Environmental impacts of pile driving-induced ground vibrations on human comfort and structural integrity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pile driving is widely used in infrastructure projects but it often generates strong ground vibrations that can spread into surrounding neighborhoods. These vibrations are more than just an engineering issue; they can be understood as a type of environmental pollution, similar to noise. Communities near construction sites frequently experience reduced comfort, annoyance, and even health concerns, while fragile houses and public facilities may be at risk of structural damage. In tropical alluvial soils, such as those found in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, low-frequency waves travel efficiently over long distances, which magnifies their environmental consequences. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate pile-driving vibrations as an environmental hazard, linking the technical results to wider concerns about human well-being and sustainable urban development.METHODS: Measurements were conducted during railway construction near Yogyakarta International Airport in Kulon Progo Regency. A triaxial geophone recorded vibrations at three distances: 10, 50, and 70 meters. Parameters included peak particle velocity, ground displacement, and dominant frequency. A power-law regression was utilized to model the decrease of vibration energy with increasing distance. Results were assessed against Indonesian regulations and compared with international vibration standards commonly applied in environmental monitoring in Germany and the United Kingdom.FINDINGS:The analysis showed that low-frequency waves between 5 and 15 hertz were dominant. These intersected with the natural frequencies of nearby residential properties, which raised concerns regarding environmental impact and safety. At 10 meters from the pile, peak particle velocity reached 5.6 millimeters per second, far above both the comfort limit of 0.3 millimeters per second and the damage threshold of 2.0 millimeters per second. At distances of 50 meters and 70 meters, the values of peak particle velocity dropped, but they still stayed above the comfort thresholds. A buffer of around 60 meters was needed to avoid discomfort, while 30 meters was necessary to prevent building damage.CONCLUSION:The results demonstrate that pile-driving vibrations should be managed as a form of environmental pollution. They diminish community stability, pose risks to vulnerable infrastructures, and complicate sustainable advancement in tropical locales. The findings advocate for the inclusion of vibration monitoring in evaluating environmental impacts, alongside the development of regulations and buffer zones to ensure the protection of residents and infrastructure.