Bad Vibrations [CLM Magazine]

Co-Authored by Antonios Vytiniotis and Robert T. Johnson

In urban environments, heavy construction is conducted in close proximity to neighboring buildings and other structures. In such environments, construction-induced vibrations are one of the most commonly claimed causes of adjacent building damage. Furthermore, construction vibrations may trigger an injunction for further work, placing substantial burden on a contractor to change its means and methods mid-work.

These vibrations are generated by various types of equipment and activities ranging from pavement breakers to pile driving. Such activities can generate short term vibrations or contribute to longer periods of increased vibration levels.