Effect of Ground Vibrations on Civil Engineering Construction

Abstract

The effect of ground vibrations has become a subject of current research interest amongst the civil construction engineers because of its serious environmental effects. Several sources of vibrations like pile driving dynamic compaction, blasting and operation of heavy equipment generate elastic waves in soil which may adversely affect the surrounding environment. It has been observed that dynamic effect of such vibration on the nearby structures depends on soil deposit at the construction site as well as the susceptibility rating of the structures. It is, therefore imperative to monitor the vibrations and assess their dynamic effects from the start of construction activities till the completion of construction. The paper attempts to focus the absence of criteria and guidelines relating to the effects of construction vibration in Indian building codes and to generate some awareness amongst the building constructors in India about the importance of the problem.