sh1 the groynes to sawyers arms - 4 laning (nzta...

SH1 THE GROYNES TO SAWYERS ARMS - 4 LANING (NZTA 62178)

Traffic Noise Assessment

Rp002 2010010C

2 April 2012

Level 3 69 Cambridge Terrace

PO Box 4071

Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

T: +64 3 365 8455 F: +64 3 365 8477

www.marshallday.com

Project: SH1 THE GROYNES TO SAWYERS ARMS - 4 LANING (NZTA 62178)

Prepared for: NZTA

c/o MWH

PO Box 13-249

Christchurch 8141

Attention: Mr Murray Keast

Report No.: Rp002 2010010C

Disclaimer

Reports produced by Marshall Day Acoustics Limited are prepared based on the Client’s objective and are based on a

specific scope, conditions and limitations, as agreed between Marshall Day Acoustics and the Client. Information

and/or report(s) prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics may not be suitable for uses other than the original intended

objective. No parties other than the Client should use any information and/or report(s) without first conferring with

Marshall Day Acoustics.

Copyright

The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Marshall Day Acoustics Limited. Use or

copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Marshall Day Acoustics constitutes an

infringement of copyright. Information shall not be assigned to a third party without prior consent.

Document control

Status: Rev: Comments Date: Author: Reviewer:

Client Issue - 2 April 2012 Robbie Blakelock Stuart Camp

This document may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent of Marshall Day Acoustics Limited

Rp 002 2010010C Traffic Noise Assessment of 17

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Marshall Day Acoustics has assessed traffic noise levels associated with the proposed four-laning of

State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Rd and The Groynes. Our assessment has included

extensive ambient noise level monitoring and the development of a three-dimensional noise model

for the proposed scheme.

Our assessment has considered noise emissions under the NZS 6806:2010 “Acoustics - Road-traffic

noise - New and altered roads.” The proposed four-laning is not considered an “altered road” when

assessed under NZS6806 and therefore no detailed assessment of mitigation options is required

under this Standard.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 5

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Project Description ................................................................................................................... 5

3.0 TRAFFIC NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ........................................................................ 5

3.1 New Zealand Standard NZS6806:2010 ................................................................................... 5

3.1.1 Assessment Positions ............................................................................................................... 6

3.1.2 Noise Criteria ............................................................................................................................ 6

3.1.3 “Altered Road” Definition ........................................................................................................ 7

3.2 Guidelines for the Management of Road Traffic Noise [NZTA Guidelines] ......................... 7

3.2.1 Design Noise Levels .................................................................................................................. 8

3.3 NZTA Environmental Plan ........................................................................................................ 8

3.4 District Plans ............................................................................................................................. 9

4.0 EXISTING NOISE ENVIROMENT ............................................................................................... 9

4.1 Summary of Monitoring Locations & Measured Levels ........................................................ 9

4.2 Measurement uncertainty ..................................................................................................... 11

5.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ............................................................................................... 12

5.1 New Zealand Standard NZS6806:2010 ................................................................................. 12

5.1.1 “Altered Road” test ................................................................................................................ 12

6.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................... 14

6.1 Noise Level Prediction ............................................................................................................ 14

6.2 Modification of Earth Mounds .............................................................................................. 14

7.0 SUMMARY............................................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX A ACOUSTICS TERMINOLOGY

APPENDIX B MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS



1.0 INTRODUCTION

Marshall Day Acoustics has been engaged to perform a review of potential traffic noise

impacts associated with the proposed four-laning of State Highway 1 between Sawyers

Arms Road and The Groynes.

This report provides:

• A description of the proposed project;

• A discussion of the NZTA Guidelines and traffic noise standard, NZS 6806;

• Methodology and results of the ambient noise monitoring; and

• Assessment details using NZS 6806.

Acoustical terminology used in this report is provided in Appendix B.

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW

2.1 Project Description

The proposed project encompasses approximately 3.7 km of State Highway 1 between

Sawyers Arms Rd and The Groynes and includes the installation of a raised median and

intersection upgrades at Clearwater Drive (with a roundabout), Gardiners Road (left in/left

out), Greywacke Road (closure of current access) and Wilkinsons Road (roundabout with a

new access to Greywacke Road.

With respect to noise, the proposed four-laning will mean that the traffic flow will move

closer to a number of dwellings, thereby potentially increasing noise generation.

We understand that the existing road surface is Chip Seal (Grade 4) and following the four-

laning, the surface will be OGPA1 between intersections and SMA

2 at intersections. We note

that while OGPA is a low-noise road surface, we understand that it has additional benefits

over other surface types and has not been selected primarily as noise mitigation.

3.0 TRAFFIC NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The following sections outline the available published guidance within New Zealand that

relate to the assessment of traffic noise.

3.1 New Zealand Standard NZS6806:2010

A Standard for the assessment and control of road-traffic noise, NZS 6806, was published in

April 2010. This is the first New Zealand road-traffic noise standard and was developed by

1 OGPA – Open Graded Porous Asphalt

2 SMA – Sealed Mastic Asphalt



an independent multidisciplinary committee of Standards New Zealand and is based on both

International and New Zealand research, in addition to the committee’s experience in

assessing traffic noise in New Zealand.

The Standard is intended for use on all road-traffic noise assessments including State

Highways and local roads (provided that the project is within the scope of the Standard). The

NZTA has adopted this Standard for assessment of road-traffic noise from new and altered

State highways.

The Standard is an extensive and complex document and therefore it is only practicable to

present the key concepts for the purposes of this report.

The Standard retains some of the methodology previously used in the Guidelines (discussed

in Section 3.2 below) such as the noise measurement index, LAeq(24h) and the concept of a

“design year” (the year for which the assessment is undertaken) at least ten years after

opening of a project.

3.1.1 Assessment Positions

The Standard specifies a list of types of protected premises and facilities (PPFs), which are

assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Standard. In addition to premises that

were protected under the Guidelines (refer Section 3.2 below), such as dwellings and

educational facilities, NZS6806:2010 extends its protection to other premises such as marae,

hospitals which contain in-patient facilities, motels and hotels in residential zones and

playgrounds within 20 metres of educational facilities.

The assessment position for existing buildings is at the façade (i.e. an ‘incident’ noise level)

rather than one metre in front of the façade (as was previously the case under the

Guidelines), thus a façade correction is no longer included.

Commercial and business uses are not considered to be noise sensitive and are therefore

excluded from the assessment.

NZS 6806:2010 stipulates that, in an “urban” area, all PPFs within 100 metres of the

alignment shall be assessed. In “rural” areas, PPFs within 200m of the alignment shall be

assessed. The classifications for “rural” and “urban” are as defined by Statistics New

Zealand.

3.1.2 Noise Criteria

The noise criteria of the Standard are not based on existing ambient noise levels, but

distinguish between new and altered roads. There are three levels of criteria (A, B and C) as

summarised in Table 1. For this project, traffic volumes are predicted to be below the

NZS6806 nominated threshold of 75,000 vehicles per day.



Table 1: NZS6806 Noise criteria

Category Altered Roads

dB LAeq(24h)

New Roads with a predicted

traffic volume of 2,000 to

75,000 AADT at the design year

dB LAeq(24h)

A (primary external noise criterion) 64 57

B (secondary external noise criterion) 67 64

C (internal noise criterion) 40 40

3.1.3 “Altered Road” Definition

The Standard provides criteria3 to determine whether the proposed road is considered an

“Altered Road”. An “altered road” is one that is subject to alterations in its horizontal or

vertical alignment and satisfies minimum noise level thresholds relating to the change in

noise level assuming that the realignment did not proceed. The requirements are outlined in

Section 1.5.2 of the Standard and are summarised below:

a) The do-minimum4 noise environment would be greater than or equal to 64 dB LAeq(24h)

and, if no specific noise mitigation was undertaken, the alterations would increase road-

traffic noise at that assessment position by 3 dB LAeq(24h) or more at the design year,

when compared with the do-nothing5 noise environment; or

b) The do-minimum noise environment is greater than or equal to 68 dB LAeq(24h) and, if no

specific noise mitigation was undertaken, the alterations would increase road-traffic

noise at that assessment position by 1 dB LAeq(24h) or more at the design year, when

compared with the do-nothing noise environment.

Our analysis of the do-nothing and do-minimum noise levels shows that the proposed

four-laning does not meet the “Altered Road” criteria. A discussion of our predictions and

assessment is provided in Section 5.1.

3.2 Guidelines for the Management of Road Traffic Noise [NZTA Guidelines]

Prior to the development of NZS 6806, the NZTA (formerly Transit New Zealand) had

developed the ‘Transit New Zealand’s Guidelines for the Management of Road Traffic Noise

– State Highway Improvements’ [the Guidelines], which assessed the predicted future traffic

noise level for a design year 10 years from the construction of a highway with respect to the

existing ambient noise levels and provided traffic noise design levels to be met for State

Highway projects.

