Measurement of surface vibration accelerations propagated in the environment

The paper presents the analysis of the influence of the method of accelerometers attachment to the ground on the recorded level of vibration acceleration. Measurements of vibrations were conducted using two types of accelerometers with various weights and measuring accuracy. Accelerometers were mounted to the ground in four different methods using various mounting bases anchored in the ground with one, three and four rods. The vibrations were generated using Light Falling Weight Deflectometer (LFWD) and recorded in longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions at the distance of 5 and 10 m from the source of vibrations. Measurements of vibration accelerations were carried out using 32-channel and 24-bit mobile data acquisition system - SIEMENS LMS SCADAS Recorder, as well as a set of 18 low-frequency, seismic piezoelectric accelerometers type 8340, manufactured by Bruel& Kjar, and two triaxial, high sensitivity accelerometers type TLD356B18 manufactured by PCB Piezotronics. The comparative analysis of Peak Particle Accelerations (PPA) has demonstrated that the method of attaching of accelerometers to the ground is crucial for the credibility of measurements. The best way of attaching transducers to the ground was shown in the paper. The resulting values of vibration acceleration may constitute a basis for a reliable analysis of vibration in the subsoil, which is particularly important in terms of the credibility of assessment of the impact of physical pollution in a form of vibrations propagated in the environment on the newly designed buildings and their future users. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.