As we previously discussed, significant vibrations caused by construction have the potential to impact the structural integrity of surrounding buildings.
In major cities like NYC, this is a serious concern. Not only are cities full of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, they’re also home to landmark buildings and historic districts. If modern buildings are susceptible to damage caused by vibrations, buildings made centuries ago are even more susceptible to cracks, movements and other issues caused by construction vibrations.
Yet, modern and historic buildings are not the only surrounding structures that are vulnerable to construction vibrations. Sensitive facilities such as neighboring hospitals, laboratories, manufacturers and research centers are also at risk – and not just from structural damage.
Below, we’ll discuss how construction vibrations can impact the daily operations of sensitive facilities, explain the ways Saltus’ vibration monitoring services help reduce these issues and ensure safety during construction.
Possible Effects of Construction Vibrations on Sensitive Facilities
While some construction projects have the capacity to produce vibrations that are powerful enough to cause structural damage to neighboring buildings, they can also cause low-level vibrations, too.
Although less severe than vibrations that can cause cracks and movements, these smaller vibrations have the potential to negatively affect sensitive facilities in the construction zone.
Smaller scale vibrations, though not significant enough to cause structural damage, have the ability to affect the daily operations at these facilities by:
- Disrupting crucial processes
- Causing deviations in carefully calibrated equipment
- Impacting communications
- Damaging raw materials and finished products
- Initiating other serious issues.
To reduce the risks associated with these types of vibrations, construction firms rely on vibration monitoring service and equipment.
Mitigating Issues with Vibration Monitoring
During construction projects, neighboring buildings, landmarks and structures such as tunnels and bridges are safeguarded by vibration monitoring systems. These systems are used to record/report any spikes in vibrations that could cause structural damage to nearby buildings, tunnels, bridges and ramps.
The same monitoring systems are also used to reduce the risks associated with vibrations that may affect nearby sensitive facilities. These lower-level vibrations can jeopardize the safety of hospital patients, adversely affect operating equipment, impact the integrity of manufactured products, and cause other serious issues at surrounding sensitive facilities.
To mitigate any issues associated with vibrations caused by excavation, demolition, blasting, pile driving or other major construction projects, the construction team relies on the expertise of a construction monitoring service such as Saltus.
Using either automated or manned seismographic equipment, the monitoring technician runs a pre-construction test. During the test, these technicians record the ambient vibrations. After the recording process, the technicians issue a highly detailed report that the construction team carefully analyzes.
Based on the information provided in the report, the construction team then formulates a plan to help minimize the impact of vibrations on the sensitive facilities.
Ensuring Safety During Construction with Vibration Monitoring
Vibration monitoring doesn’t end with the issuance of the pre-test report.
Even though the construction team has the information necessary to formulate a plan to mitigate the effects of project-related vibrations, emergencies may still occur.
To decrease any negative impacts on daily operations and ensure the safety of the staff, equipment and products in the sensitive facilities, vibration monitoring continues during every phase of construction.
If using automated wireless seismographic equipment, the construction team experiences the benefit of 24/7 monitoring of the facilities in the construction zone. If a significant event occurs, this equipment produces real-time triggers that allow the team to take immediate action.
With manned monitoring equipment, a trained technician visits the site on a defined schedule to monitor the data collected by the seismographic equipment. Upon reviewing the data, if the technician identifies any construction-related vibrations emitted that may impact the sensitive facilities, they immediately notify the construction site managers/engineers.
Regardless of the monitoring equipment employed by the construction team, both systems alert the construction team of any potentially damaging vibrations. Construction work is stopped until a suitable solution is implemented to avoid any future issues.
Enjoy the Benefits of Saltus’ Vibration Monitoring Services
Clearly, vibration monitoring services are not only crucial to protecting nearby buildings and structures from damage. They’re also integral for reducing risks to the critical processes at the sensitive facilities located in the construction zone.
By having certified technicians trained with specialized seismographic equipment monitor nearby buildings, structures and facilities, construction teams can minimize damage, risks and disruptions.
With over 15 years of experience in construction monitoring, Saltus Construction Monitoring Services tracks any construction-related vibrations so construction teams can take immediate corrective actions.
With two vibration monitoring options available, we are able to customize our services to meet the project’s specific needs and budget.
To learn more about our vibration monitoring services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our expert team today!