3 NZS 6806:2010 Acoustics – Road-traffic noise – New and altered roads, Section 1.5

4 “do-minimum” the predicted noise levels at the design year assuming the road alterations have been implemented but

without any specifically designed noise control treatment. 5 “do-nothing” the predicted noise levels at the design year assuming no road alterations have been implemented.



As NZS 6806 represents current best practice, we do not refer to the Guidelines as part of an

assessment of noise effects.

3.2.1 Design Noise Levels

The NZTA Guidelines establish design noise levels based on existing ambient noise levels.

Before the development of NZS 6806, NZTA’s aim was for State Highway improvements

which require a new designation to meet the road traffic noise criteria.

Receivers along the alignment are categorised into Low, Medium and High Noise Areas

based on ambient noise level measurements as defined in Table 1 of the NZTA Guidelines.

The table is repeated below for reference.

Table 2 - Average design noise levels [Table 1 from NZTA Guidelines]6

Noise area Noise Descriptor Ambient noise level,

dBA

Average design

noise level, dBA

Low LAeq (24hr) Less than 43 55

LAeq (24hr) 43 to 50 Ambient + 12

Medium

LAeq (24hr) 50 to 59 62

High LAeq (24hr) 59 to 67 Ambient + 3

LAeq (24hr) 67 to 70 70

LAeq (24hr) More than 70 Ambient

Design noise levels apply to noise sensitive facilities adjacent to new State highway

alignments. Noise sensitive facilities are defined as:

• Residential buildings excluding:

− Garages;

− Short term accommodation (e.g. hotels, motels and caravan parks); and

− Residential accommodation within buildings which have other uses (e.g. within

commercial buildings).

• Teaching areas in educational facilities.

3.3 NZTA Environmental Plan

The Transit (NZTA) Environmental Plan published in June 2008 does not contain any specific

noise performance standards. However, the Plan states that noise assessments should be

6 All noise levels referenced by the NZTA guidelines are façade noise levels



undertaken, and designation conditions sought, recognising reasonable noise limits for new

or altered designations in areas likely to be affected by road-traffic noise.

3.4 District Plans

Road-traffic noise is exempt from assessment against normal Christchurch City Plan noise

provisions.

4.0 EXISTING NOISE ENVIROMENT

The existing noise environment provides useful data for assessing noise effects in terms of

the RMA and is required for an assessment under the NZTA Guidelines.

The existing noise environment in the vicinity of the project has been investigated

extensively by means of noise level surveys. The dominant noise source affecting the

ambient noise environment at those dwellings close to roads is traffic. The further a

dwelling is located from a road, the greater the influence of other environmental sounds

such as birdsong and rustling leaves.

4.1 Summary of Monitoring Locations & Measured Levels

Noise measurements were generally conducted at positions that are representative of the

facades of dwellings. The measurement distance from existing roads is provided in the

location description below. Measurement locations are referenced in Table 3 and shown in

Appendix B. The measured ambient noise levels (corrected to equivalent free-field or façade

noise level as appropriate) are:

Table 3: Measured and estimated existing ambient noise levels

Ref Address Free-field noise

level dB LAeq,24 hr

Facade noise level

dB LAeq,24 hr

1 184 Johns Road 25m from Johns Rd carriageway edge 65 67



The variation in ambient noise over a 24 hour period is presented in Figure 1 for 184 Johns

Road (position Ref 1), Figure 2 for 448 Johns Road (position Ref 2), and Figure 3 for 390 John

Road (position Ref 3).



Figure 1: Daily noise level variation at Position 1, 17 to 20 June 2010

The data indicates that the daytime noise environment at 184 Johns Rd is relatively steady

at 67 dB LAeq and drops to between 50 and 60 dB LAeq at night. The average 24 hour average

noise level over the four days is 65 dB LAeq(24h).




The data in Figure 2 indicates that the daytime noise environment at 448 Johns Rd is

relatively steady at 66 dB LAeq and drops to between 55 and 65 dB LAeq at night. The average

24 hour average noise level over the three days is 65 dB LAeq(24h).


The data in Figure 3 indicates that the daytime noise environment at 390 Johns Rd varies

between 56 and 62 dB LAeq with morning and evening peaks up to 64 dB LAeq and then

drops to between 45 and 53 dB LAeq at night. The average 24 hour average noise level over

the three days is 59 dB LAeq(24h).

4.2 Measurement uncertainty

A general uncertainty budget is presented in Table 4 for the noise surveys, based on the

methodology proposed by Craven and Kerry7.

Table 4: Measurement uncertainty budget

Sources of uncertainty Value (half width) Conversion Distribution Standard

uncertainty

Source

Traffic Flow 0.7dBA n/a normal 0.35

% HGV 0.55dBA n/a normal 0.28

Mean Speed 0.65dBA n/a normal 0.33

7 N.J. Craven and G. Kerry. A good practice guide on the sources and magnitude of uncertainty arising in the practical measurement of

environmental noise. University of Salford. 2001



Road Surface 0.5dBA n/a normal 0.25

Transmission Path

Weather 4dBA n/a normal 2.00

Ground 0.5dBA n/a normal 0.25

Topography Nil n/a - 0

Receiver

Position 0.5m 0.1dBA normal 0.05

Instrumentation 1.7dBA n/a rectangular 0.98

Background

Reflective Surfaces Nil n/a - 0

Combined uncertainty 2.3

Expanded uncertainty

(95% confidence)

4.6

5.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

5.1 New Zealand Standard NZS6806:2010

Noise level criteria from NZS6806 are applicable if the proposed scheme is a considered to

be an “altered road”. As discussed in Section 3.1 above, the trigger for an “altered road” is

based on an assessment of the do-nothing and do-minimum noise levels for the scheme and

the nature of the alterations.

5.1.1 “Altered Road” test

The Altered Road criteria are discussed in Section 3.1.3. The 4-laning will meet the alignment

requirements as there will be changes to the horizontal alignment of the road. The noise

level criteria are summarised in Table 5 below:

Table 5: NZS 6806:2010 “Altered Road” noise level requirements

Do-minimum Noise Environment at

design year

Increase in noise level at design year

compared to Do-nothing scenario

Option A Greater than or equal to 64 dB LAeq(24h) 3 dB LAeq(24h) or more at the design year

with no specific noise mitigation

Option B Greater than or equal to 68 dB LAeq(24h) 1 dB LAeq(24h) or more at the design year

with no specific noise mitigation

The NZTA online road traffic noise calculator8 was used to predict the Do-nothing and Do-

minimum noise levels. The road parameters used in the calculation are presented in Table 7

and Table 6 below. For the dual-lane carriageway (Do-Minimum scenario) the contribution

8 http://acoustics.nzta.govt.nz/node/add/calc-road-noise



from each of the double lanes (i.e. traffic flow in each direction) was calculated separately

and then added together.

The assessment positions used were selected as they are the locations along the alignment

that will experience the greatest potential increases in noise level due to changes in the road

alignment.

Table 6: Parameters used in Do-Nothing noise level calculation

Location Surface Speed

(km/h)

AADT

(vpd)

HV

(%)

Distance

(m)

448 Johns Rd Grade 4 Chipseal 80 32,000 11% 29

420 Johns Road Grade 4 Chipseal 80 32,000 11% 51



Table 7: Parameters used in Do-Minimum noise level calculation

Location Surface Speed

(km/h)

AADT9

(vpd)

HV

(%)

Distance

to near

kerb (m)

Distance

to far kerb

(m)

448 Johns Rd OGPA 80 32,000 11% 17 28

420 Johns Road OGPA 80 32,000 11% 28 40

370 Johns Road OGPA 80 32,000 11% 21 33

200 Johns Road OGPA 80 32,000 11% 14 24

A conservative estimate of less than 10% absorbent ground between the source and

receiver was used for our calculations.

The noise levels calculated using the parameters defined above are presented in Table 8

below and compared with the NZS 6806 Altered Road requirements.

Table 8: “Altered Road” requirements test10

Location Do-Nothing

Noise Level

(dB LAeq,24h)

Do- Minimum

Noise Level

(dB LAeq,24h)

Change in

noise level

(dB)

Altered Road

Requirement Met?

448 Johns Rd 70 67 -2.6 No

420 Johns Road 67 65 -2.1 No

370 Johns Road 69 66 -2.4 No

200 Johns Road 71 68 -3.2 No

9 Traffic flow was split evenly between Northbound and Southbound lanes

10 All noise levels reported are free-field noise levels



As the noise levels in Table 8 show, even though the noise levels at the worst-case positions

will be between 67 and 70 dB LAeq,24h the proposed 4-laning will result in a decrease in noise

levels compared to if no work was done (the Do-Nothing situation).

As a result the “altered road” criteria are not met in this instance and therefore no further

assessment is required under NZS6808.

