Noise from pile driving rarely, if ever, produces structural
damage, but it causes annoyance that may reach a long distance.
Figure 2 summarizes some typical data on noise levels
for various construction activities. It also shows some of the
criteria used to limit noise. The measurement of sound level
used in Figure 2 is dB(A). Humans perceive a 10 dB increase in
sound level as a doubling of loudness. Sound level decreases
approximately six dB(A) for every doubling of the distance
from the source. Noise below 80 dB(A) is considered to not
cause hearing loss. OSHA set the eight-hour exposure limit to
noise at 90 dB(A). Studies by the World Health Organization
have shown that the majority of people become moderately
annoyed by steady, continuous sound levels above 50 dB(A)
FEATURE
Noise may be the most serious
threat to the pile driving
industry today – not because
it is causing damage, but
because it creates a perceived
problem to those impacted.
FIGURES BY GEOCOMP CORPORATION
CONTINUED ON PAGE 47
PILING CANADA 45