Traffic vibration is a common source of environmental nuisance affecting residents. This report summarises TRRL studies of the effects of these vibrations on people, buildings and equipment and includes results from other relevant investigations. The first section describes the nature of the problem as revealed by questionnaire surveys and details the methods for predicting the degree of disturbance likely to be caused by both airborne and ground-borne vibrations. The effects of vibration on sensitive equipment and critical tasks are also considered. The second section reports on a number of investigations into the effects of traffic vibration on buildings. Studies included a fatigue test on a vacant property, comparisons of structural defects in houses exposed to high levels of vibration with similar properties exposed to relatively low levels, and case studies of heritage buildings adjacent to heavily trafficked roads. It is concluded that although traffic vibration can cause severe nuisance to occupants there is no evidence to support the assertion that traffic vibration can also cause significant damage to buildings. Lastly, possible methods for reducing traffic vibration nuisance are described.
Abstract