6.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT

As we have determined that the NZS 6806 Altered Road Criteria is not triggered, no further

assessment is required under NZS6806.

Two properties have existing earth mounds that require modification or removal due to the

new road alignment. We have outlined the effect that these changes will have on noise

levels at these properties

6.1 Noise Level Prediction

Assessment under NZTA Guidelines requires that the proposed road scheme is modelled to

determine if the design noise levels are complied with.

We have been provided with the following traffic data for the existing situation and do-

minimum situation for the design year (2026), which is summarised in Table 4 below. Only

the most significant feeder roads have been included in the noise model.

Table 9: Traffic data for model

Situation Road surface Speed

(km/h)

AADT Heavy Vehicle

Percentage

Existing (2011) Grade 4 chip seal 80 17,500 10%

Design Year (2026) OGPA surface apart from SMA

at intersections

80 32,000 11%

6.2 Modification of Earth Mounds

The two sites with existing earth mounds that will require modification are:

• 432-440 Johns Rd; and

• An ‘empty’ section on the corner of Johns and Wilkinson Road currently owned by a

crematorium.

Under NZS 6806 noise emissions at undeveloped sites are not assessed. We have therefore

not considered the site on the corner of Johns and Wilkinson Road.

Even though the land immediately behind the bund at the 432-440 Johns Road site is

undeveloped, we have investigated the effect of removing the bund as it has the potential

to provide screening to the dwelling located further to the east. Our model shows that the



existing free field noise level at 428 Johns Road (including screening from the earth mound)

is 59 dB LAeq(24 hr). For the design year situation with the earth mound removed, the

predicted free field noise level is 58 dB LAeq (24 hr). As the combination of the earth mound

being removed and new road alignment will result in the noise levels at the dwelling

decreasing by 1 dBA, the proposed 4-laning will not adversely affect this property.

7.0 SUMMARY

Marshall Day Acoustics has conducted a review of potential traffic noise generation

associated with the proposed four-laning of State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Road

and The Groynes.

Our assessment has followed the procedures set out in NZS 6806:2010 “Acoustics - Road-

traffic noise - New and altered roads” which provides noise level criteria for noise sensitive

locations.

Assessment under NZS 6806:2010 has determined that the proposed scheme will not result

in a sufficient change in noise level to be considered an “altered road” due to the use of

OGPA as the do-minimuim scenario. Therefore, no further consideration of noise is required

under the Standard.



APPENDIX A ACOUSTICS TERMINOLOGY

Frequency The number of pressure fluctuation cycles per second of a sound wave.

Measured in units of Hertz (Hz).

Hertz (Hz) Hertz is the unit of frequency. One hertz is one cycle per second.

One thousand hertz is a kilohertz (kHz).

Ambient The ambient noise level is the noise level measured in the absence of the

intrusive noise or the noise requiring control. Ambient noise levels are

frequently measured to determine the situation prior to the addition of a

new noise source.

NZS 6803:1999 New Zealand Standard NZS 6803: 1999 “Acoustics - Construction Noise”

NZS 6806:2010 New Zealand Standard NZS 6806:2010 “Acoustics - Road-traffic noise - New

and altered roads”

dB Decibel – A measurement of sound level expressed as a logarithmic ratio of

sound pressure P relative to a reference pressure of Pr=20 µPa

i.e. dB = 20 x log(P/Pr)

dBA A measurement of sound level which has its frequency characteristics

modified by a filter (A-weighted) so as to more closely approximate the

frequency bias of the human ear.

A-weighting The process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non-linear

frequency response of the human ear.All noise levels are quoted relative to a

sound pressure of 2x10-5

Pa

LAeq (t) The equivalent continuous (time-averaged) A-weighted sound level. This is

commonly referred to as the average noise level. The suffix "t" represents

the time period to which the noise level relates

LAeq(24h) The LAeq noise level measured over a 24-hour period from midnight to

midnight, in dBA.

LAmax The A-weighted maximum noise level. The highest noise level which occurs

during the measurement period.

OGPA Open Graded Porous Asphalt

SMA Sealed Mastic Asphalt

PPV Peak Particle Velocity



APPENDIX B MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

SH1 THE GROYNES TO SAWYERS ARMS - 4 LANING (NZTA 62178)

Construction Noise and Vibration Assessment

Rp003 2010010C

2 April 2012

Level 3 69 Cambridge Terrace

PO Box 4071

Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

T: +64 3 365 8455 F: +64 3 365 8477

www.marshallday.com

Project: SH1 THE GROYNES TO SAWYERS ARMS - 4 LANING (NZTA 62178)

Prepared for: NZTA

c/o MWH

PO Box 13-249

Christchurch 8141

Attention: Mr Murray Keast

Report No.: Rp003 2010010C

Disclaimer

Reports produced by Marshall Day Acoustics Limited are prepared based on the Client’s objective and are based on a

specific scope, conditions and limitations, as agreed between Marshall Day Acoustics and the Client. Information

and/or report(s) prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics may not be suitable for uses other than the original intended

objective. No parties other than the Client should use any information and/or report(s) without first conferring with

Marshall Day Acoustics.

Copyright

The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Marshall Day Acoustics Limited. Use or

copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Marshall Day Acoustics constitutes an

infringement of copyright. Information shall not be assigned to a third party without prior consent.

Document control

Status: Rev: Comments Date: Author: Reviewer:

Client Issue - 2 April 2012 Robbie Blakelock Stuart Camp


Rp 003 2010010C Construction Noise and Vibration Page 3 of 26

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Marshall Day Acoustics has conducted an assessment of construction noise and vibration effects

associated with the proposed four-laning of State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Rd and The

Groynes.

Noise and vibration from construction activities has the potential to impact on adjacent residences

and businesses, however, the impacts can be appropriately mitigated through the development of

a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan.

Overall, we consider that the State Highway 1 four-laning project between Sawyers Arms Rd and

The Groynes can be constructed such that noise and vibration effects can be generally avoided,

remedied or mitigated by developing a comprehensive Construction Noise and Vibration

Management Plan.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 6

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Project Description ................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Construction Programme ........................................................................................................ 6

3.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ........................................................... 7

3.1 New Zealand Construction Noise Standard NZS 6803:1999 ................................................. 7

3.1.1 Noise from Construction excluding Blasting .......................................................................... 7

3.1.2 Night-Time and Sunday Work ................................................................................................. 8

3.2 NZTA Environmental Plan ........................................................................................................ 8

3.3 District Plans ............................................................................................................................. 8

4.0 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION NOISE CRITERIA ............................................................................ 9

5.0 VIBRATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ............................................................................. 10

5.1 Review of vibration standards ............................................................................................... 10

5.2 Draft NZTA vibration guide .................................................................................................... 10

5.3 Resource Management Act ................................................................................................... 11

5.4 District Plans ........................................................................................................................... 12

5.5 NZTA Environmental Plan ...................................................................................................... 12

5.6 National Environmental Standards ....................................................................................... 12

6.0 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION CRITERIA ................................................................. 12

7.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS ............................................................................................. 13

7.1 Typical Construction Noise Levels ......................................................................................... 14

7.2 Potential risk ........................................................................................................................... 14

8.0 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION LEVELS ..................................................................................... 15

8.1 Typical Vibration Levels ......................................................................................................... 15

8.2 Vibration Assessment ............................................................................................................ 16

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................ 17

9.1 Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan ......................................................... 17

10.0 SUMMARY............................................................................................................................... 18

APPENDIX A NZTA BRIEF REQUIREMENTS



APPENDIX B ACOUSTICS TERMINOLOGY

APPENDIX C VIBRATION STANDARDS

APPENDIX D VIBRATION MONITORING

APPENDIX E DRAFT CONSTRUCTION NOISE AND VIBRATION MANAGEMENT PLAN



1.0 INTRODUCTION

Marshall Day Acoustics has been engaged to perform a review of potential construction

noise and vibration effects associated with the construction of the proposed four-laning of

State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Road and The Groynes.

This report has been prepared in response to the requirements of the NZTA project brief

and the applicable noise and vibration requirements of the brief can be found in

Appendix A. An assessment of construction noise has been conducted upon further request

by NZTA. Details of the traffic noise assessment can be found in our Traffic Noise

Assessment report (ref Rp002 2010010C).

This report provides a review of sources of noise generation during the construction phase

and their management.

Acoustical terminology used in this report is provided in Appendix B.

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW

2.1 Project Description

The proposed project encompasses approximately 3.7 km of State Highway 1 between

Sawyers Arms Rd and The Groynes and includes the installation of a raised median and

intersection upgrades at Clearwater Drive (with a roundabout), Gardiners Road (left in/left

out), Greywacke Road (closure of current access) and Wilkinsons Road (roundabout with a

new access to Greywacke Road.

