Nominee:      Seismic Surveys, Inc.

Project Description: Princeton University New Chemistry Building Princeton, NJ

  (Contractors: Turner Construction, Vollers, and LP Drilling)

Construction of a new chemistry building at Princeton University required rock excavation.  Due to the close proximity to surrounding laboratory buildings housing sensitive equipment it was determined that blasting of the rock would provide the most expedient excavation method, minimizing the disruption of laboratory operations.  The implementation of a vibration monitoring program was used to evaluate the vibration impacts and to assess the effectiveness of vibration control measures.

Timeframe and Budget:  

The vibration monitoring program was in place for the duration of the blasting operations, which took place from September through November, 2007.  Prior to the commencement of blasting operations site meetings and pre-blast surveys of the nearby structures had been conducted.

Specific Challenge and Innovative Solution:

Several specific challenging aspects for the vibration monitoring program existed on this project.  First of all was to conduct vibration monitoring at multiple surrounding structures for all blasts in a cost effective manner within a pre-determined budget. The acquired data would then need to be retrieved and distributed to specific Princeton University personnel, the site superintendent, and excavation firm in a timely manner. 

Given the close proximity of the rock to be blasted to the University buildings and sports stadium, the vibration monitoring units would need to be moved to new locations as the blasting changed position relative to those structures.  Also, general construction site activities and equipment operations required mobility of the seismograph installations.  Experiments and equipment sensitive to vibrations in the Jadwin Hall Physics Lab building required close monitoring of the vibration levels and coordination of time the day each blast was detonated.

To satisfy the project’s goals it was determined using self contained automated seismograph units (“seismo bots”) would provide the best results.  Each unit would consist of a security enclosure mounted to a wheeled cart, solar cell, battery, AirLink Raven wireless modem, and an Instantel MiniMate Plus Seismograph.  A “bot” could simply be rolled to the desired position where the geophone was to be mounted.   With power coming from a solar cell and marine battery, providing an external power source would not pose an additional challenge.

Using Instantel’s AutoCall Home and InstaLink software solution and taking advantage of connectivity from the AirLink Raven wireless modem each seismograph unit automatically posted events recorded to a website and sent a text message to specified cell phones and email accounts.  This system enabled multiple personnel from Princeton University and from the contractors to receive the event data from each seismograph minutes after each blast.  This required minimal effort from office and field personnel saving both time and money while providing timely dissemination of the data.  Vibrations were maintained below project specified limits and the project was a great success.

Results Achieved:

The use of 5 automated seismograph units allowed for the successful vibration monitoring at the nearby structures of concern.  The data recorded by each seismograph was able to be viewed be key personnel on a timely basis with minimal support. Timely access to the vibration data allowed key personnel to use the information in planning the next blast.

Names and Persons with Key Involvement:

• David K. Miller, P.G., President of Seismic Surveys has been pursuing remote seismic monitoring technology and has been on the cutting edge of the technology since 2001. 
• Eric Maynard, General Manager with Seismic Surveys maintains the project websites and troubleshoots equipment when the need arises. 
• Will Spencer, Staff Geologist with Seismic Surveys has built most of our SeismoBots.
• Laura Burns, Administrative Assistant with Seismic Surveys uses the system to develop project submittals.
• Elena Miller, Vice President with Seismic Surveys has paid all the bills associated with the Technology development and has dealt with Verizon with the patience of a saint. 
• Eric Gagne of Instantel has offered excellent technical support in this effort. 
• Dale Bartholomae, Senior Staff Geologist with Seismic Surveys provided onsite oversight of the monitoring operations.
• Robert D. Spaniol, Senior Consultant with Seismic Surveys conducted pre-blast surveys and initial SeismoBot vibration monitor installation.

·         Edward R. Breneiser, Field Representative with Seismic Surveys ,  conducted day to day field operations and photo documentation.