Background
We were commissioned by VolkerFitzpatrick to conduct a construction noise and vibration assessment and produce a s.61 application for the A259 Dualling Project involving the expansion of the existing single carriageways between Junctions 5 and 6, and Junctions 9 and 11.
The project includes the creation of additional carriageways, new pavements, and the diversion of existing utility infrastructure. We were also later tasked with delivering on the construction noise monitoring requirements.
What we did
We proposed a number of steps that would ensure noise and vibration is minimised. These included: –
Best Practicable Means (BPM)
- BPM, as outlined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, was to be employed to minimize noise and vibration levels throughout the works.
Noise and Vibration Control Measures
- Measures to control noise and vibration were to follow BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 and BS 5228-2:2009+A1:2014, along with Arun District’s code of practice.
General Measures including:-
- Daytime Work: Noise-generating activities to be scheduled during daytime to reduce impacts on noise-sensitive receptors.
- Silencers and Maintenance: Vehicles and plant to be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and maintained in good working order. Electric Plant to be used where practicable. Machines to be shut down when not in use.
- Staff Briefings and Supervision and Site Induction: Regular briefings on noise and vibration control. All staff to receive induction and toolbox talks on noise and vibration control. Staff to be supervised to prevent unnecessary noise.
- Careful Selection: Plant, construction methods, and programming to be carefully selected to minimize noise and vibration impacts. Construction plant to be located away from occupied buildings or close to noise barriers. Plant and equipment to be examined daily for defects. Noise enclosure openings to face away from noise-sensitive receptors and be kept closed when not in use.
- Restricted Movement: Vehicle movement onsite to be restricted outside standard hours.
Site-Specific Measures including:-
- Super-silenced Generators: Used for site welfare.
- Mobile Noise Barriers: Deployed between works and receptors.
- Earth Bunds: Created early for noise mitigation.
- Local Screening: For significant noise-generating hand-held tools.
- Noise Monitoring: Ensures compliance with noise and vibration criteria.
Vibration Risk Assessment
We reviewed the current works planned for the construction phase to identify the activities and equipment operations that could give rise to significant levels of vibration. We then categorized each activity is categorized as red, amber, or green based on the anticipated levels of vibration at the site perimeter. High Vibration Activities identified included:-
- Vibratory Rolling: Used for compacting road sub-layers and surfaces. By compacting in layers, the intensity of vibration is reduced.
- Vibratory Compaction: Similar to vibratory rolling, used for sub-road layers and surfaces.
Monitoring Regime
Continuous Noise Monitoring
- Monitors were placed at strategic locations and could be relocated as work progresses.
- Monitors were powered by solar modules to minimize energy usage and provide power in remote locations.
- Monitors were set to record continuously at hourly intervals and send alerts if levels are exceeded.
- Reports were issued weekly and more frequently when required.
Reporting and Response
- Noise measurements ensured noise was kept within thresholds, were checked against BPM adherence, and were compared against predicted levels.
This comprehensive approach to construction and noise and vibration control ensured minimal impact on the local community while maintaining efficient project progress.
