Noise & Vibration case study

University station, Birmingham

Background

In addition to building works, the recent development of University station in Birmingham included widening the platforms, constructing a new footbridge, and erecting new canopies. The requirement to increase the station’s capacity is related to the expansion of the University of Birmingham, the development of the University Hospital, and Birmingham’s hosting of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Challenge

SRL were appointed by VolkerFitzpatrick to prepare and submit to Birmingham City Council successive Section 61 (Control of Pollution Act 1974) Applications seeking prior consent for works between December 2020 and July 2022.

Solution

The Section 61 Applications demonstrated VolkerFitzpatrick’s commitment to employ ‘Best Practical Means’ throughout the works to minimise the potential for noise or vibration disturbance. Detailed noise predictions were included to quantify likely construction noise levels, using proprietary noise modelling software to visually demonstrate to Birmingham City Council how construction noise was anticipated to propagate towards the closest noise sensitive receptors.

Successive Section 61 consent, without onerous conditions, was consequently received from Birmingham City Council, until conclusion of the works in the summer of 2022.

SRL also provided and managed noise and vibration monitors during the works, with vibration being monitored at the retaining structure for a nearby canal and an NHS ‘blood bank’ facility.