Understanding Vibration Limits in Construction: A Guide for Site Managers

Vibrations generated through construction can pose risks to nearby structures, worker safety and your project’s regulatory compliance. Excessive vibrations can also cause environmental disturbances and equipment malfunctions.

Vibration monitoring is the surest way of detecting anomalies as they occur and intervening before they escalate into costly issues. Monitel has experience implementing these solutions across Australia, doing so with an advanced range of structural instrumentation.

This guide provides you with an understanding of Western Australian vibration limits and the importance of real-time monitoring in preventing costly disruptions.​ For further information about the metrics these standards refer to, you can read our article ‘How to Interpret Vibration Data’.

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

Importance of Managing Construction Vibrations

Vibrations are generated by construction activities such as excavation, piling and blasting. Operating heavy machinery will also create vibrations. This can impact the environment, human made structures and individuals, so it is always worth considering:

• Structural Integrity: Excessive vibrations can weaken foundations, cause cracks and disturb underground works.​
• Human Comfort: High vibration levels can cause discomfort to occupants and workers and potentially lead to health issues.​
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with state and local government regulations is essential to avoid legal penalties or project delays.​

By understanding and managing vibration limits, you can safeguard structures, ensure the well-being of individuals and maintain project timelines.​

Vibration Standards and Guidelines in Australia

In Australia, there are several standards that manage construction vibrations. In WA, these are enforced by Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), WorkSafe and various local government authorities.

As there is not a unified national standard for construction vibrations, these agencies also reference international regulations.

AS 2670.2 (Australia): Evaluation of Human Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration

This standard focuses on human comfort, outlining acceptable vibration levels to minimise discomfort and potential health impacts. The levels are based on the type of building and time of day:

• Residential buildings
  • Daytime VDV of 0.2 m/s^1.75 to 0.4 m/s^1.75
  • Night VDV of 0.13 m/s^1.75 to 0.26 m/s^1.75
• Workshops
  • All day VDV from 0.80 m/s^1.75 to 1.60 m/s^1.75

Although these guidelines are strict, they can vary based on local government variations and the specific use of the building. You can view more here.

DIN 4150-3 (Germany): Structural Vibration in Buildings

This standard provides guidelines on vibration velocity limits to prevent structural damage:​

Category 1 – from 20 mm/s up to 50 mm/s for buildings used for commercial and industrial buildings.
Category 2 – from 5 mm/s up to 20 mm/s for residential buildings.
Category 3 – from 3 mm/s up to 10 mm/s for buildings sensitive to vibration that have great intrinsic value.

BS 7385 (UK): Evaluation and Measurement for Vibration in Buildings

BS 7385 offers guidance on acceptable vibration levels to avoid cosmetic and structural damage, with thresholds based on building type and frequency of vibration:

• Reinforced or Framed Structures (e.g. industrial and heavy commercial buildings):
  • At frequencies from 4 Hz and above, a PPV limit of 50 mm/s is recommended.
• Unreinforced or Light Framed Structures (such as residential or light commercial buildings):
  • Between 4 Hz and 15 Hz, the PPV limit increases linearly from 15 mm/s at 4 Hz to 20 mm/s at 15 Hz.
  • Between 15 Hz and 40 Hz, a constant PPV limit of 20 mm/s is maintained.
  • Above 40 Hz, the PPV limit increases linearly from 20 mm/s at 40 Hz to 50 mm/s at 100 Hz.

Western Australian Regulations on Construction Vibration

In Western Australia, specific vibration limits for particular activities may not be explicitly defined. However, related guidelines address noise and vibration control:​

Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997

These regulations set assigned noise levels for various premises. They are designed to minimise noise disturbances and protect community well-being and consider factors such as land use, time of day and proximity to noise sensitive areas.

Construction work conducted between 7 am and 7 pm from Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays) is generally exempt, provided it adheres to the AS 2436-2010: Guide to Noise and Vibration Control.

AS 2436-2010: Guide to Noise and Vibration Control

This standard offers guidance on minimising noise and vibration during construction activities, emphasising best practices and control measures. ​

It serves as a foundation for the creating of noise and vibration management plans, aiming to minimise disturbances to surrounding communities and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.​

Monitel: Implementing Vibration Monitoring in Construction Projects Across Australia

To ensure structural safety and the well-being of occupants, stakeholders must understand and manage vibration limits. Real-time vibration monitoring is also critical in ensuring compliance with relevant local and state government requirements.

The Monitel team has created vibration monitoring plans for clients across Australia. Our solutions include:​

• Continuous Assessment: Real-time data collection allows for immediate detection of vibration levels approaching or exceeding thresholds.​
• Automated Alerts: Our systems can notify site managers instantly when vibrations surpass acceptable limits, enabling prompt corrective actions.​
• Data Documentation: We supply comprehensive reporting to support compliance, helping you address any disputes or concerns.​

For a comprehensive vibration monitoring solution tailored to your site, contact Monitel at admin@monitel.com.au or call (08) 6219 8284.