Remote Construction Vibration Monitoring of an Historic Bridge

This paper summarizes the final phase of long-term construction vibration monitoring conducted to prevent damage to an historic bridge located immediately adjacent to the demolition and reconstruction of two very large Interstate Highway bridges. Real-time and archived monitoring data was used to determine if vibration due to the contractor's activities remained below the ALERT and STOP WORK criterion PPV levels recommended by the author and established by the owner as part of the environmental clearance and permitting process. Accidental violations of the criterion level led to Stop Work Orders issued by the state DOT in accord with a pre-construction protocol. The paper addresses challenges related to substantial extension of the initial monitoring period, a mid-project change in the data management sub-system, plus natural and human effects on the unattended, remotely monitored, solar powered, multi-channel, wireless vibration monitoring system. The paper also presents lessons learned and recommendations.