Using dynamic analysis of site vibration to select the suitable vibration limit

Abstract EN

This study was done to select the appropriate vibration standard to be the adopted vibration standard for a construction project that was located in adjacent to many buildings.

These buildings may be affected by project activities induced vibrations.

Three common international vibration standards were revised and based on the dynamic analysis results, site conditions, the nature of the existing buildings and the expected construction activities, and the most appropriate vibration limit criteria were selected and tested then validated.

The selection process was based on experimental study carried out using physical models and real vibration data recorded on the construction site.

The validation process was based on monitoring the vibration effects on existing buildings.

Experimental program was carried out using three physical models with dynamic characteristics within the range of the common existing buildings.

These models were subjected to free vibration modal testing to ensure their dynamic characteristics.

Three numerical finite element models for the three physical ones were built and calibrated using the free vibration test results.

The numerical models were subjected to time history dynamic analysis using the vibration waveforms that represent the most effective construction vibrations.

These waveforms were recorded onsite during different activities of the pilot project which was implemented to test all the project activities.

The validation process was carried out by applying monitoring program on two of the project neighboring buildings.

These buildings were selected to represent the most likely to be affected buildings by the construction activities.

The monitoring program includes vibration and strain measurements for the building vibration responses.

The results of validation process showed that the effectiveness of the selected vibration standard in estimating the level of damage on buildings subjected to the construction induced vibration