2.2 Construction Programme

The proposed construction sequence is outlined below:

• Site establishment, including temporary traffic management;

• Construction of active and/or passive environmental control measures;

• Site clearance/tree removal and topsoil stripping;

• Service relocation and protection;

• Preparatory earthworks;

• Stormwater drainage construction;

• Construction of pavement and sealing of new carriageway;

• Installation of street furniture (barriers, signs etc); and

• Completing landscaping works.



3.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

3.1 New Zealand Construction Noise Standard NZS 6803:1999

The Construction Noise Standard NZS 6803:1999 contains recommended noise criteria that

are appropriate and applicable to noise from construction operations, excluding blasting.

3.1.1 Noise from Construction excluding Blasting

The recommended construction noise criteria of NZS 6803:1999 are contained in Tables 2

and 3 of the standard, and are reproduced in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

Table 1: Recommended upper limits for construction noise received in residential zones and

dwellings in rural areas (Table 2 from NZS 6803:1999)

Time of

week

Time period Duration of work

Typical duration

(dBA)

Short-term

duration (dBA)

Long-term

duration (dBA)

Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax

Weekdays 0630-0730 60 75 65 75 55 75

0730-1800 75 90 80 95 70 85

1800-2000 70 85 75 90 65 80

2000-0630 45 75 45 75 45 75

Saturdays 0630-0730 45 75 45 75 45 75

0730-1800 75 90 80 95 70 85

1800-2000 45 75 45 75 45 75

2000-0630 45 75 45 75 45 75

Sundays

and public

holidays

0630-0730 45 75 45 75 45 75

0730-1800 55 85 55 85 55 85

1800-2000 45 75 45 75 45 75

2000-0630 45 75 45 75 45 75

Table 2: Recommended upper limits for construction noise received in industrial or commercial

areas for all days of the year (Table 3 from NZS 6803:1999)

Time period Duration of work

Typical duration

(dBA)

Short-term

duration (dBA)

Long-term

duration (dBA)

Leq Leq Leq

0730-1800 75 80 70

1800-0730 80 85 75



The Standard provides for higher noise levels during normal working hours for construction

noise received in residential areas in order to enable normal construction activity to take

place. For commercial and industrial areas, higher noise criteria are allowed during night-

time when it is less likely that persons or business activities would be affected by

construction noise.

The noise criteria of the Standard are widely acknowledged as being appropriate for the

control of construction noise, and compliance with these criteria generally ensures

acceptability of noise generated by construction activities.

3.1.2 Night-Time and Sunday Work

During critical periods, occasional night-time and Sunday construction work will be required

and this will be the time where potential noise disturbance is greatest. Where night-time

noise limits cannot be met, appropriate noise management practices will need to be

employed to minimise potential disturbance.


Section 2.1 of the Transit (NZTA) Environmental Plan refers to “managing and minimising

potentially unreasonable noise effect during construction, so far as is practicable, in

accordance with NZS 6803:1999 ‘Acoustics - Construction Noise.’”

3.3 District Plans

The project lies within the areas administered by the Christchurch City Council.

Whilst the Christchurch City Plan provides noise rules for activities within a range of land use

zones, noise from construction activities are specifically exempt.



4.0 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION NOISE CRITERIA

On the basis of our review of available performance standards, we consider NZS6803 to be

the most appropriate means of assessing and managing construction noise effects. Given

that the proposed construction period will be greater than 20 weeks, the “long term

duration” noise limits are applicable in this instance. The project construction noise limits in

Table 3 and Table 4 are taken from NZS 6803:1999.

Table 3: Project noise limits for construction noise received in residential zones

Time of week Time period “Long-term” duration construction (dBA)

LAeq LAFmax

Weekdays 0630-0730 55 75

0730-1800 70 85

1800-2000 65 80

2000-0630 45 75

Saturdays 0630-0730 45 75

0730-1800 70 85

1800-2000 45 75

2000-0630 45 75

Sundays and public

holidays

0630-0730 45 75

0730-1800 55 85

1800-2000 45 75

2000-0630 45 75

Table 4: Project noise limits for construction noise received in industrial or commercial areas

Time period “Long-term” duration construction

All days of the year dB LAeq

0730-1800 70

1800-0730 75



5.0 VIBRATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

For any significant construction project, two aspects of vibration effects are normally

considered: the potential for damage to buildings, and the human response to vibration.

Whilst vibration levels produced by construction will be higher than for the operation of the

completed road, the construction phase has a finite timeframe and with effective

management (through the implementation of management plans etc), the effects can be

avoided and/or mitigated. In addition to this, the most common concern of receivers during

construction is damage to their buildings which is addressed by the building damage criteria.

5.1 Review of vibration standards

There are no current New Zealand standards specifically relating to construction or traffic

vibration. There is, however, a precedent for adopting selected international vibration

standards which are either referenced by statutory or policy documents (i.e. district plans,

NZTA policy) or have been successfully implemented in other large projects.

The relevant vibration Standards are referenced in the following sections and are outlined in

detail in Appendix C.

5.2 Draft NZTA vibration guide

Consultants within Marshall Day Acoustics have been part of an NZTA working group to

develop a vibration guide for the construction of roading projects, based on the Standards

outlined in Appendix C.

The progressive criteria approach from the road noise Standard NZS 6806:2010 “Acoustics –

Road-traffic noise – New and altered roads, has been adopted for the guide, insofar as there

are two distinct categories which are applied in sequence, depending on the situation.

This guide is a work in progress, and its proposed criteria are included below:

Guide to assessing vibration effects for State highway asset improvement projects

Construction vibration and airblast shall be managed in accordance with the

Category A criteria in Table A.

If measured or predicted vibration and airblast levels exceed the Category A criteria

then a suitably qualified expert shall be engaged to assess and manage construction

vibration and airblast to comply with the Category A criteria as far as practicable.

If construction vibration exceeds the Category B criteria then construction activity

shall only proceed if approved by the [territorial authority] and if there is continuous

monitoring of vibration levels and effects on those buildings at risk of exceeding the

Category B criteria, by suitably qualified experts.



Measurements of construction vibration and airblast shall be in accordance with:

a) ISO 4866:2010 “Mechanical vibration and shock - Vibration of fixed structures -

Guidelines for the measurement of vibrations and evaluation of their effects on

structures”; and

b) AS 2187-2:2006 “Explosives – Storage and use – Part 2: Use of explosives”.

Table A Construction vibration and airblast criteria

Receiver Details Category A Category B

Occupied dwellings Night-time 2000h - 0630h (transient

vibration)

0.3 mm/s PPV 1 mm/s PPV

Daytime 0630h - 2000h 1 mm/s PPV 5 mm/s PPV

Other occupied buildings Daytime 0630h - 2000h 2 mm/s PPV 5 mm/s PPV

All occupied buildings Daytime blasting - vibration

- airblast

5 mm/s PPV

120 dB LZPeak*2

10 mm/s PPV

-

All other buildings Vibration – transient (including

blasting)

5 mm/s PPV

BS 5228-2*2

Table B.2

Vibration – continuous BS 5228-2*1

50% of Table B.2

values

Airblast - 133 dB LZPeak*2

*1 BS 5228-2:2009 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 2: Vibration”

*2 ‘dB LZPeak’ is the current terminology for peak decibels Linear or ‘dBL’. The reference sound pressure is 20 µPa.

If there are historic/vibration sensitive buildings or multi-storey buildings near to the

construction works then individual assessment should be made and where

appropriate additional criteria should be added to the designation conditions in

accordance with DIN 4150/BS 5228.

If there is a history of foundation settlement in the vicinity of the proposed

construction works, the above vibration criteria may not be adequate to prevent

vibration induced foundation settlement. In such situations, expert advice should be

sought from a geotechnical engineer as to what site specific vibration limits should

apply. Non-cohesive soils, such as uniformly graded sand or silt, are particularly

vulnerable to dynamically induced settlement.”

5.3 Resource Management Act

Under the provisions of the Resource Management Act (RMA) there is a duty to adopt the

best practicable option to ensure that the noise from any development does not exceed a

reasonable level. The definition of noise in the RMA includes vibration.

Specifically, Sections 16 and 17 reference ‘noise’ effects as follows.



Section 16 states that “every occupier of land (including any coastal marine area), and every

person carrying out an activity, shall adopt the best practicable option to ensure that the

emission of noise from that land or water does not exceed a reasonable level”.

Section 17 states that “every person has a duty to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any adverse

effect on the environment arising from an activity, whether or not the activity is in

accordance with a rule in a plan, a resource consent or relevant sections of the RMA”.

5.4 District Plans

The Christchurch City Plan contains no criteria, nor reference to standards relating to

construction vibration.


Section 2.12 of the NZTA Environmental Plan (June 2008) addresses noise and vibration

effects of State Highways, and the construction and maintenance thereof. .

