Monitoring the surroundings

SOCOTEC conducts its vibration measurements in accordance with the BRL 5023 assessment guideline “Measuring vibrations”. Measuring in accordance with the KOMO BRL 5023 assessment guideline means that all the measurements are carried out in accordance with the highest quality standards. The equipment is calibrated every year. A third, official party tests and checks the measurements carried out. This offers clients certainty and a reliable, high-quality product. 

Noise measurement

During building work in inner cities, the area is subjected to construction noise. This can inconvenience those in the vicinity, for example homes, schools and companies. In the Netherlands, only a certain number of decibels of construction noise many be caused for a certain period. The Building Code also indicates that a noise measurement must be carried out for inner city building activities.

SOCOTEC has its own advanced sound-level meters that register the noise level. These meters meet the requirements of NEN-61672, Class 1.

Our measurements are conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the 2010 Construction Noise Circular.

Deformation measurement

With most construction and/or demolition projects, there is a risk that settlement will occur in neighbouring or surrounding buildings and structures, within the activities’ range of influence. This settlement may occur, for example, as a result of vibrations coming from the work, excavation near to neighbouring constructions or pumping at the project location. Settlement in the vicinity can have major, negative consequences for neighbouring constructions and structures.

SOCOTEC can measure the settlement nearby using different types of deformation measurements. Both manually and continuously.

A height measurement is a measurement of the surrounding constructions and/or structures in the Z-direction compared to the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum (NAP). Prior to the work, a single or double baseline measurement is carried out that will serve as the point of reference. This will make it possible to observe any deviations from this baseline during or after the work by repeating the measurement. In this way, it can be determined whether any settlement has occurred.

During work on or near to an embankment, repairs to foundations, work near to tracks or during excavation work, there is a risk of settlement. To monitor any possible deformations to these structures, SOCOTEC can carry out measurements of the X-Y-Z coordinates. This consists of placing and measuring measurement marks (for example stickers or prisms) on the buildings / structures to be monitored. Using a total station, the measurement marks are triangulated, departing from a local coordinate system or the national coordinate system (National Triangulation system).

For more geotechnical monitoring services, monitoring of the surroundings, construction site and groundwater:

Slope measurement

It regularly occurs that our clients execute a project in which a construction pit is built. In most cases, these construction pits are formed by placing sheet pile walls. Horizontal movements and bending of the sheet pile wall can have major, negative consequences for the construction put, but also for the surroundings.

SOCOTEC carries out slope measurements by inserting a digital inclinometer into the ground via slope measurement pipes. Movements can be observed and registered up to a depth of 20 metres.

Standpipe measurement

In many projects, our client have to remove soil (excavate) and/or groundwater (pumping). It is important that the groundwater level remain stable, because too many fluctuations can have negative consequences for the surrounding area. Examples include subsidence, mould, uplift or damage to and deformation of a building’s foundations.

whether the walls and horizontal soil sealing used at the deepest point of the construction pit form a sufficient water barrier when removing groundwater within the construction pit.

Manual crack width meter 

When carrying out work that causes vibrations, there is a risk that existing cracks in or on homes can grow bigger or wider. This is easy to monitor by placing a crack width meter. The expert observes these cracks during the execution of the architectural survey and, in consultation with the client, will place a crack width meter across the crack. After placing the crack width meter, a photo will be taken to establish the baseline situation. For any subsequent registrations, or if there are complaints from residents, we will assess the cracks again using a new photo to determine if there is any difference. This data can be used when carrying out a causality assessment.