13 Noise And Vibration - Metro Tunnel

Table 13–1LegislationNoise and vibration legislation and policy relevant toMelbourne MetroPolicy/guidelineCommentState Environment ProtectionPolicy (Control of Noise fromCommerce, Industry and Trade)No. N-1 (SEPP N-1)SEPP N-1 provides a methodologyto determine the applicablemandatory Noise Limits for a NoiseSensitive Area that may be affectedby commercial, industrial or tradenoise. A Noise Sensitive Area isdefined in SEPP N-1 and consists ofdwellings, residential buildings andsimilar types of accommodation.SEPP N-1 does not apply toconstruction and demolition activitieson building sites; nor does it apply tonoise emanating from roads orrailway lines. However, it wouldapply to noise from fixed plant andequipment such as ventilationsystems.Environment ProtectionAuthority Noise ControlGuidelines Publication 1254(EPA 1254)Provides a framework for themanagement of construction noiseand has been used for determiningGuideline Noise LevelsVictorian Passenger RailInfrastructure Noise Policy(Victorian Government, 2013)Provides Investigation Thresholdsfor the redevelopment of existing railinfrastructureStateEnvironmentProtection Act1970Other relevant documentsMMRA EPA Publication 480,Environmental Guidelines forMajor Construction Sites, 1996Provides guidance for constructionnoise; however, EPA 1254 would bethe primary documentNSW Interim ConstructionNoise Guideline, Department ofEnvironment and ClimateChange, 2009Provides Guideline Targets formanagement of ground-borneconstruction noise in the absence ofVictorian or Commonwealth criteriaAustralian Standard AS24362010, Guide to noise andvibration control onconstruction, demolition andmaintenance sites. (AS 2436)Reference documentGerman Standard DIN 4150-3Structural Vibration Part 3:Effects of vibration onstructures (DIN 4150)Provides Guideline Targets forconstruction vibration with respect todamage to buildings in the absenceof Victorian or Commonwealthcriteria. Used for determiningGuideline TargetsAmerican Society of Heating,Refrigeration and Airconditioning Engineers(ASHRAE), Chapter 48, Soundand Vibration ControlProvides Guideline Targets formanagement of vibration withrespect to vibration-sensitiveequipment in the absence ofVictorian or Commonwealth criteriaEnvironment Effects Statement13–5

Legislation13.4Policy/guidelineCommentNSW Rail Infrastructure NoiseGuideline, May 2013Provides Guideline Targets formanagement of ground-borne noisefrom trains in the absence ofVictorian or Commonwealth criteria.Used for determining GuidelineTargetsAustralian Standard AS2187.22006 Explosives – Storage andUse Part 2: Use of explosivesProvides Guideline Targets formanagement of blasting activitiesAS/NZS 2107:2000Australian/New ZealandStandard AcousticsRecommended design soundlevels and reverberation timesfor building interiorsProvides Guideline Targets forinternal noise levelsBritish Standard BS64721:2008. Guide to Evaluation ofHuman Exposure to Vibration inBuildings. Part 1: Vibrationsources other than blastingProvides Guideline Targets forcontinuous, intermittent or impulsivevibration. Used for determiningGuideline TargetsNSW Assessing Vibration: atechnical guideline, Departmentof Environment andConservation, 2006Provides guidance on the values tobe used use in assessing humanresponses to vibration, based onBS6472Transit Noise and VibrationImpact Assessment, FederalTransit Administration (FTA),US Department ofTransportation, FTA-VA-901003-06, 2006Considered in developing a modelfor predicting vibration and groundborne noise associated withproposed mass transit projectsMethodology13.4.1Assessment ApproachStudy AreaNoise and vibration has been assessed in the vicinity of all Melbourne Metroprecincts. The assessment has also considered the effects of noise along theproposed construction vehicle routes and along the Sunshine – Dandenong Lineoutside the Melbourne Metro precinct boundaries.13–6MMRA Environment Effects Statement

