How to Interpret Vibration Data: Key Metrics and What They Mean

Vibration monitoring is an important practice in detecting structural instability, equipment malfunctions and ground movement.

However, collecting vibration data is only useful if you understand how to interpret it. With a firm grasp of key vibration metrics, stakeholders can identify early warning signs, prevent failures and optimise maintenance strategies.

In this article, we break down the key metrics for vibration monitoring, what they measure and how they can be used to make informed decisions about structural and equipment health.

If you would prefer to speak directly with a member of the Monitel team to learn more, you can contact us at admin@monitel.com.au or call (08) 6219 8284.

Key Vibration Metrics and Their Importance

1. Amplitude: Measuring Vibration Severity

Amplitude refers to the magnitude or intensity of vibration and is typically measured in millimetres per second (mm/s) or metres per second squared (m/s²). It indicates how much movement or force is being exerted on a structure or machine.

• High amplitude vibrations can signal structural instability, misalignment or excessive loading.
• Low amplitude vibrations are generally expected in machinery and structures but should be consistent over time.

2. Frequency: Identifying the Source of Vibration

Frequency refers to how often a vibration occurs over a given time period, measured in Hertz (Hz).

• Low-frequency vibrations (0-30 Hz) are typically associated with ground movement, construction activity and large structural shifts.
• Mid-range frequencies (30-1000 Hz) are often linked to equipment movement, rotating machinery and industrial processes.
• High-frequency vibrations (1000+ Hz) can indicate small but critical issues such as component failures, bearing defects or metal fatigue.

Vibration frequency indicates to engineers whether the vibration source is environmental, structural or mechanical.

3. Velocity: Assessing Structural and Machinery Health

Velocity measures how quickly a vibrating object moves, typically recorded in mm/s. It is one of the most widely used parameters for assessing both structural health and machinery performance.

• Moderate velocity changes may indicate minor misalignment or increasing stress on a system.
• Sudden spikes in velocity can suggest impending failure, excessive wear or changes in load distribution.

Many industry standards use velocity as a key parameter for setting acceptable vibration levels.

4. Acceleration: Detecting Sudden Structural Shifts

Acceleration measures how fast vibration is increasing or decreasing and is expressed in m/s² or g-force (g). This metric is particularly important in applications where sudden movement could indicate instability or failure.

• In mining and excavation sites, sudden acceleration changes may indicate ground shifts or slope failures.
• In industrial settings, high acceleration levels may signal mechanical looseness, excessive impact forces or structural fatigue.

Acceleration data helps engineers predict catastrophic failures before they occur, making it a crucial component in real-time monitoring systems.

How Vibration Data Assists Risk Management

Real-time vibration monitoring solutions provide accurate, actionable data to industries where structural integrity is critical.

We integrate structural instrumentation, such high-precision sensors and casings, to help clients track vibration trends, set thresholds and detect anomalies before they escalate into major issues.

Monitel’s monitoring solutions can be tailored for:

• Construction Sites – Detecting vibrations from piling, excavation, and heavy machinery.
• Mining Operations – Monitoring ground movement and blasting effects.
• Industrial Facilities – Tracking machine vibrations to optimise performance and prevent failures.
• Tunnels and Bridges – Ensuring the stability of critical infrastructure.

Monitel: Leaders in Vibration Monitoring in Western Australia

Understanding the individual elements of vibration can provide valuable insight into the structural health of your site. Machinery issues, failures and other dangers can all be identified through these key metrics.

By using vibration data correctly, Western Australian industry can enhance safety, improve maintenance strategies and extend the lifespan of its critical assets.

If you are in need of a reliable, real-time vibration monitoring solution, you can contact Monitel at admin@monitel.com.au or call (08) 6219 8284.