Assessing Vibration: A Technical Guideline
Assessing Vibration:a technical guidelineFebruary 2006
For technical information about this report, please contact:Noise Policy SectionPolicy and Science DivisionDepartment of Environment and Conservation (NSW)phone: (02) 9995 5000Copies of this document and other DEC publications aboutnoise management may be found at:www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noisePublished by:Department of Environment and Conservation59–61 Goulburn Street Sydney NSW 2000PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard)phone: 131 555 (information and publications requests)TTY: (02) 9211 4723fax: (02) 9995 5999email: info@environment.nsw.gov.auwebsite: www.environment.nsw.gov.auISBN 1 74137 812 5DEC 2006/43February 2006All text, photos and figures Department of Environmentand Conservation (NSW) 2006, except where noted below.The cover shows a selection of vibration sources: [clockwisefrom top left] locomotive (photo: J Goodwin/DEC), hydraulichammer (courtesy Caterpillar), brake press (courtesyNepean Engineering, photo: T King/DEC), pile driver(courtesy Macdonald Sheet Piling).Permission to reproduce extracts from the BS 6472: 1992in this document granted by BSI. British Standards can beobtained from:BSI Customer Services389 Chiswick High RoadLondon UK W4 4ALphone: 44 (0)20 8996 9001email: cservices@bsi-global.comFigure B1.5 reproduced by courtesy of Lexis Nexis Australia.This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permittedunder the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproducedwithout prior written permission from DEC.Every effort has been made to ensure that information in thisguide is accurate at the time of printing. DEC cannot acceptresponsibility for any errors or omissions.Printed on recycled paper
ContentsExecutive summary. v1Introduction. 11.1Overview . 11.2Development of the guideline . 11.3Additional features to the approach . 21.4When this guideline should be used and who should use it . 22Vibration criteria . 32.1Types of vibration. 32.1Application of the criteria . . 32.3Acceptable values for continuous vibration and impulsive vibration (1–80 Hz) . 52.4Acceptable values for intermittent vibration . 72.5Short-term works. 83Mitigation. 103.1Introduction . 103.2Controlling vibration at the source. 103.3Controlling the transmission of vibration . 123.4Controlling vibration at the receiver . 123.5Managing short-term exceedance of approved vibration values . 123.6Negotiation. 134Vibration measurement and prediction . 144.1Units of measurement . 144.2Location and direction of vibration measurement . 144.3Measurement instrumentation and techniques . 144.4Mounting of vibration transducers on buildings . . 154.5Mounting of vibration transducers on the ground . . 154.6Prediction . 164.7Information provided in a vibration assessment report . 16References and bibliography. 17Appendix A: Screening method. 19Appendix B: BS 6472 weightings. 20Appendix C: Vibration criteria presented in different units. 26Appendix D: History of vibration criteria. 27Glossary . 29Assessing vibration: a technical guidelineiii
Executive summaryAssessing vibration: a technical guideline isbased on guidelines contained in BS 6472–1992,Evaluation of human exposure to vibrationin buildings (1–80 Hz). BS 6472 (current andformer versions) has guided the Departmentof Environment and Conservation’s (DEC)evaluation of vibration since the mid-1980s. Thus,this technical guideline does not represent achange in policy approach.This guideline presents preferred andmaximum vibration values for use in assessinghuman responses to vibration and providesrecommendations for measurement and evaluationtechniques. It does not address motion sickness,occupational vibration, blasting vibration effects orvibration-induced damage to buildings or structures.Section 1 provides information on how theguideline was developed, what extra featureshave been included since the previous guideline(Environmental noise control manual, Chapter174) and who the guideline is for.Section 2 provides preferred and maximumvalues for continuous, impulsive and intermittentvibration. Intermittent vibration is assessed usingthe vibration dose concept which relates vibrationmagnitude to exposure time. Relevant multiplyingfactors are used to derive acceptable magnitudesof vibration on the basis of the receiver type andthe nature of the vibration.This guideline presents vibration criteria that usethe parameter of acceleration root mean square(rms), measured in metres per second per second(m/s2 ). Criteria are also presented in velocity rmsin the appendices.The assessment of vibration requires the use of anoverall frequency-weighted value for each axis (x,y and z directions). This overall value is assessedagainst the preferred value for the relevant axis.An alternative to using frequency-weighted valuesis presented as a simplified screening technique inAppendix A.When predicted or measured vibration valuesexceed the preferred values, then mitigationmeasures to meet the preferred values shouldbe considered. The degree of vibration impactquantifies the extent of mitigation requiredand the mix of vibration control measures tobe adopted as a mitigation strategy. Section 3provides generic information on mitigationmeasures to reduce vibration effects induced byvarious activities, but these are not prescribedmeasures. This section of the guideline is notmeant to be exhaustive or to replace the needfor specialist advice. Where the preferredvalues cannot be met, alternative managementapproaches are presented.Section 4 provides information on measurementand prediction requirements.The criteria are non-mandatory: they are goalsthat should be sought to be achieved throughthe application of all feasible and reasonablemitigation measures. Where all feasible andreasonable measures have been applied andvibration values are still beyond the maximumvalue, the operator would need to negotiatedirectly with the affected community.Assessing vibration: a technical guideline