The Environmental Plan references a number of vibration standards, however, the most

appropriate to the construction noise vibration is DIN4150 which is referred to in

Section 5.2. The Plan also states: “Manage and minimise potentially unreasonable noise

effects during construction, so far as is practicable, in accordance with NZS 6803:1999

‘Acoustics – Construction Noise”. This standard has been previously discussed in Section 3.1.

5.6 National Environmental Standards

Whilst there is no National Environmental Standard (NES) to control noise and vibration

from construction works or traffic operation, we note that the NES for Electricity

Transmission Activities contains reference to DIN 4150-3:1999 in clause 37.3, in relation to

vibration control of construction activities relating to existing transmission lines.

6.0 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION CRITERIA

Based on the above discussion, we propose that the draft NZTA vibration guidelines (refer

Section 5.2) form the basis for the project construction vibration criteria. The draft guide

adopts criteria from DIN 4150-3:1999 and BS 5228-2:2009 (refer Appendix C) in a

management-based framework designed to address both human response and building

damage effects. The guide applies to both construction vibration and airblast from blasting,

so has been reduced and revised as appropriate to form the Project construction criteria, as

follows:

Category A: adopts criteria from British Standard BS 5228-2:2009 and is designed to

practically address the human response effects in dwellings during the

daytime and night-time periods, and offices during the daytime. For other

building types, and offices during the night-time (i.e. unoccupied), the policy

reverts to the residential building damage criterion from German Standard

DIN 4150-3:1999.



If measured or predicted vibration levels exceed the Category A criteria then a suitably

qualified expert shall be engaged to assess and manage construction vibration and to

comply with the Category A criteria. If the Category A criteria cannot be practicably

achieved, the Category B criteria shall be applied.

Category B: is generally designed to protect buildings against damage and adopts criteria

from DIN 4150-3:1999 and BS 5228-2:2009, but retains a higher degree of

night-time protection for occupied dwellings at night using human response

criteria of BS 5228-2:2009.

If measured or predicted vibration levels exceed the Category B criteria then construction

activity shall only proceed if there is continuous monitoring of vibration levels and effects on

those buildings at risk of exceeding the Category B criteria by suitably qualified experts.

Table 5 is a reduced version of Table A from the draft policy (refer Section 5.2), with aspects

not relevant to the Project removed, and some clarification of terms added.

Table 5: Project construction vibration criteria

Receiver Details Category A Category B

Occupied dwellings* Night-time 2000h - 0630h 0.3 mm/s PPV 1 mm/s PPV


Other occupied

buildings**


All other buildings Vibration – continuous*** 5 mm/s PPV 50% of Line 2 values

in Table B.2 of

BS 5228-2:2009

* Schools, hospitals, rest homes etc. would fall under the occupied dwellings category.

** ‘Other occupied buildings’ is intended to include daytime workplaces such as offices, community

centres etc., not industrial buildings.

*** This line addresses ‘continuous’ or ‘long-term’ vibration (as opposed to ‘transient’ or ‘short-term’

vibration – refer Appendix B1 for definitions) as there is no construction machinery proposed which

produces transient vibration. The 50% modifier to values in Table B.2 of BS 5228-2:2009 is

recommended in that Standard for continuous vibration sources.

7.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS

The construction of the proposed project will require the use of large mobile mechanical

equipment and processes that are likely to generate elevated levels of noise at the nearest

residences. As such, there are likely to be some temporary noise impacts over the

construction phase of the project. Similarly, activities such as piling or vibratory compaction

have the potential to generate noticeable levels of vibration.



In general, there are only a few dwellings along the length of the SH1 alignment between

Sawyers Arms Road and The Groynes that are closer than 20 metres, however there is likely

to be construction work right up to the residential boundaries.

Construction noise and vibration impacts can be minimised through appropriate

management and planning.

7.1 Typical Construction Noise Levels

In Table 6 we have provided a number of typical noise sources associated with road

construction along with predicted noise levels at a distance of 20 and 200 metres.

Table 6: Typical construction noise levels

Typical construction sources Sound pressure level dB LAeq at distance:

20m 200m

Vibration piling rig 86 66

Auger drilling rig 79 59

Vibrodisplacement & compaction 74 54

On road trucks 66 46

Water cart 73 53

Kerbing machine 67 47

Concrete trucks 69 49

Concrete pumps 72 52

Concrete vibrator 80 60

Crane 75 55

Hydraulic Pumps 73 53

Hydraulic winches 71 51

Generator 71 51

Grinder 87 67

Segment carrier 66 46

7.2 Potential risk

The data in Table 6 indicates that some construction equipment operating at a distance of

20 metres has the potential to generate noise levels in excess of the nominal 70 dB LAeq

daytime construction noise limits set out in Section 4.0. However, the provision of a noise

control fence or localised screens could reduce these values by around 10 dBA.

A thorough assessment of potentially affected dwellings will need to be conducted during

the detailed design phase of the project. There may be some situations where, because of



the close proximity of dwellings to construction works, compliance with the construction

noise limits cannot be practicably achieved for some periods of time. In these circumstances

it will be necessary to formulate, in consultation with affected residents, alternative

strategies to achieve acceptable outcomes for them.

8.0 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION LEVELS

The Project’s construction phase will involve the use of heavy machinery operating for

periods in relatively close proximity to some sensitive buildings such as residences. Night-

time construction may be required in some areas. Throughout the construction phase,

vibration effects must be carefully managed.

The sources that have been identified as the highest risk for building damage from

construction vibration are vibratory rollers and piling. Other construction machinery and

activities such as trucks, excavators, etc. will produce ground vibration also. Prior experience

has shown that these activities can give rise to adverse effects (particularly adverse human

response).

The use of excavators for standard cut and fill operations does not typically produce with

high vibration levels.

In Section 8.1 we have predicted typical vibration levels for this project, however, these

results are provisional and must be refined and supported by site-specific measurements

and predictions once construction planning commences.

For crucial activities, such as vibratory compacting and piling where large vibration energy is

typically produced, test measurements of the initial works are recommended. As the

number of on-site measurements increases, the models can be refined to allow more

accurate prediction of the subsequent construction stages and improved controls can be

achieved.

8.1 Typical Vibration Levels

The effects of construction vibration involve large variables, predominantly with regard to

different construction methods, vibration source energies, variable ground type and the

behaviour of vibration waves through an inhomogeneous medium. Additional variables

include, but are not limited to, machine type (and consequently the energy delivered into

the ground), operating mode, operator skill, and the presence of submerged solid objects

(e.g. boulders).

In Table 7 we have provided a range of typical vibration levels based on Marshall Day

Acoustics’ historical measurements and published data.



Table 7: Measured vibration levels

Typical construction sources Measured vibration level (PPV) Distance

Vibratory sheet piling 0.62mm/s 19m

Impact piling 2.7mm/s 28m

1 mm/s 35m

Vibratory compactors/rollers 1.5 - 2.4 mm/s 20m

The data in Table 7 indicates that these activities have the potential to exceed the project

vibration criteria (see Table 5) if they were to occur relatively close to dwellings, particularly

at night.

Therefore, as part of the review of vibration generation, particular attention should be given

to the dwellings within 50m of the construction activities.

8.2 Vibration Assessment

Given the proximity of both the existing and proposed road alignment to existing dwellings,

appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that the effects of vibration are minimised

during the construction and operational phases.

Construction vibration management practices may include:

• Establishing appropriate buffer distances for vibration sensitive locations;

• Controlling the hours of operation of vibration sources (e.g. vibratory rollers,

excavators);

• Use of alternative construction methods to reduce vibration levels where

necessary;and

• Vibration monitoring during critical periods.



9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan

We recommend that a ’Construction Noise & Vibration Management Plan’ (CNVMP) should

be formulated to detail, as far as is practicable, the manner in which construction noise and

vibration would be managed to achieve compliance with the relevant limits. In

circumstances where compliance cannot be readily achieved, the CNVMP should describe

the methods by which alternative strategies would be implemented.

As a guide, the scope of the CNVMP might include the following:

• Baseline noise and vibration monitoring at sensitive locations along the proposed

scheme;

• The construction noise and vibration limits which apply to particular areas based on

the criteria discussed in Section 4.0 and Section 6.0;

• Construction programme;

• Machinery and equipment to be utilised;

• Times and days when noisy construction work would occur;

• Identification of construction activities that have the potential to generate significant

vibration;

• The use of traffic noise barriers for construction noise mitigation;

• The design of noise mitigation measures such as barriers or enclosures, where

required;

• The development of alternative strategies where compliance cannot be achieved,

including consultation with residents and other occupiers to achieve acceptable

outcomes;

• Monitoring and reporting of construction noise and vibration levels at critical

locations;

• Methods for receiving and responding to complaints about construction noise and

vibration.

