VibraCore - Determine vibration impact

Predict the impact of (sheet)pile installations quickly

The VibraCore application is used for vibration predictions and validations. In other words: Predicting or validating the impact of the drive force of a (sheet)pile installation on the surrounding structures based on Dutch regulations. For example, to calculate whether it is safe to drive a pile at a certain location and what impact this has on the surrounding area, more specifically the buildings.

Normally, analysing soil profiles, calculating the impact force and validating building structures requires a lot of time and different expertises. With VibraCore, you can easily insert all input parameters yourself and let the application do the calculations for you, saving you a lot of valuable resources.

Impact force calculation in 6 steps

1. Import CPTs. Multiple CPTs (GEF files) can be imported simultaneously. These CPTs are automatically parsed and classified using the CEMS Machine Learning model.
2. Create impact force calculation. The maximum impact force can be calculated for each CPT for a given criteria. This can be calculated by creating an impact force calculation object. The impact force for each CPT is calculated based on a set of parameters given in this object, which results in an impact force overview that is then visualized on the map.
3. Inspect CPT. The CPTs can be inspected prior to or after the impact force calculation. This is done to ensure that the CPT analysis has given/will give reasonable results.
4. Define vibration source and building properties. A vibration validation analysis can be done by defining the region to be analysed, the vibration source parameters, as well as the building properties. The buildings from within a region are obtained by querying the BAG database. Properties can be assigned to buildings by selecting regions for the selected buildings and assigning them given properties. Buildings can also be customized or removed if needed.
5. Predict and validate results. The results of the validation are presented in a clear overview that presents the buildings in green and red, with the building either passing (green) or failing (red) according to SBR A norms and standards, based on the assigned attributes of the buildings. If the check fails, the building has an unacceptable risk (according to SBR A) of being damaged by the installation of the piles or sheet piles, and action needs to taken before commencing the installation, such as softening the impact force or reinforcing the building.
6. Download reports. For a summary of the calculations, a vibration prediction report can be downloaded. Also, if a list is needed of the addresses of the buildings that fail the vibration validation check, a CSV file can be downloaded with the given addresses, as well as other attributes assigned to the building.

Input variables

Calculations are based on several input variables, such as soil profile (GEF) analyses, which can easily be uploaded and viewed within the application. The application allows you to determine a region for which the impact is calculated, for example a circle with a diameter of 150 meters. The impact force within this region depends on the location, soil structure, maximum impact force (CUR 166), and pile type that is used.

Map view visualizations

The results of the calculations are viewable on the map, with region, location of the pile(s), and buildings within the chosen region visualized. Data for the location of these buildings is all stored in a database. Within the application, you are able to delete or insert buildings manually in case this is necessary, and assign them characteristics, such as floor material, to narrow down the impact force. Within the red section, you see all buildings that exceed the acceptable risk (as determined by SBR A standards). Different coloured sections specify the properties of those buildings in that region. The circles show the boundary where the specific building could be at risk of damage. The risk can be mitigated by reinforcing the building, or damping the impact force blow.

Downloadable reports

With just the push of a button, you can generate and download reports of the calculations and addresses of buildings within the region that are affected by the vibration source, so you can inform the correct people and take the correct measures where needed.

For more information, visit CEMS’s website: VibraCore