Assessment MethodologyThe noise and vibration impact assessment has considered the potential effectsof Melbourne Metro on sensitive receivers (people, buildings and sensitiveequipment or processes) through the following pathways: Airborne noise: noise propagated through the air from source to receiver Ground-borne vibration (tactile vibration): vibration propagated through theground and into building structures that, if sufficiently high, can cause rattling Ground-borne noise: airborne noise within a building that is generated byvibration through the ground and into the structure and, if audible, isgenerally heard as a ‘rumble’.The impact assessment focused on construction airborne noise, vibration andground-borne noise, operational airborne noise (from trains and fixedinfrastructure such as fans) and operational vibration and ground-borne noisefrom trains.The assessment adopted the following approach: Undertake noise and vibration baseline measurements in the vicinity ofMelbourne Metro to determine existing conditions, including:– External ambient noise and internal noise measurements– External and internal vibration measurements– Underwater noise measurements (in the Yarra River) Determine appropriate criteria and Guideline Targets, taking into considerationexisting measured noise and vibration levels (see Section 13.4.2 below) Undertake modelling to predict if these criteria and Guideline Targets wouldbe achieved Recommend Environmental Performance Requirements (and potentialmitigation and management actions to satisfy these requirements) to manageadverse noise and vibration impacts associated with the project, includingmeasures to reduce noise and vibration levels where the predictions showthat levels could be higher than the Guideline Targets.The key aspects of the assessment methodology are summarised below. Furtherdetails of the methodology are provided in Section 4 of Technical Appendix INoise and Vibration.The noise and vibration impact assessment was independently peer reviewed.MMRA Environment Effects Statement13–7

Assessing vibration and ground-borne noiseThe following approach was used to predict construction vibration and ground-bornenoise levels and impacts: The type of occupancy (residential, commercial, utilities and other sensitiveuses) was identified for each affected location (receiver). A model was developed based on the US Federal Transit Administration’spredictive methodology for assessing noise and vibration impacts of proposedmass transit projects. Vibration sources levels for the TBM and roadheader were estimated using acombination of literature-based data and the specialists’ library of test data. The ground vibration attenuation characteristics for the project alignment werederived from a combination of literature-based data and interpretation ofgeotechnical measurements at boreholes on the alignment. The model was used to predict vibration and ground-borne noise levels forreceivers in the vicinity of the alignment. For the purpose of calculatingVibration Dose Values (VDV) – which is the accumulation of vibration energyreceived over either the day-time or night-time periods – day has been definedas 7:00am to 10:00pm and night has been defined as 10:00pm to 7:00am (asper BS6472-1:2008). The predicted vibration and ground-borne noise levels were then compared tothe proposed Guideline Target for each occupancy type. Where Guideline Targets would potentially be exceeded, further analysis wascarried out at one or more of the most affected receivers to quantify the durationof the exceedance for tunnelling and station construction activities.13.4.2Baseline and Background DataNoise and vibration baseline measurements were undertaken to help determinethe appropriate Guideline Targets to set for Melbourne Metro. Thesemeasurements enabled the predicted noise and vibration levels associated withthe construction and operation of Melbourne Metro to be considered within thecontext of the existing conditions in the vicinity of the project.Within each precinct, specific baseline/background data was obtained to establishexisting local noise and vibration levels. This involved taking measurements atrepresentative locations in the vicinity of anticipated noise and vibration generatingactivities for Melbourne Metro (for both construction and operation).The locations where baseline noise measurements were taken are shown inFigure 13-1. Vibration measurement locations are shown in Figure 13-2.Discussion about these measurements is included in Section 13.6 where theyare relevant to predicted impacts in the individual precincts. The detailed resultsof the baseline noise and vibration measurements are provided in Appendix F ofTechnical Appendix I Noise and Vibration.13–8MMRA Environment Effects Statement

Figure 13-1MMRA Baseline noise measurement locationsEnvironment Effects Statement13–9

Figure 13-213–10Baseline vibration measurement locationsMMRA Environment Effects Statement

