New construction projects bring lots of opportunities for a community. Depending on the type of building being built, residents could benefit from access to new job opportunities, healthcare facilities, or high-rise apartments. New construction could also solve problems that every city experiences like lack of parking by building garages.
Unfortunately, construction projects can also interfere with the safety of surrounding structures.
Construction related to new foundations (excavating, underpinning and demolition) produces vibrations that, if significant, may affect the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings. These vibrations are especially concerning for historic buildings and landmarks that are more vulnerable to damage.
So how does a firm initiate its construction project while protecting the integrity of the adjacent buildings?
Below, we’ll explain how vibration monitoring in construction works, highlight some of its key benefits and demonstrate how the experts at Saltus can help with any construction monitoring services needs.
How Does Vibration Monitoring Work?
Vibrations caused by construction have the potential to exceed the threshold for acceptable vertical and horizontal movement. If these vibrations exceed these permissible levels, they could cause movements and cracks in the neighboring buildings that result in structural damage.
To avoid damaging surrounding structures and remain compliant with all local laws and policies (such as NYC’s Technical Policy and Procedure Notice #10/8), construction firms are required to monitor their vibration levels.
To accurately monitor, measure and record vibrations during the construction process, technicians install specialized equipment in strategic locations of the neighboring properties.
Currently, there are two types of vibration monitoring services that construction firms can use: wireless and manned.
Wireless Vibration Monitoring Services
With this system, vibration monitoring services technicians install automated seismographic equipment in the respective structures in the construction zone. Once in place, these seismographs not only monitor/record/report all increases in vibration levels, they also produce triggers that are automatically sent to the construction team in real time.
Manned Vibration Monitoring Services
Unlike the automated option above, manned vibration monitoring services require the expertise of an on-site technician to physically monitor the vibration data provided by the seismographs. In the event that construction exceeds the vibration threshold, the technician will immediately notify the construction team.
The Benefits Of Vibration Monitoring Services
While wireless and manned vibration monitoring services primary purpose is to protect the structural integrity of buildings located in the construction zone, these systems also provide an array of additional benefits, including:
- Avoidance of Litigation – By using vibration monitoring services to ensure the structural integrity of nearby buildings, construction firms also avoid any lawsuits related to property damage caused by their project.
- Compliance – No matter where they are located. construction projects have to comply with all respective local laws, codes and policies.Vibration monitoring services help projects remain compliant with specific laws, codes and policies (such as NYC’s TPPN 10/88) and avert substantial financial penalties associated with violations.
- Issue Resolution – If data provided by the vibration monitoring services identifies potential issues that could cause disruptions, delays or damage, construction firms can take corrective action to resolve these issues.
Now that we’ve explained how vibration monitoring services work, discussed the options currently available, and highlighted key benefits, it’s time to focus on how to choose the right service provider.
Choosing The Right Vibration Monitoring Service
The key to completing a construction project that protects the structural integrity of neighboring properties, complies with applicable laws and regulations, and ensures a firm’s professional reputation, lies in choosing an experienced and trustworthy construction monitoring services company.
With over 15 years of experience in construction monitoring services, Saltus has the knowledge, equipment and options to create a customized vibration monitoring service plan that meets the exact requirements of any project and is in full compliance with all local laws and regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about our vibration monitoring services for construction projects in the Tri-State area – and beyond!