Evaluation of Human Response to Building Vibration Caused by Transit Buses

Abstract

The International Standardization Organization and several countries have published standards that provide guidance on evaluation of human response to vibration in buildings, e.g. ISO 2631-2:1989, BS 6472: 1984, and ANSI S3.29: 1983. This paper demonstrates the application of these standards for the case of vibrations induced in residential homes by transit buses. Difficulties and ambiguities in applying the standards are revealed. Several vibration evaluation methods were applied and compared including rms, rmq, peak, and vibration-dose-value methods. Actual vibration levels measured in 6 residential homes were used to assess the various methods. Two evaluation methods were identified as the most appropriate.