CWEM Ground Improvement Works (RAP Piling) Starting Soon

RAP piling (RAPs) is the process of installing aggregate into the ground to increase the bearing capacity of soils so it can eventually support the foundations of the building.

Neighbours may experience some noise and vibration during this activity. These vibrations levels are significantly lower than anything that could cause structural damage to buildings. People can sometimes feel even very small vibrations and may feel disturbed by the vibrations. In general, the further away the work is, the lower the vibration levels being felt.

Vibration measurements are being taken by specialist Marshall Day Acoustics, to check that their predictions are accurate.

Tips for reducing vibration disturbance:

  • If there are articles nearby that rattle due to the vibration, take steps to stop the rattle. When you hear a vibration, it tends to feel worse.
  • Certain locations of the building may transmit the vibrations more. For example, during a previous project in one building we found vibration levels measured near the core were far lower than those experienced mid floor.
  • Sitting on a soft seat may transmit less vibration than a seat with no padding. Likewise, a seat on carpet with underlay may transmit less vibration than a seat on a timber floor or bare concrete.

The process has a lot of uncertainties as there may be variable ground conditions uncovered, and possible unknown obstructions, however our expectation and plans are as follows:

  • The piling rig is being prepared to mobilise and start work on site as soon as our building consent is issued. This will be no earlier than September 9th, and we will keep you informed as we confirm the programme.
  • The RAPs will initially start in the central portion of the CWEM site and move east towards Willow Street before heading to the west and moving towards Baycourt.
  • The resource consent restricts construction work to be undertaken within the hours of Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 6:00pm.
  • There will be c.1500 RAPs installed across the entire CWEM! The Library and Community Hub building had about 950 piles, for comparison.
  • The duration of these works will be be approximately four months. We will keep you updated with more specific dates once our start date is confirmed.

Regular updates will be posted on this blog. Subscribe using the link below to receive these updates via email.  We are very aware that the construction of the project may have an impact on our neighbours, and we are very appreciative of your tolerance.