The development of such a plan would be undertaken when detailed engineering plans have

been produced and a contractor appointed. The NZTA has developed a rigorous approach

to managing construction noise and vibration. A draft CNVMP is available for download from

the NZTA website and an example is provided in Appendix D.



10.0 SUMMARY

Marshall Day Acoustics has conducted a review of potential noise and vibration generation

associated with the proposed four-laning of State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Road

and The Groynes.

We consider that construction noise effects will be appropriately controlled through the

implementation of the recommended “long term duration”noise limits contained within

NZS 6803: 1999 “Acoustics - Construction Noise”.

As part of the NZTA working group working to develop a guide of appropriate construction

vibration criteria, we recommend that the vibration limits set out in Section 6.0 are adopted

for the project.

Once the detailed design progresses to an appropriate point and the proposed construction

methodology is known, a review of construction noise and vibration generation should be

performed. This will assist with the development of appropriate construction methodology

and will identify where mitigation measures will be required.

Details relating to the project criteria, construction equipment, mitigation measures and

monitoring requirements should be formulated into a Construction Noise and Vibration

Management Plan (CNVMP).

Overall, we consider that the four-laning of State Highway 1 between Sawyers Arms Road

and The Groynes project can constructed such that noise and vibration effects can be

generally avoided, remedied or be mitigated.



APPENDIX A NZTA BRIEF REQUIREMENTS

The NZTA has requested that the noise and vibration aspects of the proposed four-laning

are addressed as follows:

“…2.1.19 Vibration Testing

The Consultant shall undertake a comprehensive vibration assessment in premises

adjacent to the project. The findings shall be used to provide a baseline against which

assessments can be made of any perceived or actual impacts of any vibration

generated during construction or in situations where elevated levels of traffic

vibration are claimed.

The pavement design shall include appropriate design measures to remedy and/or

mitigate any potential adverse vibration effects and to minimise excessive traffic or

construction vibration….”

“…2.1.20 Noise Assessment

The Consultant shall undertake a noise assessment to update and establish current

ambient noise levels and consider the effects on completion of the project, and

whether these are likely to exceed the NZTA noise guideline levels. The Consultant

shall identify and implement opportunities for mitigation of noise effects. Two

property owners have constructed bunds on land designated for road widening

between Gardiners Road and Wilkinsons Road. These have restoration agreements

and are required to be removed on notice. However their removal may result in a

noise issue and the Consultant is required to consider mitigation of noise effects in

this area.

Where traffic lanes for the four lane design are to be located closer to any road

boundary and residential buildings in particular the Consultant shall also take

particular consideration of any potential issues in relation to noise and noise

reduction….”



APPENDIX B ACOUSTICS TERMINOLOGY

Frequency The number of pressure fluctuation cycles per second of a sound wave.

Measured in units of Hertz (Hz).

Hertz (Hz) Hertz is the unit of frequency. One hertz is one cycle per second.

One thousand hertz is a kilohertz (kHz).

SPL or LP Sound Pressure Level

A logarithmic ratio of a sound pressure measured at distance, relative to the

threshold of hearing (20 µPa RMS) and expressed in decibels.

dB Decibel

The unit of sound level.

Expressed as a logarithmic ratio of sound pressure P relative to a reference

pressure of Pr=20 µPa i.e. dB = 20 x log(P/Pr)

dBA The unit of sound level which has its frequency characteristics modified by a

filter (A-weighted) so as to more closely approximate the frequency bias of

the human ear.

A-weighting The process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non-linear

frequency response of the human ear.

LAeq (t) The equivalent continuous (time-averaged) A-weighted sound level. This is

commonly referred to as the average noise level.

The suffix "t" represents the time period to which the noise level relates, e.g.

(8 h) would represent a period of 8 hours, (15 min) would represent a period

of 15 minutes and (2200-0700) would represent a measurement time

between 10 pm and 7 am.

LAmax The A-weighted maximum noise level. The highest noise level which occurs

during the measurement period.

NZS 6801:2008 New Zealand Standard NZS 6801:2008 “Acoustics – Measurement of

environmental sound”

NZS 6802:2008 New Zealand Standard NZS 6802:2008 “Acoustics – Environmental Noise”

NZS 6803:1999 New Zealand Standard NZS 6803: 1999 “Acoustics - Construction Noise”

NZS 6806:2010 New Zealand Standard NZS 6806:2010 “Acoustics - Road-traffic noise - New

and altered roads”



APPENDIX C VIBRATION STANDARDS

C1 DIN 4150-3:1999

The use of German Standard DIN 4150-3:1999 “Structural vibration – Part 3: Effects of vibration on

structures” is widespread in New Zealand and it has a history of successful implementation in

projects involving construction activities.

The Standard adopts the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) metric and gives guideline values which,

“when complied with, will not result in damage that will have an adverse effect on the structure’s

serviceability.”

The guideline values are different depending on the vibration source, and are separated on the

basis of short-term and long-term vibration. The standard defines short-term vibration as

“vibration which does not occur often enough to cause structural fatigue and which does not

produce resonance in the structure being evaluated”. Long-term vibration is defined as all other

types of vibration not covered by the definition of short-term vibration.

Pragmatically, the short-term vibration definition applies to activities which follow the form of a

single shock followed by a period of rest such as blasting, drop hammer pile-driving (i.e. non-

vibratory), dynamic consolidation etc. All other construction activities (including the majority of

those proposed for this Project) would be categorised as long-term.

Traffic may be categorised as either short-term or long-term, depending on the nature of the

vibration. Vibration from consistent (but rough) road surface may be long-term, whereas a road

with a bump in the pavement may generate a short-term vibration event.

The criteria for short-term and long-term vibration activities, as received by different building types,

are summarised in Table C.1 below which is a combination of Tables 1 and 3 of the Standard:

Table C.1: Summary of Building Damage criteria in DIN 4150-3:1999

Type of structure Short-term vibration Long-term

vibration

PPV at the foundation at a frequency of PPV at horizontal

plane of highest

floor (mm/s)

PPV at horizontal

plane of highest floor

(mm/s) 1 - 10Hz

(mm/s)

10 - 50 Hz

(mm/s)

50 - 100 Hz

(mm/s)

Commercial/Industrial 20 20 – 40 40 – 50 40 10

Residential/School 5 5 – 15 15 – 20 15 5

Historic or sensitive structures 3 3 – 8 8 – 10 8 2.5

The standard also contains criteria for buried pipework of different materials and the effects of

vibration on floor serviceability, as well as guidelines for measurement of vibration in buildings i.e.

placement and orientation of the transducers.



These criteria are designed to avoid all damage to buildings i.e. even superficial damage like

cracking in plaster. Less stringent requirements would be applied for damage to structural

foundations.

C2 BS 6472-1:2008

The British Standard BS 6472-1:2008 “Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in

buildings – Part 1: Vibration sources other than blasting” is not widely adopted in New Zealand, but

has advantages in the assessment of operational vibration effects due to its dose-response metric

Vibration Dose Value (VDV).

VDV is calculated from the frequency-weighted vibration acceleration (weighted according to the

Wb or Wd curves for vertical and horizontal acceleration respectively), which is integrated over the

day or night time period. Table 1 of the Standard contains VDV ranges which may result in adverse

comment in residential buildings, and is copied in Table C.2 below:

Table C.2 Vibration dose value ranges which might result in various probabilities of adverse

comment within residential buildings

Place and time Low probability of

adverse comment ms-1.75

Adverse comment

possible ms-1.75

Adverse comment

probable ms-1.75

Residential buildings 16 h day 0.2 to 0.4 0.4 to 0.8 0.8 to 1.6

Residential buildings 8 h night 0.1 to 0.2 0.2 to 0.4 0.4 to 0.8

NOTE For offices and workshops, multiplying factors of 2 and 4 respectively should be applied to the above vibration dose value ranges for a 16 h day.”

There is however some controversy surrounding the use and usability of VDV. Its calculation

method is complex and results in values with the rather cumbersome units of ms-1.75

. Additionally,

for continuous vibration (such as motorway traffic), the “estimated VDV” metric eVDV is

recommended in place of VDV. The correlation between VDV and eVDV for the same data set is

variable, and relies heavily on the event period used in the calculation.

The Institute of Acoustics (UK) has undertaken comparison studies of the two parameters, and

concludes that eVDV is generally a reliable estimate of VDV provided the crest factors for transient

signals are calculated correctly, and that the constant 1.4 in the eVDV equation is not necessarily

correct and should be derived for a given signal (e.g. a value of 1.11 should be used for a sinusoidal

signal) (Greer et al, 2005).

This Standard is not known to have been adopted in New Zealand.

C3 BS 7385-2:1993

The second part of the BS 7385 series – BS 7385-2:1993 “Evaluation and measurement for vibration

in buildings – Part 2. Guide to damage levels from groundborne vibration” sets vibration limits for

building structures based on an extensive review of international case histories. The introduction

states that despite the large number of UK case studies involved in the review, “very few cases of

vibration-induced damage were found”.



