Noise and Vibration Monitoring Solutions Protect Workers and Local Residents

Project Overview

In recent years, traffic on the A249 in Kent has been steadily increasing, and has reached a point at which the road-layout is no-longer suitable for the weight of traffic. The A249 is a key link between the M2 and M20 motorways for traffic heading to the Channel ports, and as such, improvements to Junction 5 of the M2 have been approved.

In July 2021, GRAHAM were awarded the contract with National Highways, to create a brand-new fly-over on the A249 and deliver major improvements to the slip roads and junction approaches around the M2 junction 5. The new road layout should be open for traffic by winter 2024 and will provide improved traffic flow on the A249

Challenge

When groundworks commenced in October 2021, GRAHAM were keen to ensure that local residents, wildlife and nearby building structures were not disrupted in any way.

GRAHAM were aware that noise and vibration pollution would not only be a nuisance, but could also have the ability to interfere with sensitive equipment, damage buildings and generally present a safety risk to people and the environment.

Vibrations depend on many factors, including type of equipment, soil, proximity to construction and the building response, so it was important for GRAHAM to start monitoring vibration levels from an early point in the project and continue to do so throughout every stage. The considerable noise generated by the works could also have a significant impact on the many people living nearby, as well as those passing by on their daily commutes.

As such, GRAHAM approached RVT Group for sensitive monitoring equipment, which would measure noise and vibration levels in real-time. It was especially important for workers to have instant alerts and access to the data, to identify and react to any readings that might raise cause for concern.

Solution

RVT recommended the MONITEX Area Noise Monitor and MONITEX Vibration Monitor to manage noise and vibration levels live and in real-time. The state-of-the-art monitors were positioned around the most critical parts of the site, providing contractors with an accurate and continuous picture of the amount of noise and vibration being produced.

These innovative systems are designed for maximum ease of-use, even in harsh outdoor conditions. Real-time readings allow the site management team to constantly assess the situation, and ensure that workers, residents and the local environment, are not impacted by the major works. As the monitors and software are user efficient and highly intuitive, the team have been able to easily interpret results and take immediate action when required.

"The platform was really intuitive and the results were easy to interpret. The real time data also allowed for immediate actions to be taken if required. The email alerts for reduced battery power of the monitors also helped keep the monitors always active. GRAHAM and RVT have worked closely together on various projects and we consider RVT a reliable supplier to contact when monitoring is required.” - Environmental Manager, GRAHAM