Top 3 Reasons to Consider VTI Labs From Pre-Construction Requirements to Final Building Signoff

There’s no VTI without Vibranalysis. As Vibranalysis’ in-house laboratory, VTI Labs offers special inspections and material testings through our team of highly qualified and experienced professionals. Working as the sister company, here are the top three reasons for implementing VTI services within your construction plans.

30+ Years Of Experience

With over thirty years of experience in this space, we take a team approach to help identify and mitigate risk. Our tie with Vibranalysis allows our team access to state of the art technology - giving clients, designers and contractors the ability to receive pertinent information in real time, easing the flow of the construction process while ensuring all team members are constantly aware and alert of the project circumstances.

Save Time & Resources 

With over fifteen material testing services in-lab and on site, VTI Labs helps in identifying potential problems before committing resources to the project. Services such as concrete sampling and testing, soil compaction, and asphalt in-place density acts as quality control to ensure that the structure is, not only in line with applicable legal requirements but also measures the strength and durability of the foundation before moving forward. Once said services have been performed, the potential for risk, damage or failure is minimized and you can continue with the next phase of construction with confidence. 

Determine Compliance 

Before building, there are necessary steps as required under the International Building Code (IBC) to proactively enhance public safety and protect civilians in the surrounding areas of the project. Performing civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, progress, and geotechnical inspections is essential in aligning the construction process with design documents, specifications, and approved shop drawings. Through these services, we’re able to make changes as necessary and take the project from start to finish.

Read more about our services at vibranalysis-vti.com and get in contact with dan@vibranalysisinc.com for a quote.

Replacing the Chickamauga Lock: An Essential Move for the Tennessee Valley Authority

As we move into May, the construction industry continues to face the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, however with precautionary measures in place, certain essential works continue. One of these is the Replacement of Chickamauga Lock, owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority and operated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

The Lock, located 7 miles upstream of Chattanooga is used to transport materials to and from industries, TVA facilities and the Department of Energy facilities at Oak Ridge. Due to issues with concrete aggregate which could ultimately cause closure of the lock, and the need to increase size to accommodate today’s barges, the project was deemed necessary.

Shortly after the award of Lock Chamber construction contract in 2017, Vibranalysis was awarded with a contract to perform monitoring of the Lock structures during completion of the works. The contract required that the existing monitoring system be taken over, and tied into a comprehensive monitoring package including the installation of a significant amount of new instrumentation.

The new and existing monitoring program consists of an automatic data collection system with over 50 Piezometer, 10 Pressure Cell, and 45 Inclinometer sensors, with an Automated Motorized Total Station network consisting of over 70 optical survey points. All data is collected in near real-time and uploaded to a secure web-enabled data management system. 

It was deemed paramount by TVA, the Army Corp of Engineers, and AECOM that the performance of the monitoring system have the capability to provide early warning of any unanticipated movement of the structures. As such, an overhaul of the existing data collection system, upgrading components and integrating new sensors, was required. 

Vibranalysis’ team of engineer and instrumentation specialists have been hard at work, meeting the tight guidelines that many of our colleagues in construction understand that the Army Corp of Engineers has. We are proud to be part of this important and challenging project and look forward to helping the project team cross the finish line!

AMTS Unit at the Chickamauga Dam

Covid-19 & Remote Monitoring: How Automatic Processes are Expected to Transform the Construction Industry

The Department of Buildings (DOB) recently issued Bulletin 2020-006 outlining the necessary measures for securing construction and demolition sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In short, it states that owners of any construction site are responsible for ensuring the site is secured and maintained in such a manner as to safeguard the public and property throughout the duration of time operations are suspended. Click HERE to view Bulletin 2020-006.

As we work with our clients to meet these new requirements, the importance and advantage of remote monitoring becomes even more clear. Without entering job sites, our monitoring specialists are able to track important information, such as structure settlement and tilt, as this can occur even without any construction activity. This is accomplished by installing sensors on elements such as building facades, support of excavation, and utilities. With this technology in place, we are able to provide our clients with some peace of mind during this time of pause.

However, not all projects require that remote monitoring systems be installed. Other factors such as budget, reading frequency, and access, drive project managers to employ manual data collection methods. While this is a service that Vibranalysis provides, right now with no site access, we are unable to provide this service and collect data for our clients.

As experts in the design, installation, and maintenance of remote monitoring systems, our team works closely with project managers and engineers to determine when and where these automated and remote data collection tools are implemented, over more traditional methods of measurement. 

