Construction
Construction Noise & Vibration — Assessment, Monitoring & Mitigation
We help contractors, developers and project teams manage construction noise and vibration from enabling works, piling and demolition through fit-out. Services include Section 61 applications, BS 5228 assessments, neighbour impact studies, monitoring (noise, PPV, VDV) and evidence-led mitigation with clear, compliant reporting for local authorities and planners.
What we deliver
Section 61 & BS 5228 assessments
Noise and vibration predictions, method statements and mitigation plans that support timely Section 61 consent and planning conditions.
Regulatory complianceMitigation & stakeholder management
Practical source-path-receiver solutions including noise mitigation by reducing machine vibration at source (using Our Process)
Learn moreMonitoring — noise, PPV & VDV
Automatic and attended monitoring for noise, peak particle velocity (PPV) and vibration dose value (VDV), with alerts and weekly dashboards.
Learn moreHow we engineer compliance on live sites
We combine prediction (BS 5228) with measurement (noise, PPV, VDV) to keep projects within agreed limits and stakeholder expectations. Where vibration risks structures or sensitive equipment, we assess building response and design path interruption, isolation and method refinements to reduce impact.
Key principle: where plant and tools radiate noise because they vibrate, we first reduce vibration at the source (tuning, isolation, damping, maintenance and balanced tools) so less noise is generated, then treat the path/receiver only as needed.
- Piling & demolition — impact/continuous flight auger assessments, timing windows, alternative methods.
- Basements & heavy plant — PPV at facades, BS 7385-2 damage risk checks, BS 6472-1 human exposure (VDV).
- Neighbouring assets — hospitals, studios, data centres; structure-borne risk and protective measures.
Our approach
- Define requirements → planning conditions, local policy, project limits, programme constraints.
- Predict → BS 5228 noise & vibration estimates, sensitive receptor mapping, risk registers.
- Measure → install monitors (noise/PPV/VDV), set alerts and reporting cadence.
- Mitigate → method & plant selection, timings, barriers, isolation and path control.
- Validate → correlate prediction vs. measurement; document for Section 61 and planners.
Standards & frameworks
Our work aligns with UK guidance and standards for construction noise and vibration:
- BS 5228-1/2 — Noise & vibration control on construction and open sites.
- BS 7385-2 — Evaluation of building damage from vibration (criteria & guidance).
- BS 6472-1 — Human exposure to vibration in buildings (VDV method).
- Section 61 — Control of Pollution Act 1974 Prior Consent applications.
Related case studies
City basement excavation — PPV management
PPV monitoring and method optimisation kept façade vibration within BS 7385-2 guidance while maintaining programme.
Hospital neighbour — BS 5228 compliance
Prediction, barrier design and timing windows enabled works adjacent to a live clinical environment with minimal disturbance.
Vibration Monitoring of a Commercial Property
Two-week monitoring identified that a new dealership building amplified ground vibration, leading to structural modifications rather than neighbour liability.
Important: Vibration monitoring equipment varies depending on the required data. If first-floor vibration amplitudes and their corresponding frequencies were needed, specialist equipment would be used to capture this for model updating.
Frequently asked questions
What is Section 61 and why do I need it?
Section 61 is a Prior Consent route under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. It agrees methods, times and controls for construction noise and vibration with the local authority, reducing risk of stop notices and complaints.
How do you set PPV and VDV limits?
We reference BS 5228-2 for construction vibration and BS 7385-2 for building damage risk criteria. For human response, we use BS 6472-1 (VDV) and project-specific requirements for sensitive uses.
What happens if we exceed limits?
Our monitoring includes alert thresholds and exceedance workflows. We diagnose the source, implement mitigations (methods, barriers, timings, isolation) and document corrective actions for stakeholders.
Need construction noise & vibration support? We’ll predict, monitor and mitigate — and provide clear documentation for Section 61 and planners.