1 Introduction1.1OverviewWhere occupants can detect vibration inbuildings, this may potentially impact on theirquality of life or working efficiency. In contrast,people tolerate much higher vibration values invehicles than in buildings.Sources of vibration covered in this guidelineinclude construction and excavation equipment,rail and road traffic, and industrial machinery.Low-frequency, airborne pressure waves emittedby some heavy vehicles, aircraft and machinerycan also cause vibration in buildings. Somevibration sources give rise to audible effects suchas structure-borne noise and secondary rattling ofbuilding elements or contents.Individuals can detect building vibration valuesthat are well below those that can cause any riskof damage to the building or its contents. Thelevel of vibration that affects amenity is lowerthan that associated with building damage.below 1 Hz, usually encountered only in someforms of transportation) or occupational vibrationwithin any workplace, which are separate issuesadministered by the WorkCover Authority underthe Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.Nor does it address: vibration-induced damage to structures orbuilding contents, which does not comeunder DEC’s charter; guidance on this can besought from the NSW Department of PrimaryIndustries – Mineral Resources blast-induced vibration effects, which areadequately addressed by the Australian andNew Zealand Environment and ConservationCouncil guideline Technical basis forguidelines to minimise annoyance due toblasting overpressure and ground vibration(ANZECC 1990) structure-borne noise effects, which areproposed to be addressed in DEC’s new policyon rail noise currently being developed.In keeping with its charter to protect the healthand wellbeing of the community, DEC hasdeveloped this guideline to aid in protectingpeople from values of vibration above preferredand maximum values felt inside buildings. Thisguideline describes:The preferred vibration criteria contained in thisguideline are not mandatory limits but should besought to be achieved through application of allfeasible and reasonable mitigation measures. 1.2the characteristics of vibration and associatedeffects that can cause community disturbanceand concern to people, in particular, theoccupants of buildings criteria defining values of vibration to protectamenity procedures for the measurement andevaluation of vibration values and otherassociated emissions.This guideline presents preferred and maximumvibration values and provides recommendationsfor measurement and evaluation techniques. Itdoes not provide information on the ‘motionsickness’ effects of low-frequency vibration (i.e.Development of theguidelineThis guideline has been developed to update theprevious guideline (developed in the mid-1980s)in the light of advances in methods for assessingand measuring vibration. Australian andinternational standards, current scientific researchand the practices of other regulating authoritieswere reviewed. A summary of the researchfindings and the technical basis for this guidelineare contained in Appendices B and D.Over the past ten or so years, ISO, British andAustralian Standards for vibration evaluationand assessment have converged. BS 6472–1992,Assessing vibration: a technical guideline
1.41.3This guideline is a useful reference:Additional features to theapproachThis guideline is essentially the same as theprevious guideline (based on the previous versionof BS 6472), except for the following maindifferences: When this guideline shouldbe used and who shoulduse itEvaluation of human exposure to vibration inbuildings (1 Hz to 80 Hz), ISO 2631.1–1997,Mechanical vibration and shock – Evaluation ofhuman exposure to whole-body vibration – Part1: General requirements, and ISO 2631.2–1989,Evaluation of human exposure to whole-bodyvibration – Part 2: Continuous and shock inducedvibration in buildings (1–80 Hz), contain themost recent advances in vibration evaluation.This document draws upon similar backgroundreferences to those upon which those standardsare based. As BS 6472–1992 is due to be revised,this guideline can be considered interim untilthe revision is published. This document alsoreferences several Australian Standards formeasurement techniques.The presentation of the criteria for continuousand impulsive vibration has been simplifiedfrom the format in the previous guideline. This guideline addresses vibration along thex- and y-axes as well as along the z-axis. Theprevious guideline dealt with vibration onlyalong the z-axis. The guideline includes an approach for theassessment of intermittent vibration involvinga ‘vibration dose’ concept. This approach canbe used for evaluating and assessing vibrationfrom a range of intermittent sources. These arepotential sources of widespread disturbance inthe community, and it is therefore importantthat appropriate techniques be provided fortheir assessment. More guidance is given here on measurementtechniques for vibration assessment.Assessing vibration: a technical guidelineThis guideline is designed to be used in evaluatingand assessing the effects on amenity of vibrationemissions from industry, transportation andmachinery. It also has a useful role in assistingplanning decisions for proposed developments(e.g. setting conditions of consent). It is directedtowards officers of the DEC and to proponents(and their consultants) of developments thatrequire a DEC licence. Local councils and otherregulatory authorities, planners, and others whoare responsible for the evaluation or controlof vibration emissions and their effects on thecommunity will also benefit from the guideline. during the land-use planning stage to reduceconflicts that vibration can cause, such as thedetermination of railway corridors and thedesign of building footings in assessments of vibration impacts causedby the construction or operation of newdevelopments (e.g. industrial or transport) in assessments of the extent of any problemfrom an existing situation, and the necessityfor implementation of a management plan toaddress and mitigate existing vibration.