13.5Noise and Vibration Levelsand CriteriaNoise and vibration impacts for Melbourne Metro have been assessed against thecriteria specified by Victorian, Australian and international guidelines and standards.Guideline Targets have been set for the project using these criteria and thebaseline measurements of existing conditions taken along the Melbourne Metroalignment. The Guideline Targets have been incorporated into the recommendedEnvironmental Performance Requirements.In some instances, the criteria are predicted to be achieved without mitigationmeasures being required. In other instances, appropriate mitigation measureswould need to be implemented to achieve the Environmental PerformanceRequirements and meet the Guideline Targets.The Environmental Performance Requirements also provide for ongoingmodelling and monitoring of noise and vibration levels to ensure thatmanagement actions and mitigation measures are appropriate during theproject’s construction.13.5.1Airborne NoiseAirborne Noise from ConstructionAirborne noise was modelled using the acoustic modelling software SoundPLAN,based on a number of indicative construction scenarios. The constructionairborne noise predictions assumed that all construction plant would be operatingconcurrently – a conservative approach that would be unlikely to occurin practice.Construction of Melbourne Metro would be managed in accordance with therequirements of EPA’s Noise Control Guidelines, EPA Publication 1254 (EPA1254). To meet the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements forthe project, the Melbourne Metro contractor would need to develop andimplement a plan to manage construction noise in accordance with EPA 1254(summarised in Table 13–2).Accordingly, predicted airborne noise levels from construction activities wereassessed with respect to EPA 1254 and giving consideration to existingmeasured noise levels.MMRA Environment Effects Statement13–11

Table 13–2EPA 1254 Guideline Noise LevelsGuideline Noise Levels, LAeq,15 minutesApplicable HoursUp to 18 monthsafter projectcommencementNormalWorkingHours7am to 6pm Monday toFridayNo specified Guideline Noise Levels – noisereduction measures applyWeekend/Eveningwork6pm to 10pm Mondayto FridayTimePeriodNight18 months or moreafter projectcommencement7am to 1pm SaturdayNoise level at anyresidential premisesnot to exceedbackground noise(LA90) by 5 dB(A) ormore.7am to 10 pm Sundayand Public HolidaysNoise level at anyresidential premisesnot to exceedbackground noise(LA90) by 10 dB(A) ormore.10pm to 7am Mondayto SundayNoise is to be inaudible within a habitable roomof any residential premises.1pm to 10pm SaturdayAs indicated in the table, no Guideline Noise Levels are specified in relation toconstruction during the day. However, noise emissions must be controlled duringthe day-time to ensure they are not unreasonable.Exceptions to the EPA 1254 Guideline Noise Levels include Unavoidable Works,which are works that cannot practicably meet the time schedule requirementsbecause the work involves continuous work (such as a concrete pour) or wouldotherwise pose an unacceptable risk to life or property, or risk a major traffichazard. Affected premises should be notified of such works, their duration andtimes of occurrence.Airborne Noise from TrainsOperational rail noise levels were evaluated against the Investigation Thresholdsset in the Victorian Passenger Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy (PRINP) for theredevelopment of existing rail infrastructure. The Environmental PerformanceRequirements for the project would require rail noise to be avoided, minimised ormitigated where the PRINP Investigation Thresholds are exceeded. Thesethresholds are summarised in Table 13–3.The day, night and maximum noise levels have been predicted for MelbourneMetro at sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the railway line as it emerges fromthe western and eastern tunnel portals and at the western turnback.13–12MMRA Environment Effects Statement

Table 13–3PRINP Investigation ThresholdsTimeType of receiverDay (6am –10pm)Night(10pm –6am)Residential dwellings and otherbuildings where people sleepincluding aged persons homes,hospitals, motels and caravanparks Noise sensitive communitybuildings, including schools,kindergartens, libraries Residential dwellings and otherbuildings where people sleepincluding aged persons homes,hospitals, motels and caravanparksInvestigation Thresholds65 dBLAeq and a change in3 dB(A) or moreor85 dBLAmax and a change in3 dB(A) or more60 dBLAeq and a change in3 dB(A) or moreor85 dBLAmax and a change in3 dB(A) or moreNotes:1. If an investigation shows that the thresholds are not exceeded then no further actionis considered under this policy.2. For this assessment, LAmax is defined as maximum A-weighted sound pressure leveland is the 95 percentile of the highest value of the A-weighed sound pressure levelreached within the day or night.3. For Melbourne Metro, the location of assessment is at 1m from the centre of thewindow of the most exposed external façade. All levels of buildings are included.The train airborne noise predictions for Melbourne Metro were undertaken inSoundPLAN for the following scenarios: Scenario 1: existing rail noise levels (for the eastern and westernportal precincts) Scenario 2: train noise levels in 2026 assuming Melbourne Metro does notproceed (base case) Scenario 3: train noise levels in 2036 assuming Melbourne Metro doesproceed (with Melbourne Metro).The year 2036 was selected for the assessment as it is 10 years after theanticipated opening of Melbourne Metro.The assessment results are summarised under Precinct 2 – Western Portal,Precinct 8 – Eastern Portal and Precinct 9 – Western Turnback. Full details areprovided in Appendix C of Technical Appendix I Noise and Vibration.Airborne Noise from Fixed InfrastructureTo meet the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements for theproject, noise from fixed infrastructure (such as extraction fans and ventilationsystems) during the operation of Melbourne Metro must comply with themandatory noise criteria at sensitive receptors determined under SEPP N-1.MMRA Environment Effects Statement13–13

