Key points about construction noise and vibration legal issues:

• Local Ordinances and Regulations: Most areas have established noise and vibration standards that construction projects must adhere to, often specifying permissible decibel levels and vibration amplitudes based on time of day and location. 
• Damage Complaints from Adjacent Property Owners:  Vibrations from construction, if not properly managed, can cause damage to nearby structures, resulting in claims for compensation. 
• Mitigation Measures and Monitoring: To manage legal issues, project owners and construction companies should implement noise and vibration mitigation using special equipment and controls including a comprehensive noise and vibration monitoring program. 
• Importance of Monitoring Noise and Vibration in Construction: BHATE Geosciences has state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel to provide these services in a variety of environments such as:
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Educational and broadcasting institutions
  • Industrial facilities with highly sensitive manufacturing processes
  • High sensitivity research laboratory and computer equipment areas
  • Historic structures constructed with old or fragile construction materials 
  • Vibrations due to heavy equipment operation, pile driving, or blasting 
  • Building demolitions – implosions 
  • Vibrating Mechanical and HVAC equipment
  • Transportation and traffic noise and vibrations 

Because of complexities involved in human response to noise and vibration, the level of annoyance experienced by the occupants can vary widely. American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standard S3.29-1983, “Guide to the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration in Buildings” includes “base-response curve values” in relation to human perception used as an evaluation tool. Our vibration and noise experts can develop a monitoring program that is specific to your project needs.