2 Vibration criteria2.1Types of vibrationVibration in buildings can be caused by manydifferent external sources, including industrial,construction and transportation activities. Thevibration may be continuous (with magnitudesvarying or remaining constant with time),impulsive (such as in shocks) or intermittent(with the magnitude of each event being eitherconstant or varying with time). Examples oftypical types of vibration and their sources areshown in Table 2.1.Vibration in buildings may also occur frominternal sources (within a building structure),such as a road development forming part ofthe building structure, or mechanical vibrationsources in buildings.Vibration and its associated effects are usuallyclassified as continuous, impulsive or intermittentas follows: Continuous vibration continues uninterruptedfor a defined period (usually throughoutdaytime and/or night-time). This type ofvibration is assessed on the basis of weightedrms acceleration values presented in Table 2.2.Impulsive vibration is a rapid build up to apeak followed by a damped decay that mayor may not involve several cycles of vibration(depending on frequency and damping). It canalso consist of a sudden application of severalcycles at approximately the same amplitude,providing that the duration is short, typicallyTable 2.1less than 2 seconds. Impulsive vibration (nomore than three occurrences in an assessmentperiod) is assessed on the basis of accelerationvalues presented in Table 2.2. Blast-inducedvibration is assessed according to ANZECC(1990). Intermittent vibration can be defined asinterrupted periods of continuous (e.g. a drill)or repeated periods of impulsive vibration(e.g. a pile driver), or continuous vibrationthat varies significantly in magnitude. It mayoriginate from impulse sources (e.g. piledrivers and forging presses) or repetitivesources (e.g. pavement breakers), or sourceswhich operate intermittently, but which wouldproduce continuous vibration if operatedcontinuously (for example, intermittentmachinery, railway trains and traffic passingby). This type of vibration is assessed on thebasis of vibration dose values in Table 2.4.2.2Application of the criteriaThe criteria presented in Sections 2.3 and 2.4should be applied when assessors are evaluatingthe effects of human exposure to vibration fromindustry, transportation and machinery. They arenot intended to cover emissions from blasting, orvibration in vehicles or in special-purpose movingstructures (e.g. amusement rides).When applying the criteria, it is important to notethat vibration may enter the body along differentorthogonal axes, i.e. x-axis (back to chest), y-axisExamples of types of vibrationContinuous vibrationImpulsive vibrationIntermittent vibrationMachinery, steady road traffic, continuousconstruction activity (such as tunnel boringmachinery).Infrequent: Activities that create up to 3distinct vibration events in an assessmentperiod, e.g. occasional dropping of heavyequipment, occasional loading andunloading.Blasting is assessed using ANZECC (1990).Trains, nearby intermittent constructionactivity, passing heavy vehicles, forgingmachines, impact pile driving, jack hammers.Where the number of vibration events inan assessment period is three or fewerthis would be assessed against impulsivevibration criteria.Assessing vibration: a technical guideline
(right side to left side) or z-axis (foot to head)(see Figure 2.1). The three axes are referenced tothe human body. Thus, vibration measured in thehorizontal plane should be compared with x- andy-axis criteria if the concern is for people in anupright position, or with the y- and z-axis criteriaif the concern is for people in a lateral position(e.g. asleep at night). This is important in ensuringthat the correct frequency weighting is appliedto the relevant axis of vibration. Where theorientation of the occupant is unknown or couldvary, then the most conservative approach shouldbe adopted.The adverse effects of vibration on peoplealmost invariably occur inside buildings or otherstructures. Satisfactory values for sources ofvibration are therefore usually set for locationsindoors. From a planning viewpoint (or forconvenience of measurement), it may sometimesbe necessary to translate indoor vibration values tovalues in the ground (for example, when a buildinghas not yet been constructed or when access to anindoor location is not readily available).Indoor vibration values caused by an externalsource can be measured externally (in the ground)and translated to indoor values or measuredinternally, and then compared to the criteria inTables 2.2 and 2.4.In situations where resonance of the buildingoccurs, indoor values may be greater than theexternal ground vibration values produced by thesame source (see Section 4.2 for more detail).In this case, the operator should respond tocomplaints and assess the vibration values caseby case. For a more detailed assessment, usersof this guideline may choose to perform indoormeasurements or refer to relevant texts and theliterature in order to translate ground vibrationvalues to indoor values. Sufficient justificationshould accompany whichever approach is usedin an assessment.Some people may perceive vibration at valuesbelow those given in Tables 2.2 and 2.4. Insome cases it may be prudent to design to lowervibration values to further reduce the likelihoodof complaint.zzyxKeyx-axis: back to chesty-axis: right side to left sidez-axis: foot to headyxzxFigure 2.1 yOrthogonal axes for assessment of human exposure to vibration
Assessing vibration: a technical guideline v Executive summary Assessing vibration: a technical guideline is based on guidelines contained in BS 6472–1992, Evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings (1–80 Hz). BS 6472 (current and former versions) has guided the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC)
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vibration. Today, random vibration is thought of as the random motion of a structure excited by a random input. The mathematical theory of random vibration is essential to the realistic modeling of structural dynamic systems. This article summarizes the work of some key contributors to the theory of random vibration from
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