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The general procedure for the testing was for readings to be taken when no traffic was
present to establish the background vibration condition which then served as the
benchmark to be compared against. Next, readings were taken for situations that
represent light and heavy traffic conditions (see photos) and measurements were taken
at the roadside curb, the roadside sidewalk, property owner’s lawn, and at the front
doors of 60 and 62 Main Street. For comparison purposes readings were also taken at
the property across the street (the Forest fire hall) and at the corner of King and Main
Streets.
AMEC has concluded that the vibration readings taken at the front of the homes located
at 60 and 62 Main Street are below the benchmark background readings, and has
confirmed that the trend is for the vibration intensity to dissipate the further away from
the road that readings are taken. What this means is that when heavy traffic passes by
vibration levels at the front of each home are no higher than vibration levels when no
traffic is present.
Staff has received feedback from a Council member that the resident located 60 Main
Street continues to feel vibrations in her home, and during the testing AMEC reports
that the resident informed them that vibration is typically occurring at the front of the
home, and is most noticeable in a china cabinet near the front of the home. In
discussion with Municipal staff, the AMEC engineer explained that depending upon the
structural condition of the home, the actual structure could be amplifying any vibration
that is present. The AMEC engineer also explained that the particular piece of furniture
could be amplifying vibration, or that rattling china can be caused by the noise vibration
rather than ground vibrations. Further and more detailed study work would be
necessary to confirm if the structure of the home is contributing to the issue.
It is also important to note that the readings taken at the front of the homes are
approximately 100 times less than vibration levels necessary to cause structural
damage to buildings. During the course of the testing the neighbor living at 62 Main
Street South reported to AMEC that he did not feel vibrations in his home, but did notice
diagonal cracking in certain parts of his home. AMEC has indicated to municipal staff
that this type of cracking is typically indicative of settlement occurring at the location.
Also notable is that the municipality is not receiving complaints from other property
owners located on the street with similar setbacks. This information leads to the
possibility that this issue is an isolated occurrence.
Next Steps
Staff requires direction from Council if they wish to consider further action related to this
issue.
Should Council wish to pursue further action, the following two options can be
considered:
1. Conduct Detailed Vibration Testing in the Complainants Home
As noted above, the initial readings taken at the location indicate that vibration
levels on the front doorstep of the 101 home are no higher than background levels,