Vibration
Assessments

Understanding Vibration Impact Assessments

A vibration impact assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the potential effects of vibration on a project or community. The assessment considers factors such as vibration frequencies and potential impacts on nearby residents, businesses, and the environment. A vibration assessment is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulations and minimising potential disruptions.

When is a Vibration Assessment Required?

A vibration assessment is typically required during several key scenarios

in construction and development projects. These include:

• When developing properties near railway lines (both overground and underground), major roads, or industrial facilities
• When installing new mechanical plant equipment in buildings
• Whe
• n undertaking demolition and construction work that could impact nearby sensitive structures or occupants.

Planning authorities often mandate these assessments as part of the planning permission process, particularly in urban environments where new developments may be affected by existing vibration sources or where construction activities might impact neighbouring properties.

Vibration assessments also become essential in the following instances:

• Installing sensitive equipment (such as in laboratories or healthcare facilities)

• Dealing with historic or listed buildings that may be vulnerable to vibration damage

• Addressing occupant complaints about vibration disturbance in existing buildings when installing

These assessments are also crucial for compliance with Section 61 agreements and local authority requirements, especially during major infrastructure projects or when construction work is planned in densely populated areas. This may lead to construction monitoring in areas of particular concern. Early consultation and assessment can help identify potential issues before they become problematic, saving time and resources while ensuring project success.

Types of Vibration Assessment

Vibration & Planning

If a proposed development is located in close proximity to major roads and/or overground and underground railway lines, then the project may be subject to a Planning Condition. Typically, the condition will require a BS 6472 assessment to be carried out. BS 6472 is used to evaluate the impact of vibration on people. Our engineers will conduct a detailed survey and risk assessment of the proposed development site using highly sensitive accelerometers and data loggers. The data and vibration levels obtained on-site will then be used to determine the site’s suitability as per the guidelines in BS 6472.

Demolition & Construction Vibration Monitoring

Demolition and construction sites often require compliance monitoring. This may be needed to meet the requirements of a Local Authority Section 61 agreement. Monitoring may be required to reduce the risk of impact on people and/or building structures. Typically, noise impact assessment and dust monitoring are also carried out in conjunction with vibration monitoring. Clement Acoustics has provided monitoring for many construction and demolition sites. Our services include bespoke websites and alert systems to help avoid exceedances of Local Authority criteria and to reduce the risk of complaints.

Clement Acoustics is fully conversant with BS 6472-1:2008 ‘Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings’ [BS 6472] and follows its guidance in vibration exposure assessments to ensure your project complies with national guidelines and reduces the risk of planning refusal.

Mechanical Plant Anti Vibration Mounts

Failure to suitably isolate mechanical plant can lead to vibration entering the building structure and re-radiating as noise. The re-radiated noise can be experienced in adjacent spaces, e.g. a dwelling below the roof of a residential block. However, such is the nature of vibration once inside the building structure; the re-radiated noise could be experienced several floors from the plant’s location. Clement Acoustics can specify anti-vibration mounting systems to suitably control vibration from mechanical plant and associated pipe/ductwork.