OasisLMS

Vizhinjam International Seaport is a port under construction in Arabian Sea at Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. Pile foundation (DMC type bored cast in situ pile) has been recommended to support the harbour structures. Pile load test (Test pile) was conducted as per BI Specifications on the reclaimed sea shore before the piling operations. The fishermen community in the nearby area complained that cracks were developed in their houses due to the test pile works. They demanded suspension of the piling work or adequate measures to protect their houses adjacent to the project site. An expert committee was formulated by the authorities to investigate the issue and to suggest remedial measures. A detailed field study was conducted to monitor the vibration levels produced by pile construction and also its distance of influence. The study was conducted during the driving of steel casing and boring operations near the test pile already finished under similar working conditions. The vibration levels were measured using accelerometers in the surrounding ground and adjacent buildings within a radial distance of 500 m. The measured acceleration levels were used to predict the vibration levels in future due to piling operations in the harbour area. Nature and extent of damages in buildings as claimed by the occupants due to the test pile were measured. The buildings in the study area are very old and of poor quality construction. The maximum level of vibration observed at the site was 1.5 mm/s. The measured vibration levels were compared with permissible vibration limits and safe distance between the pile and buildings was determined.

Jaya; Prof. Dr. ir. Jaya V

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