The possible link between traffic induced vibrations and damage in heritage buildings has been investigated in four different grade ii listed buildings exposed to different levels of traffic vibration. Measurements of vibration, noise and crack movements were made to characterise the exposure and response of the buildings to vibration and damage was assessed by structural surveys of the properties. The historic buildings and monuments commission for England collaborated in this study by carrying out these building surveys. The peak vibration levels at all sites were relatively high, in each case exceeding the threshold of perception at ground level. The levels were significantly higher on suspended wooden floors and on upper parts of the front facades. Groundborne rather than airborne vibration was chiefly responsible for significant vibrations at all sites. The condition of two buildings studied was judged to be reasonable and such faults as had developed were not considered to be connected with traffic vibration. The other buildings exhibited significant cracking of both brickwork and plaster finishes and both had significant settlement problems. In both cases, however, the observed damage could be attributed to more plausible site factors rather than traffic vibration. (Author/publisher)
Abstract