Comparison between BS 7385 and DIN 4150 and their suitability for application in high-level vibration impact assessments

In Australia, there are two standards that are regularly applied to determine appropriate cosmetic damage criteria with respect to vibration from external sources: BS 7385-2:1993 and DIN 4150-3 (both the 1999 and 2016 versions). DIN 4150-3 is being increasingly applied by consultants and specified by regulators, primarily due to having more conservative guideline values and secondarily due to containing specific guideline values for structures that are “of great intrinsic value” (i.e., heritage buildings). However, this presents challenges when trying to undertake a high-level or preliminary vibration assessment, where the resonance frequencies of the buildings requiring assessment or the operating frequencies of the proposed construction equipment are not known. Applying the “long-term” guideline values from DIN 4150-3, which only apply in the horizontal plane of the highest floor of the building, complicates these types of assessments and presents practical challenges for vibration monitoring in practice. This paper compares BS 7385-2:1993 and DIN 4150-3 with the aim of clarifying the differences between the two standards and provides commentary on how these standards should be applied for high-level vibration assessments.