Remote monitoring has been a specialty service of ours for over 20 years, but it is only recently that it’s popularity among owners and contractors has grown. In turn, we open the discussion and question how the combination of COVID-19, restrictions on physical distancing, and the advantages of remote monitoring is expected to transform elements of the construction industry. 

Wireless Tiltmeter

AMTS Unit

The Long Island Railroad Project: Increasing Capacity by 80%

What does one need if a railroad line currently carries approximately 40% of the 308,000 daily ridership and we want to increase the line capacity by more than 80%?

A desire to implement a state-of-the-art rail system, $5.6 billion, a plan, and a team to execute it. 

The Long Island Railroad transportation project represents the largest investment being made in the railroad segment in recent decades. It is aimed at minimizing congestion on the Long Island Expressway, Northern and Southern State Parkways, and Grand Central and Belt Parkways. 

Vibranalysis has been brought on to monitor and consult on geotechnical and environmental conditions during the project and to alert of conditions that could affect any of the multiple property owners that border the project’s 9.8 mile corridor. Vibranalysis installed seismographs, inclinometers, load cells, and strain gauges along the proposed construction route. In addition, we fully documented conditions of roadways, personal and commercial property - essential information to execute the intensive multiphase plan.  

“The use of monitoring technology on large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in heavily populated urban settings such as the Long Island project, is critical in ensuring quality and safety during all phases of the construction process” states Charles Rhiner, VP of Topcon Positioning Groups.

As part of the larger $5.6b LIRR transportation project, the expansion will eliminate seven street-level train crossings along the route and replace 20 miles (32.18km) of track with new signals and switches from the Main Line (the new) Third Track, to the Double Track between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma, passing the Jamaica Station Reconstruction site cornering the East Side Access Project. It will also upgrade the railroad infrastructure and stations, as well as add new parking facilities. Our partnership with Topcon MS measuring stations and Delta Solutions was key as the job demanded nothing far from accuracy and precision - abilities like quantifying deformation at millimeter resolution to identify even the smallest changes in displacement.

This multi-year project is in progress and has been successfully designed. Vibranalysis is proud to be a key team player in modernizing transportation to create better services for approximately more than half a million passengers a week.

Curious to learn more about our involvement or services, contact us.

The New York Build: A Recap from Vibranalysis Inc.

Earlier this month, our team had the opportunity to present at and attend the NY Build held at the Javits Center in New York. Being the leading construction and design show for New York and the Tri-state area, Vibranalysis was quick to jump at the opportunity. 

A number of construction industry leaders, AIA CES approved workshops, and attendees choose the NY Build because it is the best place to hear about all the latest construction projects, technology, and news in the NY and Tri-state region. 

Our team at Vibranalysis exhibited an array of displays for consumers, students and companies alike. Displays included the following: crack monitoring display, dust monitor, vibration monitors, optical monitors, and a total station. 

Vibranalysis booth at the NY Build showcasing a variety of geotechnical displays.

During the expo, we saw a huge flow of recent engineering graduates utilizing the showcase to scout for job opportunities. They were eager, hands on, and their excitement lit up the room. Educating them in our field of work and having them interact with our displays was for us, the highlight of the exposition. Many people also stopped by and said they had heard about us through word of mouth. Knowing our clients are satisfied, value our work, and refer us to their peers is essential for success in our industry. We take pride in our client relationships and the work that we do. 

We’re honored to have been able to showcase our growth and involvement in the industry. Vibranalysis Inc. is committed to employing forward-thinking individuals skilled in the latest technology to deliver professional and excellent service. We look forward to the next NY Build and hope to see you there! 

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women’s Accomplishments Worldwide

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, Vibranalysis Inc. invites you to celebrate women’s achievements worldwide. With the geotechnical space being predominantly male owned and operated, Vibranalysis is proud to be a leading force in support of gender-equality. 

Linda Socquet founded Vibranalysis in 1986 and with her leadership - our team has the skills and expertise necessary to successfully complete a project from start to finish. We sat down with Socquet herself to discuss the challenges and adversities she faced stepping into this industry.

What got you started with vibration monitoring? Have you always had a passion for this industry?

I worked at a company where I kept seeing so many things going wrong. I thought to myself - I could do this better. The main issue was although they were making a substantial amount of money, they weren’t delivering on the services and expertise. In short, I felt as though the client’s weren’t getting their money's worth. That’s when the idea of starting my own company came about.

You broke into a very male-dominated industry during a time when little to no women were doing so. What challenges did you face and what kept you going when you faced adversity?

When I started Vibranalysis in 1986, men didn’t want me in the industry. I would go to a job site and the men on site would look at me like I didn’t belong and sometimes even tell me to leave.  They were not welcoming at all. 

