Modification of vibratory driving technology for sustainable construction works

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals were a remarkable advancement when adopted by the United Nations in 2015. For the first time, the world committed towards a wide spectrum of common goals ranging from climate action to sustainable cities from sustainable economic growth to inclusive industrialization. Sustainability is usually considered as “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”. In case of civil engineering, it means minimization of environment-related costs of ongoing project, also in terms of temporary deterioration of life quality in vicinity of building site due to noise and mechanical vibrations. Such impacts may constitute environmental load within much longer time-frame than exposure time to negative influences itself. Numerous impacts of construction work on environment, sometimes not covered by any standards, from mechanical damages to facilities and infrastructure, those which are easiest to identify, through negative influence to comfort and health of local residents, to offset the balance of nature (e.g. by chasing out birds during breeding season) are observed. The paper provides exemplary actions which may be undertaken by construction work contractors to reduce adverse dynamic impacts – mechanical vibrations, with regard to geotechnical work related to execution of deep excavation shoring. Conclusions of the paper are of general nature and, independently of rules specified by standards, they can provide guidance on good practices.