Southdowns is the lead consultant appointed by the Align JV (Bouygues Travaux Public, Sir Robert McAlpine, VolkerFitzpatrick JV) to advise on all technical aspects associated with groundborne noise and vibration during the sub-surface tunnel construction activities for the 16km long twin bore Chiltern Tunnels.
Technical services have included screening risk assessments, detailed finite difference modelling of vibration propagation through the chalk strata from the use of 2 no. Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and from activities involved in the construction of cross passages; assistance with community and local authority engagement activities prior to the arrival of the TBMs at sensitive receptors overlying the tunnels.
Southdowns RWDI have completed comprehensive on-site surveys of both groundborne noise and vibration at numerous locations to determine prediction confidence levels and re-calibrate predictions. Sites surveyed have included residential communities, listed buildings, commercial and office premises and a large hospital.
