Real-Time Vibration Monitoring of Demolition Activities Directly above Sensitive Power Facilities

Vibration from demolition activities poses a serious risk to urban power facilities. This case study presents a vibration study and monitoring strategies for demolition of a 11-storey residential building directly above a retained electricity sub-station on the ground. The demolition activities would likely generate noticeable vibration to the retained electricity sub-station inside which sensitive equipment such as relays and control units are susceptible to the vibration impact which shall be minimized to an acceptable level in order to safeguard a stable electricity supply to the town. In advance of the demolition, pilot testing was performed to determine the levels of vibrations caused by hand-held tools for reasonably estimate of vibration levels that could be expected during actual demolition through statistical energy analysis, and to gain a better understanding of vibration propagation within the building. During the actual demolition phase, continuous vibration monitoring was provided to establish a record of vibration activities inside the retained electricity sub-station and to provide real-time alerts in case of vibration exceedance comparing to the allowable vibration limit. This case study evaluates the potential effect of vibrations induced by demolition activities directly above sensitive power facilities, which provide a useful reference data for other similar projects.