noise level)
  • LAmax (maximum noise level)

Construction Methods AETG Can Employ Noise Monitoring

  • Urban infrastructure and civil construction projects
  • Rail and road tunnelling
  • Heritage or vibration-sensitive zones (e.g., hospitals, labs)
  • High-rise developments in built-up areas

Equipment Used

  • Vibration monitors: Geophones or accelerometers with data loggers
  • Noise loggers: Calibrated sound level meters with logging capability

Successfully Completed Jobs by AETG to Date

✔ Geotechnical Investigation Report - Queen Street, Campbelltown NSW

The Geotechnical Investigation Report for the proposed development at Queen Street, Campbelltown, highlights the necessity of implementing a comprehensive vibration monitoring strategy during excavation and construction activities to safeguard adjacent structures. The report recommends strict compliance with established Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) thresholds—2 mm/sec for heritage or sensitive structures, 5 mm/sec for standard residential or low-rise buildings, and up to 25 mm/sec for reinforced concrete or commercial structures—in accordance with best practice guidelines to prevent vibration-induced structural damage. Rock hammering in proximity to neighbouring properties is strongly discouraged; instead, the preferred method is rock saw cutting, with controlled horizontal hammering permitted only on pre-cut boulders and under continuous vibration monitoring. A formal vibration monitoring program—either attended or unattended with real-time alert systems—is required, with immediate suspension of work if PPV thresholds are exceeded. Equipment-specific vibration impact criteria are provided, such as operating a 300 kg hydraulic hammer at 50% capacity within 2.5 to 5.0 metres of existing structures, correlating to an estimated PPV of 10 mm/sec. The report also mandates pre-construction dilapidation surveys to record existing structural conditions, thereby facilitating risk management and mitigation of potential liability. These recommendations aim to ensure regulatory compliance with NSW WorkCover guidelines and minimise the risk of structural damage and legal disputes arising from excessive ground-borne vibrations.