Consulting for Construction & Machine Vibrations

A person drops a cell phone on the sidewalk. Ģ��tv studies the strength and fracture of glass to improve screen technologies.

Case study

Clear as Glass: Understanding Strength and Fracture

What's the best way to obtain thorough vibration damage assessments?

Groundbreakings, machinery operation, and large blasts can transmit significant vibrations through the soil and into nearby structures. While construction vibrations rarely damage structural integrity, they may contribute to cosmetic damage of interior and exterior finishes, adversely impact sensitive equipment (e.g., scanning electron microscopes), or lead to physical discomfort and complaints from occupants.

Gauging the total effect of construction-related vibrations requires a thorough assessment of site characteristics and construction activities, vibration magnitude, relevant industry thresholds, and damage mechanisms. Ģ��tv's investigative process includes establishing baseline conditions, researching applicable codes and standard practices, assessing vibration sources, analyzing the scale of vibrations on structures and soils, conducting a damage assessment, and, finally, consulting on recommended repairs.

Ģ��tv has a multidisciplinary team of geotechnical, structural, and mechanical engineers with the expertise to assess every facet of construction and machine vibrations. We use a modular data acquisition system to record and monitor construction and ambient vibrations that can be adapted to our clients' specific needs, collecting and processing data from signals sent via wired or wireless connections. Ģ��tv can also integrate video cameras, microphones, and sensors, including accelerometers, geophones, tiltmeters, hygrometers, and thermometers into the data acquisition system. Our staff uses cutting-edge tools and technology to measure, document, characterize, and evaluate the source and magnitude of induced vibration and its effects on structures, sensitive equipment, and human discomfort.

SERVICES

For 50+ years, we’ve thrived on solving unstructured problems that require bespoke solutions. Some of our services include:

• Determination of the types and extent of damage to structures reported from vibrations

• Identifying the root causes of tenant complaints, quantifying the extent of the problem, and developing targeted solutions to address the vibration issues

• Assessing sources of vibrations and their effects on the ground and nearby structures

• Evaluating soil properties to assess wave propagation characteristics and potential for vibration-induced ground settlement

• Establishing baseline conditions before construction and demolition activities

• Pre- and post-construction condition assessment surveys of buildings

• Pre-construction review of construction plans and activities

• Analyzing the magnitude and zone of influence of vibrations on both the structure and surrounding soils

• Monitoring, recording, and evaluating vibrations before and during construction or demolition

• Damage assessment at adjacent properties

• Data acquisition and monitoring system architecture to remotely monitor real-time construction vibrations and threshold exceedance

OUR SENSING TECHNOLOGIES

• Accelerometers

• Geophones

• Tiltmeters

• String potentiometers

• Hygrometers

• Thermometers

• Soil pressure sensors

• Microphones

• Video cameras

What Can We Help You Solve?

Ģ��tv has construction, structural, civil, geotechnical, and geological capabilities thanks to a multidisciplinary team of experts with decades of combined experience. Whether you're assessing construction vibrations or planning a multi-year commercial construction project, Ģ��tv has experts who can help.

Experts

Our global and comprehensive expertise across industries gives us a deep understanding of current challenges, best industry practices, and the implications of emerging technologies.