Vibration transmission in soil

Abstract

Vibrations of structures have been known since man first heard wind ruffle the leaves of trees. Quantitative knowledge of vibrations was mostly limited to empirical descriptions of pendulums and stringed instruments until the development of calculus by Sir lsaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz in the late 1600's. From the knowledge of vibration, many problems mainly cause by the vibration can be and minimized and solved. Vibrations may be harmful to adjacent and remote structures, sensitive instruments and people. Construction projects involve various sources of vibrations such as pile driving, dynamic compaction, blasting and operating heavy equipment. These sources generate elastic waves in soil which may adversely affect surrounding buildings. Vibrations caused by piling activity are becoming more important when planning projects in urbanized areas or in the vicinity of vibration-sensitive structures or installations. Their effects range from serious disturbance of working conditions for sensitive devices and people, to visible structural damage. Thus the effect of construction vibrations on surrounding buildings, sensitive devices and people in the urban environment is a significant consideration in obtaining projects approvals from appropriate agencies and authorities.