Measurement of ambient vibration in empty buildings and relation to external noise

Abstract

We measure and analyse the ambient vibration induced in residential buildings in urban settings. While most vibration studies focus on strong, well identified sources, our goal has been the ambient vibration of unidentified sources from the surrounding environment. To that end we have chosen buildings which are finished, ready to deliver, but otherwise empty and with all facilities turned off. Lacking any clue of the origin of the vibration, we have tried to relate it to three variables: the position of the accelerometer in the slab, the floor level and the color of the noise map in the façade of the building. We have measured the vibration in 80 different settings. We have checked the acceleration time histories to be stationary time series and have characterized them by the root mean square value of the series. We have been able to relate these values with the color of the noise map and the floor level. In addition, we have identified peak values of the vibration (those values over twice the r.m.s. value of the series) and have confirmed their random origin, but with different rates at different colors of the noise map. © 2021 The Author(s)