Projects

Tunnel Construction

Temporary Service Railway

Southdowns was appointed to provide expert advice on the control of groundborne noise and vibration from the temporary service railway used during the boring of the tunnels for Woolwich Arsenal extension to the Docklands Light Railway.

In response to queries raised by the Local Authority, the work entailed the detailed investigation into whether the design and operation of the railway constituted Best Practicable Means under the provisions of the Control of Pollution Act.

Detailed investigations into all reasonably practicable methods of controlling groundborne noise and vibration were investigated including: rail vehicle speed limits, track conditioning and the provision of resilient pads beneath the rails and temporary sleepers.

TBM Groundborne Noise and Vibration Disturbance

Temp Railway

Southdowns is currently providing ongoing specialist support to the promoter of a large road tunnel project in a major European city, where substantial groundborne noise and vibration issues have arisen as a result of the use of Tunnel Boring Machines through hard rock lying beneath residential communities.

Southdowns staff have represented the client at a series of informal and formal hearings between the developer and its contractor. In our role as expert witnesses for the client, Southdowns’ consultants have presented technical evidence at Conciliation and District Adjudication Board hearings.

The work has required in depth investigation into anticipated and measured groundborne noise and vibration that occurred during the works, and the interpretation of the levels and the likely subjective response from residents.

Tel: +44 (0)1273 488186 Fax: +44 (0)1273 488187 Southdowns Environmental Consultants Ltd, Suite A3, 16 Station Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DB, UK Reg No. 3150111