The criteria, also in PPV, are contained in Table 1 of the Standard, which is copied in Table C.3

below:

Table C.3 – Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damage in BS 7385-2:1993

Line Type of building Peak component particle velocity in frequency

range of predominant pulse

4 Hz to 15 Hz 15 Hz and above

1 Reinforced or framed structures

Industrial and heavy commercial buildings

50 mm/s at 4 Hz and above

2 Unreinforced or light framed structures

Residential or light commercial type

buildings

15 mm/s at 4 Hz

increasing to 20 mm/s

at 15 Hz

20 mm/s at 15 Hz

increasing to 50 mm/s

at 40 Hz and above

NOTE 1. Values referred to are at the base of the building (see 6.3)

NOTE 2. For line 2, at frequencies below 4 Hz, a maximum displacement of 0.6 mm (zero to peak) should not be

exceeded.

These criteria relate predominantly to transient vibration, and the standard suggests that the

criteria “may need to be reduced by up to 50%”, especially at low frequencies. Notwithstanding

this, the criteria are 3 to 10 times higher (i.e. less stringent) than those in DIN 4150-3:1999.

Note that there is no consideration for historic or sensitive structures in the above table. This is

addressed in Section 7.5.2 which states:

“7.5.2 Important buildings

Important buildings which are difficult to repair may require special consideration on a

case-by-case basis. A building of historical value should not (unless it is structurally

unsound) be assumed to be more sensitive.”

Note that ‘peak component particle velocity’ refers to the maximum PPV of the three orthogonal

axes (longitudinal, transverse or vertical), also known as peak vector sum (PVS).

This approach to historic structures is quite different to that of the DIN 4150-3:1999 Standard which

is less definitive with its definition of such buildings and more stringent in its criteria.

C4 BS 5228-2:2009

The British Standard BS 5228-2:2009 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on

construction and open sites – Part 2: Vibration” is a comprehensive standard covering many aspects

of prediction, measurement, assessment and control of vibration from construction works.

In terms of vibration criteria, this Standard contains references to, and reiterates the criteria from

BS 6472 (human response) and BS 7385 (building damage).

However Annex B of the Standard addresses human response to construction vibration and

suggests that BS 6472 may not be appropriate. It states:



“BS 6472, as stated, provides guidance on human response to vibration in buildings.

Whilst the assessment of the response to vibration in BS 6472 is based on the VDV and

weighted acceleration, for construction it is considered more appropriate to provide

guidance in terms of the PPV, since this parameter is likely to be more routinely

measured based on the more usual concern over potential building damage.

Furthermore, since many of the empirical vibration predictors yield a result in terms of

PPV, it is necessary to understand what the consequences might be of any predicted

levels in terms of human perception and disturbance.”

Some guidance is given in Table B.2 of the Standard, reproduced in Table C.4 below:

Table C.4 Guidance on the effects of vibration levels in BS 5228-2:2009

Vibration level (PPV) Effect

0.14 mm/s Vibration might be just perceptible in the most sensitive situations for

most vibration frequencies associated with construction. At lower

frequencies, people are less sensitive to vibration.

0.3 mm/s Vibration might be just perceptible in residential environments

1.0 mm/s It is likely that vibration of this level in residential environments will cause

complaint, but can be tolerated if prior warning and explanation has

been given to residents.

10 mm/s Vibration is likely to be intolerable for any more than a very brief

exposure to this level.

The use of PPV is a pragmatic approach to construction vibration assessment and the criteria in

Table C.1 are considered suitable for assessment of human response to construction vibration

effects. Furthermore, the criteria have a reasonable correlation with DIN 4150-3:1999 in terms of

the level of concern expected with regard to building damage.

The primary issue relating to construction vibration is damage to buildings and although people

may become concerned at levels above 1 mm/s PPV, in the context of a project, this effect can be

managed through communication with concerned residents and other mitigation strategies

outlined in project specific construction management plans.



APPENDIX D VIBRATION MONITORING

In order to provide an existing baseline, vibration levels were measured at three properties (where

noise measurements were conducted). These were:

• 184 Johns Road;

• 448 Johns Road; and

• 390 Johns Road.

Measurements were collected using an Instantel Minimate Pro with ground mounted vibration

transducers. Vibration levels were measured simultaneously in three orthogonal axes for a

sufficient duration to capture a number of heavy vehicle passes.

The results of our measurements van be summarised as follows:

• Most of the data collected was at or close to the lowest measurement range of the

instrumentation.

• Vibration levels at 184 and 448 Johns Road, which are both set back approximately 30m from

the carriageway, were typically below 0.35 mm/s PPV.

• At 390 Johns Road (set back 40m from the road) were typically below 0.25mm/s PPV.

• These values are significantly less than the building damage criteria from DIN4150.



APPENDIX E DRAFT CONSTRUCTION NOISE AND VIBRATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

(following pages) downloaded from http://acoustics.nzta.govt.nz/tools/templates

http://acoustics.nzta.govt.nz/tools/templates

Insert company or project logo: � right aligned on the page � middle aligned with NZTA logo

Construction noise management plan [click and type project name]

[click and type date of issue]

[click and type document reference]

Page i

Construction noise management plan

Record of amendment

Amendment

number

Description of change Effective date Updated by

Contents

Introduction 3

Contact details 3

Project overview 3

Construction methodology 3

Timeframe 3

Location plan 3

Criteria 3

Hours of operation 3

Affected persons 3

Assessment locations 3

Stakeholder engagement 3

Noise sources 3

Mitigation 3

Schedules 3

Monitoring 3

Complaints 3

Documentation 3

File 3

Web site 3

Reporting 3

Construction noise induction 3

20 February 2010

[This is a template that may be used to help prepare a project specific construction noise management

plan.

All notes in square brackets should be deleted or edited and should not form part of the plan without

modification.

In many cases, parts of this draft plan will be included in the overall construction management plan or

environmental management plan for the project. In those instances the construction noise management

plan should simply include a reference to where the information is located. Further information on

preparing a construction noise management plan and examples of plans will be provided on

www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz.

Template version 1.0, February 2010]

Introduction This construction noise management plan details noise limits, predicted levels, mitigation measures,

monitoring requirements, and communication and complaint procedures, for:

• State Highway: [click and type SH number]

• Project: [click and type project name]

• Construction location: [click and type location]

• Construction start date: [click and type date]

• Construction finish date: [click and type date]

• Designation number: [click and type designation reference(s)]

• NZTA CSVue permit number: [click and type CSVue permit number(s)]

[CSVue can be found at www.csvue.com 3 contact Georgina Cranswick ([email protected])

for help with this system and log3on information]

The objective of this plan is to provide a framework for construction noise management to ensure that

noise levels at neighbouring buildings remain within reasonable limits throughout the works.

Contact details

Role Name Organisation Phone Email

Client NZTA

Engineer

Acoustics advisor

Contractor

Contractor's acoustics

advisor

Council – Noise/

Environmental Health

Public complaint

contact number

[click and type name of responsible person 3 normally contractor] will be responsible for ensuring that this

construction noise management plan is correctly implemented. He/she will review all documentation

relating to construction noise before it is issued.


All site personnel will be required to read and sign the construction noise induction form appended to this

plan and any relevant schedules. If required, specific training will be provided for site personnel.

20 February 2010

Project overview [click and add a brief description of the project]

Construction methodology

[click and add a brief description of the construction methodology]

Timeframe

[click and add outline details of the proposed timeframe for the major works 3 if appropriate attach a full

programme]

Location plan

[Insert an aerial photograph showing the project area and locations of key construction activities including

staging areas.

Aerial photographs can be copied from the NZTA Spatial Viewer 3 https://spatialviewer.nzta.govt.nz/]


Criteria The following conditions relating to construction noise apply to these works:

[click and type/insert applicable designation conditions]

In summary, the following limits apply at [one metre from the façades of the nearest neighbours]:

Day Time LAeq(1h)

LAFmax

Weekdays 0630h 3 0730h [level] dB [level] dB

0730h 3 1800h [level] dB [level] dB



Saturday 0630h 3 0730h [level] dB [level] dB




Sundays and public

holidays





[click and type details of any circumstances where the noise limits cannot be achieved such as night

works. If so, detail:

• the justification for breaching the limits,

• the agreement reached with council, and

• alternative limits to be adopted.

Provision for any such variation from the limits should have been addressed in the Notice of Requirement.

Contact Rob Hannaby ([email protected]) for further assistance]

Hours of operation

To comply with the above conditions, work at the site will only be conducted on [weekdays and Saturdays]

between [click and type morning start time] and [click and type evening finish time].

[click and type any exceptions]

20 February 2010

Affected persons [click and add a brief description of the area around the works site: predominantly residential or

commercial? any schools, hospitals?…etc]

Assessment locations

The following locations have been identified as the controlling points for construction noise.

