Seismic Surveys provides clients with comprehensive data on the effects of various impulse vibration sources, such as traffic, pile driving and blasting.  Our pre-construction surveys include written, photographic and video graphic documentation of pre-existing conditions.

Our professional registrations Include: Certified Professional Geologist in Virginia and Pennsylvania and ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification. We are also an active member of the following organizations: Association of Engineering Geologists, International Society of Explosives Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

• Pre-construction Surveys

A pre-blast survey serves to document pre-existing cracks that could become the subject of concern or a claim after blasting begins.  The survey serves as a baseline for monitoring any potential blasting impacts on the structure and to identify potential structural conditions that might make the structure more sensitive to vibration effects.  The pre-blast survey is a good public relations tool for educating neighbors about the project.  Vibration or noise the neighbor may perceive as detrimental to their property, in our experience, will cause the owner to inspect their home more closely, causing them to find cracks they believe are new, yet pre-date the blasting activities.  This survey serves to preclude complaints and claims that often arise out of this common response.

Using a 35-mm camera and standardized forms, pre-blast surveys involve both exterior and interior photographic and written documentation of the various building materials and existing cracks.  Room sketches are made that document the locations and dimensions of pre-existing cracks within a home or business, similar to a walk-through inspection done for home purchases.  Existing items such as foundation walls, drywall partitions, flooring, sidewalks, etc. are visually surveyed and noted.  General details about the structure, such as age, purchase date, history of repairs, etc. are obtained from the building owner during the survey.  The general building materials used in the construction of the structure, water supply type, etc. are also documented. 

• Seismograph Sales and Lease

           Brochures:           

• Vibration Studies
• Rock Blasting
• Pile Driving
• Demolition/ Implosion
• Dynamic Compaction
• Traffic
• Construction

 

• Damage Claim Investigation

Seismic Surveys provides damage claim or complaint resolution assistance to Contractors, Developers, Engineers and Insurance companies.  In the event of neighbor complaints or concerns from blasting operations, the Contractor, Mine Operator, or its authorized agent will document all complaints or claims on a Blasting Complaint Form.  The typical process for addressing a neighbor complaint or concern is to promptly arrange a meeting with the neighbor. 

A supervisor with the Contractor or Mine will meet with the neighbor, often times along with their vibration consultant, to discuss and document the neighbor’s concerns.  Blast and seismograph records are reviewed; and, if there is not a seismic measurement at the complainant’s structure for the blast in question, then subsequent blast(s) are monitored with a seismograph at the complainant’s structure, along with another seismograph at the location monitored on the day of the complaint.  A report of findings will be prepared and reviewed with the complainant in a timely fashion, usually within two to four weeks.  The complaint will usually be resolved between the neighbor and the contractor/mine operator subsequent to this investigation.  

 

• Vibration Monitoring and Control Plans/Blast Plan Reviews

Seismic Surveys professional staff will develop a project specific plan for monitoring and     controlling construction vibrations.  We can be engaged to review the Contractor's blast plan for projects specifying an independent licensed professional to perform these services.  SSI's staff has more than 50 years experience on blasting and heavy construction projects in urban environments and can assist the Contractor in developing a plan for monitoring and controlling vibration, airblast and overbreak effects for close-in heavy construction projects.

• Geotechnical Instrumentation

Seismic Surveys installs and monitor slope inclinometers, tiltmeters, crack gauges, extensometers and other geotechnical and structure monitoring instrumentation adjacent to construction projects in congested areas.

Why is Blasting Necessary and How is it controlled?
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