Managing the hive of construction activity
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail contractor McConnell Dowell is using specialist noise, dust and vibration monitoring equipment on its Victorian construction projects to ensure the disruption to local communities is kept to a minimum.
May 23, 2023
A smart device, known as Site Hive, provides real time data and allows the builders to monitor and manage the impact of construction on the local community.
The device can identify the sources of construction noise and provide clear graphical reporting of the noise situation on site which allows work to be altered to minimise the impact on the local community.
Construction managers can quickly verify and respond to noise complaints and exceedances by shutting down particular work or staging work at different times. Noise reduction controls like noise blankets and walls can also be considered.
To minimise impacts on local communities, McConnell Dowell has developed a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan to define how construction impacts are effectively monitored, managed and mitigated.
Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australia Projects General Manager said:
‘We are using a range of cutting-edge technologies to deliver the Inland Rail project.
‘The Site Hive allows us to keep on top of noise and vibration ‘spikes’ and work with our construction partners proactively to manage the impact.
‘The real time monitoring allows us to see levels remotely, which is a huge advantage on a project as geographically spread as ours.’
Steve Eeles, McConnell Dowell Environmental Manager said:
‘Construction activity is ramping up at Glenrowan, Barnawartha North and Wangaratta, and will soon begin at Seymour-Avenel Rd, Seymour.
‘To minimise the impact of construction on local residents we’re employing a range of tools, techniques and procedures, including the Site Hive device.
‘The device recently detected elevated levels of dust onsite so we were able to respond quickly by increasing the use of the water cart.’
‘We will keep local residents informed of all our upcoming construction activity and try to keep noise and vibration disruption to a minimum.’
For any concerns or enquiries phone 1800 732 761, email victoriaprojects@artc.com.au or visit our shopfronts at Gladstone Street, Glenrowan on Mondays 12pm–4pm or 48a Norton Street, Wangaratta on Thursdays 10am-2pm.
