Newlands Cross Upgrade EIS - European Investment Bank

South Dublin County Council N7 Newlands Cross Upgrade
Environmental Impact Statement
Arup Consulting Engineers
8.7.3 Potential Vibration Impacts – Operational Phase
As a vehicle travels along a road, vibration can be generated in the road and subsequently
propagate towards nearby buildings. Such vibration is generated by the interaction of a
vehicle’s wheels and the road surface and by direct transmission through the air of energy
waves. Some of these waves arise as a function of the size, shape and speed of the vehicle,
and others from pressure fluctuations due to engine, exhaust and other noises generated by the
vehicle.
It has been found that ground vibrations produced by road traffic are unlikely to cause
perceptible structural vibration in properties located near to well-maintained and smooth road
surfaces. Problems attributable to road traffic vibration can therefore be largely avoided by
maintenance of the road surface.
8.7.4 Potential Vibration Impacts – Construction Phase
The potential for vibration at neighbouring sensitive locations during construction is typically
limited to demolition, excavation works, rock-breaking operations and lorry movements on
uneven road surfaces. The more significant of these is the vibration from excavation and
rock-breaking operations; the method of which will be selected and controlled to ensure there
is no likelihood of structural or even cosmetic damage to existing neighbouring dwellings.
8.7.5 Vibration Mitigation Measures
The contractor will be required to develop the following documents relating to the control of
vibration prior to the commencement of construction activities:
• the ‘Noise and Vibration Management Plan’ (forming part of the General Environment
Plan and dealing specifically with noise and vibration monitoring); and
• the ‘Plan for Control of Noise and Vibration’ which will be part of the Method Statement
for each area of the Works.
The former will deal with procedures for construction vibration monitoring and reporting,
whereas the latter will contain a detailed appraisal of construction vibration generation and
control. The contractor will be obliged to present vibration predictions for all relevant
activities in order to demonstrate compliance with the relevant limits as set out in Table 8.12.
There may be occasions when for very short durations only the vibration limits will be
exceeded due to the nature of works being undertaken. On these limited occasions the
Contractor will be required to reduce the impact at sensitive receptors by complying with the
requirements of British Standard BS 7385.
Where construction work is likely to generate vibration, which by recognised international
standards is predicted to be of a magnitude that could result in cosmetic damage and where the
source of the vibration is being carried out in the vicinity of buildings and structures liable to
damage, a pre-construction survey of the property shall be provided. These surveys will be
used to establish the condition of the structure and decoration, and shall be carried out by
independent surveyors. The condition surveys will include photographic and written records
with description of all existing cracks, defects, etc., of the overlying and adjacent private
properties and will be undertaken prior to commencement and after construction by an
independent consultant, on behalf of the Employer.
Copies of these survey reports will be submitted to the owners of the property affected and
used for joint inspection with the owners in the event of the need for assessment of any claims
for damages.
December 2007 Page 135