THE EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUND BORNE VIBRATION MEASUREMENT, ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS

摘要

Urbanization has increased the proximity of residential development to sources of environmental ground borne vibration, including at and below grade rail, construction activities, quarries and heavy industrial processes. Measurement, assessment and reporting on ground borne vibration induced by these sources have always been an integral component of acoustical consulting practice. This retrospective highlights the evolution of measurement equipment and reporting techniques over the last 50 years. Often, changes to the methodology are driven by new or modified regulatory guidelines as opposed to advances in available technology. Other factors, such as capital costs and efficiency are also considered. Limitations in current measurement and reporting methodologies give an indication of where improvements in technology may be made to environmental ground borne vibration assessment in the future.