Tips to Minimize Adverse Effects of Construction Vibrations on Historic Properties
- posted in Knowledge Center
Projects that involve ground-disturbing activities oftentimes go to great lengths to avoid adversely affecting historic properties that are significant cultural resources such as buildings, structures, and even sites protected by Section 106. Some activities result in very obvious effects; others not so much. Thorough evaluation during the pre-construction planning process identifies most effects and makes recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects. Occasionally, some effects fly under the pre-construction planning radar.
Construction vibrations are phenomena that are sometimes overlooked, yet these unseen products of blasting, demolition, pile driving, and compaction can travel well beyond a construction right-of-way and cause cosmetic and, in severe cases, structural damage to significant cultural resources. Discovering their effects after a project is underway can have costly consequences. Certain project elements may be delayed while a vibration monitoring plan is prepared. Disgruntled property owners may file damage claims. Project proponents may receive bad press. Time, money, and project supporters’ good will are potentially wasted.
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