ABSTRACT
A number of construction processes require high energy input to achieve their objectives. They include blasting for tunnelling and quarrying, rock ripping and breaking-out, ground improvement by vibro-compaction, dynamic compaction or vibratory rolling, pile-driving, the movement of heavy site plant, and demolition. All of these processes also cause severe ground vibrations close to the source activity. While many of these are used only in locations remote from buildings and services, piles must frequently be installed in urban development sites and residential areas. Here ground vibrations cause disturbance to residents and occupants of buildings, and may create a risk of cosmetic or structural damage (e.g. Wiss, 1967; Selby, 1991; Head and Jardine 1992; Malam, 1992; Dowding 1996). In such situations it is important to be able to predict ground vibrations and to monitor and control peak levels; it is important also to estimate the effects of the vibrations on buildings and buried services, see Figure 5.1.
