This report describes the general problem of ground vibrations generated in road construction operations, and presents results of measurements of ground vibrations on the soil surface caused by several different operations. The vibration sources, the levels of vibration and the attenuations with distance for ground vibrations are considered, together with the criteria and standards for vibration assessment with respect to human response and building damage. It was found that ground vibration levels at distances of about 10m from some sources were above the level of human perception although vibration levels fell off very rapidly with distance, due to attenuation in the soil. The operations which gave rise to the highest levels were tracked earthmoving, vibratory and motorized compaction and sheet piling. Ground vibrations caused by these operations were well below the vibration thresholds thought to cause architectural damage to buildings. (Author/publisher)
Abstract