Reference Address Building type/comments Distance to works

The assessment locations are shown on the following figure.

[Insert an aerial photograph with each of the assessment locations marked.

Aerial photographs can be copied from the NZTA Spatial Viewer 3 https://spatialviewer.nzta.govt.nz/]


Stakeholder engagement A key aspect of this construction noise management plan is stakeholder engagement. The site contact for

the public for the duration of the works will be [click and type name]. There will be the following

communication with the community regarding construction noise issues:

[The following communication measures need to be customised to the particular project.

The specific measures should be consistent with the NZ Transport Agency Public Engagement Policy and

Guidelines Document, http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/public3engagement3manual/docs/pem3

part1.pdf

Examples of project stakeholder communications relating to construction noise will be provided on

www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz.]

• There will always be a contact person available on site, and their contact details will be prominently

displayed at the entrance to the site so that they are clearly visible to the public.

• Prior to the works a newsletter or similar will be distributed to all neighbours within at least 100

metres of the works. The newsletter will provide contact details and will detail the overall nature of the

works. The same information will also be published in an advertisement in a local newspaper.

• Individual notification will be provided and meetings offered to all neighbours within 50 metres of the

works. For any neighbours within approximately 20 metres of the works individual consultation will be

continued throughout the works.

• Further information will be regularly provided to all neighbours with an update on the progress of the

works, and the specific activities (including locations) due to be undertaken next. This may be provided

by newsletters or possibly by email. Updates will be provided every two or three months.

• Prior to any particularly noisy processes identified in a construction noise management schedule, the

nearest affected neighbours will be contacted individually. Neighbours will be informed of the

proposed timing of the specific works and where practicable any times which are particularly sensitive

for neighbours will be avoided.

20 February 2010

Noise sources The following table lists all significant equipment proposed to be used on the site. The sound level for

each item of equipment has been estimated from library data in British Standard BS 522831:2009 [click

and type other data sources used]. During initial site noise monitoring the validity of this data will be

confirmed and adjusted where necessary for the major items of equipment.

Equipment Model Type Estimated

LAeq

at 10 m

Data reference

[e.g. Front end loader] [e.g. Komatsu WA40] [e.g. 4 Tonne] [e.g. 76 dB] [e.g. BS 5228 c6.34]

The following table shows the key activities likely to generate significant noise, and shows the

approximate duration of the activity and the equipment that is likely to be used.

Task Activities Duration of task Equipment

[e.g. Mobilisation] [e.g. Install site sheds, surveys, and

clear site]

[e.g. 7 days] [e.g. Pump/generator

Tracked crane]


Mitigation Indicative calculations have been conducted for the main items of equipment based on the outline

construction methodology and minimum distances to the nearest neighbours. On this basis the following

general noise control measures have been identified as likely to be required to maintain compliance with

the construction noise limits and conform to good practice:

Equipment/process General noise control measures

[See www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz for details of typical mitigation measures under menu:

Management/Construction/Mitigation]

Schedules For each significant activity/location within 50 metres of neighbours a separate schedule will be prepared.

The schedule will identify the potentially affected neighbours and confirm the proposed methodology and

equipment to be used.

Predictions of construction noise will be made using the calculator on www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz. These

calculations will be used to identify where specific mitigation measures are required, which will be

recorded in the schedule.

The schedule will detail any specific monitoring or communication requirements.

The schedule will be read and signed by all site personnel involved in the work, prior to the activity

commencing.

20 February 2010

Monitoring Noise monitoring shall be conducted by the following staff in accordance with NZS 6801:2008 and NZS

6803:1999, using the NZTA construction monitoring survey sheet and procedures

(www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz).

Trained noise monitoring staff:

• [click and type name(s)]

[Noise monitoring will be conducted using the dedicated sound level meter kit detailed below which will

be stored in [click and type equipment storage location] for the duration of the project.] The calibrator will

be verified by an accredited laboratory annually and the sound level meter and microphone biannually.

Equipment Make Model Serial Last verification

Sound level meter [click and type date]

Software [click and type date]

Microphone [click and type date]

Calibrator [click and type date]

Wind shield

Tripod

Other

[The following monitoring requirements need to be customised to the particular project]

Monitoring will be conducted as follows,

When the works start to verify the sound levels assumed for each of the major items of equipment, and to

assess the effectiveness of noise control measures and implementation of this plan.

• At regular intervals during the works, at least every two weeks, to check ongoing compliance with the

construction noise limits.

• During critical phases of construction, such as during the use of heavy earth moving machinery, rock

breaking, and other noisy activities within 50 metres of neighbours.

• As required by a construction noise management schedule.

Following each noise survey, the results will be reported on the NZTA survey report template and any

issues discovered will be investigated. Results will be recorded on the project web page on



Complaints The following procedure shall be followed for all noise complaints:

1. All noise complaints should be immediately directed to [click and type name].

2. As soon as the complaint is received it will be recorded on the project web page on


3. An initial response will be made and recorded on the project web page. Depending on the nature of

the complaint the initial response could be to immediately cease the activity pending investigation,

or to replace an item of equipment. However, in some cases it might not be practicable to provide

immediate relief. The complainant and council will be informed of actions taken. Contact details for

council are recorded in the Introduction section of this plan.

4. Where the initial response does not address the complaint, further investigation, corrective action

and follow3up monitoring shall be undertaken as appropriate. The complainant [and council] will be

informed of actions taken.

5. All actions will be recorded on the project web page and the complaint will then be closed.

20 February 2010

Documentation

File

A construction noise management file will be held by [click and type name] and kept [click and type file

location]. All electronic files relating to construction noise will be kept in: [click and type computer

directory name]. The construction noise management file will contain the following sections:

• Section 1 – Construction noise management plans

– This Construction Noise Management Plan and any revisions

– Construction Noise Management Schedules

– Construction noise induction sheets

• Section 2 – Consultation and complaints registers

• Section 3 – Noise monitoring

– Site survey sheets and associated aerial photographs

– Site survey summary sheet

– Survey reports

– Survey and equipment operating procedures

– Current and past equipment kit details and calibration summary

– Copies of calibration certificates

• Section 4 – Mitigation register

Web site

The following information will also be recorded on the project construction noise web page on

www.acoustics.nzta.govt.nz:

• This Construction Noise Management Plan and any revisions,

• Construction Noise Management Schedules,

• Noise survey results, and

• Complaints.

The project area on this web site will be administered by [click and type name]. It will be made accessible

to the following people listed in the contacts table in the Introduction of this plan: [click and type list of

names]

Reporting

As required by designation condition [click and type condition reference], the following information will be

provided to [click and type designated council officer] as listed in the contacts table in the Introduction of

this plan, within the timeframes stated. [Usually only some of this information will be required and the

table should be edited accordingly]

Information Timeframe

Construction Noise Management Plan At least one week before works commence

Construction Noise Management Schedules At least one week before specific works commence

Noise survey report Within one week of monitoring

Noise complaint initial report Within twenty3four hours


Noise complaint closed Within one week of closing complaint

This information will all be sent by email with files in pdf format to: [click and type email address]

Construction noise induction Project: [click and type project name]

There are several residential and commercial neighbours in close proximity to the works, where noise

limits apply. To ensure limits are achieved, all staff are responsible for good noise management.

[The following management controls need to be customised to the particular project]

1. When arriving at work, please drive slowly on site and keep revs to a minimum. Keep stereos off

and do not slam doors.

2. No shouting or swearing on site. Either walk over and talk to somebody or use a radio/phone.

3. Be careful with tools and equipment. Place them down and do not drop them.

4. Do not drag materials on the ground. Place them down when you arrive at the work area.

5. Equipment and vehicles should not be left running when not in use.

6. When loading trucks try not to drop material from a height. Load softer material at the bottom.

7. Noise enclosures should always have all doors/hatches closed when the equipment is in use.

8. Stationary equipment such as pumps and generators should be located away from neighbours.

9. All equipment is to be well maintained.

10. No noisy works shall be conducted outside the hours of 0730h to 1800h Monday to Saturday (and

no work at all shall be conducted outside the hours of 0630h to 2000h).

[For many projects night works are essential as lane closures are not possible during the day due to high

traffic volumes. In such cases this management control would not be appropriate.]

11. If you see anything/anyone making unnecessary noise then stop it/them. If the source cannot be

stopped then report it to [click and type name].

12. It is essential that good relationships are maintained with the local community. Any queries from

members of the public should be responded to politely and referred to [click and type name]. Staff

shall assist the public to make contact with this person. Staff shall not enter into debate or argue

with members of the public.

13. No potentially noisy work is to be conducted until all staff involved in the task have read and signed

the Construction Noise Management Schedule for that task.

Name Company Signed Date

20 February 2010

sh1 the groynes to sawyers arms - 4 laning (nzta...

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