13.5.2Vibration and Ground-borne NoiseThe vibration and ground-borne noise impacts of construction activities havebeen assessed in the context of: Tunnelling works – which would be undertaken by a TBM in all locationsexcept between CBD North and CBD South stations, where a roadheaderwould undertake these works. Roadheaders would also be used to excavatethe station caverns at CBD North and CBD South General construction works (also referred to in Technical Appendix I Noiseand Vibration as Additional Construction Works) – comprising all constructionwork other than tunnelling and roadheader excavation, such as theconstruction of stations and portals that would be undertaken by a variety ofequipment.Vibration from ConstructionThere are no published guidelines or standards for evaluating the effects ofvibration from tunnelling and construction activities in Victoria. The GuidelineTargets set in the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements forthe project have been based on: A German standard (DIN 4150-3) for vibration impacts on buildingsand utilities A Technical Guideline published by the NSW Department of Environmentand Conservation in 2006 for assessing the effects of vibration on humancomfort (based on British Standard BS6472-1:1992 which is nowsuperseded) Guidance for vibration-sensitive equipment published by the AmericanSociety of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)in 2011. The ASHRAE guideline has been applied to assessing the impactson vibration-sensitive equipment in the Parkville and CBD North stationprecincts (except where the measured ambient vibration levels are higherthan the ASHRAE levels).The Guideline Targets adopted for the vibration assessment are precautionary.Higher levels of vibration than the targets does not necessarily mean that thevibration effects would be unacceptable; rather, the extent of exceedance abovethe target would inform the management or mitigation responses that may needto be deployed to mitigate the effects of Melbourne Metro’s construction oroperation on residents and businesses.People perceive vibration at levels well below where structural damage occurs tobuildings. The degrees of human perception of vibration are summarised in theGerman Standard DIN 4150 (Part 2– 1975) and presented in Table 13–4.13–14MMRA Environment Effects Statement

Table 13–4Human perception of continuous vibration, based on DIN 4150.2Approximate vibration levelDegree of perception0.10 mm/sNot felt0.15 mm/sThreshold of perception0.35 mm/sBarely noticeable1.0 mm/sNoticeable2.2 mm/sEasily noticeable6 mm/sStrongly noticeable14 mm/sVery strongly noticeableGuideline Targets for vibration impacts on human comfort, structures andvibration-sensitive equipment are summarised in Tables 13-5 to 13-8.The levels outlined in Table 13–5 are vibration dosage values that are a calculationof the accumulation of vibration energy received over the day-time and night-timeperiods – day is defined as 7:00am to 10:00pm and night is defined as 10:00pm to7:00am (as per BS6472-1:2008). Below the table are notes that indicate theprobability of complaints that could be received with different vibration levels. Theprobability of complaints being received has been used as the basis for assessingthe predicted vibration impacts from the proposed construction methodology forMelbourne Metro.For unoccupied buildings or infrastructure (where personal amenity is not aconcern), the criteria have been based on protecting against cosmetic damage(such as plaster cracking and paint flaking) or on no loss of integrity for belowground assets such as pipelines and cables.The Guideline Targets have formed the basis for the vibration impactassessment conducted for this EES. Under the recommended EnvironmentalPerformance Requirements, management and mitigation measures would beimplemented in instances where the recorded vibration levels are higher thanthese Guideline Targets. Predicted levels of vibration based on detailed designand the associated construction program would be used to inform managementmeasures and consultation prior to construction of main works.MMRA Environment Effects Statement13–15

Table 13–5Guideline Targets for human comfort: Vibration Dose Values (VDV)for construction vibration with respect to adverse commentVibration Dose Values (m/s1.75)Day7:00 am to 10:00 pmNight10:00 pm to 7:00 alueResidence

vibration propagated through the ground and into the structure). The extent of the project’s noise and vibration impacts would depend upon a . railway lines. However, it would apply to noise from fixed plant and equipm