The vibrations generated by construction activity have the potential to cause structural and cosmetic damage to nearby buildings and equipment. Monitoring vibrations—which are measured in peak particle velocity (PPV)—is an important step in protecting surrounding structures during a construction project. At the Lighthouse Companies, we perform vibration monitoring—and make recommendations for vibration control—for both commercial and residential construction projects.

Our Approach

We approach vibration monitoring and control through a three-step process:

  1. Assessment: We identify potential problem areas and processes prior to the start of construction activities.
  2. Construction specifications: We suggest special mitigation measures that can be written into the project specifications to minimize vibrations. We can also provide recommendations to subcontractors, so that they are aware of any community noise or vibration concerns and that they plan accordingly prior to arriving at the work site.
  3. Compliance verification: We monitor any vibration generating activities during the construction project to ensure that they fall below recommended levels.

Tools and Technology

We employ the latest tools and technologies to monitor and analyze vibrations generated by construction activities, including:

  •  Vibration monitors / seismographs
  • Manual or automated data tracking and analysis

Recommendations

We typically start with the standards published by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the Office of Surface Mines Reclaiming and Enforcement.  If required, more stringent standards can be established for your project.   If we find that vibrations exceed the specified project standards, we can provide recommendations for bringing vibrations to safer levels. Our recommendations may include:

  • Routing heavily loaded trucks and earthmoving equipment away from residential structures and streets
  • Phasing demolition, so that earthmoving and ground impacting operations do not occur at the same time
  • Avoiding nighttime construction activities
  • Pursuing alternate construction methods
  • Other activities, as recommended

More Information

For more information or to discuss your specific project needs, please contact us.