Prediction and mitigation of construction induced ground vibrations on sites in Alberta

ABSTRACT: With an increase in urban and industrial development, the need for better and more reliable vibration prediction tools for the geotechnical engineering community has increased in recent years. Having a simple and practical means of predicting construction induced ground vibrations is important as an initial pre-construction screening tool. The selection of site and project specific vibration thresholds is crucial to form the basis of compliance and mitigation requirements. In this paper, vibration monitoring results from three Alberta construction sites are described. Vibration sources included impact pile drivers, vibratory pile drivers, and other construction equipment. Pre-construction predictions were completed with empirical vibration attenuation models, then improved with site specific “vibration versus distance” relationships. Initial models were calibrated with field measured data for improved predictions as construction progressed at the sites. The case studies show examples of mitigations used to reduce the potential for public annoyance and infrastructure damage.