SEMEX-EngCon offers solutions for measuring vibration immissions, i.e. the impact of vibrations on people and buildings in accordance with DIN 45669. Due to regional differences in geology, infrastructure, culture, as well as technical and legal requirements, different limit values and criteria are defined for assessment.

Vibrations are characterized by a variety of parameters that can also change dynamically over an observation period (exposure time). Vibration displacement (deflection/deformation), vibration velocity (speed) and vibration acceleration are measurable variables that can be recorded using suitable sensors and used for evaluation and assessment.

In building dynamics, structural dynamics and serviceability, the measurement of vibration velocity in particular has established itself as a suitable parameter, as it is directly related to the kinetic energy and modal stress to which a structure is exposed. It is usually converted into a measurable electrical voltage using a geophone and digitized for further processing.

A number of standards and directives are based on the assessment of various characteristic values of the measured vibration velocity. The following regulations are supported by SEMEX-EngCon:

Vibration acceleration is the preferred measurement in some vibration applications. Vibration acceleration allows a more differentiated assessment of human perception (e.g. sensory threshold or wake threshold). Several technologies are available for this purpose. SEMEX-EngCon uses MEMS acceleration sensors.

The following standards and guidelines, based on the assessment of various vibration acceleration parameters, are supported by SEMEX-EngCon:

Due to the fundamental low-frequency limitations of a geophone, acceleration sensors are preferred for large structures, such as towers, high-rise buildings, bridges, dams, wind turbines, etc., so that vibrations below 1 Hz can be reliably measured. The dynamic properties of these critical structures are often described using so-called response spectra. Such critical structures are not only exposed to natural vibrations (ground movements, earthquakes), but can also induce vibrations themselves, which are perceived as unpleasant in the surroundings or have a critical effect on other structures.

Induced vibrations are also playing an increasingly important role in the production of renewable energy. For example, induced vibrations can be measured in geothermal energy and wind power and have sometimes led to noticeable tremors. In order to maintain acceptance in the neighbouring communities, work processes are accompanied and, if necessary, controlled by vibration monitoring.