This kind of condemnation only encouraged me to push further. I decided that if I was going to give up on it, it was going to be my decision - and not based on anyone else's opinions or judgement. 

It definitely wasn’t easy and I made sure to stay humble the whole way through - killing them with kindness. 

Who are your biggest female role models/inspirations and why?

My mom, she’s an absolute whirlwind. Also, my great grandmother - she went through alot personally and came out of it on top. They really pushed me to be the best version of myself and to not let anything stop me or stand in my way. 

What are two pieces of advice you would give to women trying to enter the industry?

Make sure that you know what you’re doing and to always try to be the best at whatever that is.

Where do you see Vibranalysis ten years from now?

I see Vibranalysis being a multinational company involved in all sides of the industry. 

How does the industry look today in comparison to when you first started?

Since I started, it has gotten easier for women to enter the market. However, we still face adversity. But that only makes us stronger. 

VTI Labs: Bridging the Facts

When working on any large scale project, there are a number of pre-construction processes that are fundamental for the safety and durability of the structure. VTI Labs - Vibranalysis’ special inspections and in-house concrete testing lab - offers developers a resource to accommodate all needs from pre-construction requirements to final building sign off.

VTI Labs offers a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals to help identify and mitigate risks allowing our clients to focus on their needs. Our state-of the art technology provides designers and contractors real time data to ensure maximum insight for the team working on the project. 

George Washington Bridge, New York City

The George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest motor vehicle passing requires continuous maintenance and investment. With over 50 million eastbound automobiles, buses, and trucks crossing yearly; the following questions may arise: 

What level of wear-and-tear can it withstand?

How can it withstand large seismic events? 

To what degree does the flowing river impact it’s integrity?

VTI Labs enables the protection and care of this 85 year old crossing by using the following services: 

● Structural Steel Welding Inspections

● High Strength Bolting & Steel Erection Inspections

● Ultrasonic Examination of Fracture Critical Members

● Magnetic Particle Inspection of Weldments

● Metallurgical Composition Analysis

● Soil Compaction

● In-place Asphalt Density Testing

Want to learn more about our services at VTI Labs? Contact us at MZoccolillo@vtilabs.com

Vibranalysis Inc. - A Leader in the Industry As Gov. Cuomo Announces New Legislation

In a space where only 10% of the industry is comprised of women, Vibranalysis Inc. salutes our founder, Linda Socquet, who has led us on our path of tremendous growth and acceptance as one of the leaders in our field. 

Linda Socquet founded Vibranalysis Inc. in 1986 and has since grown it into the formidable company it is today. The world of geotechnical solutions has been very progressive in welcoming new players into our field, and the opportunities for minority controlled companies have never been so available until now. Recently, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced legislation will reauthorize and expand the MWBE Program to more contracts entirely funded by the state. 

What this means for the state of New York is more opportunity for Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises to combat systemic discrimination and succeed at every level. With a goal of thirty percent - the highest in the nation - Governor Cuomo’s action encourages companies just like Vibranalysis, Inc. to participate in projects in the growing and highly technical field which we have specialized in since our inception.

Some of the state-funded projects Vibranalysis has been a part of is as follows: 

The biggest public works project in New York City’s history, Water Tunnel Shafts 21, 22, and 23. A $6b project where Vibranalysis executed all inspections and monitoring for Schiavone Construction Co. LLC and KSK LLC Construction Group.  

The One World Trade Center, a memorial for the 9/11 tragedy that the state of New York provided funding of $250 million. Vibranalysis provided vibration monitoring, inspections, piezometers to measure water pressure, crack gauges, and automatic monitoring total stations.

The rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a 1.5 mile segment along the western Brooklyn waterfront that could cost close to $4b. Plans are still being finalized and worked on; however, the Vibranalysis team did inspections and vibration monitoring thus far. 

With this new legislation in place, our industry is allowing all players to reach these heights. We are proud to be a leader in this industry and are committed to exceeding performance expectations to continuously show our clients, and industry the tools and expertise necessary to succeed in the future.

To stay informed on Vibranalysis, Inc. and VTI Labs’ monitoring, surveying, special inspections and material testing continue to follow us on socials:

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Construction Monitoring

Construction Monitoring — Why It’s Important.

Jabber Al-Bihani Jr.

Sep 23 · 6 min read

Construction monitoring is a crucial aspect of the capital-intensive building industry. Some codes and regulations underline the minimum requirements in terms of safety, reliability, and durability. From pre-construction inspections to construction progress tracking and structural health monitoring, these regulations ensure that such constructions are sustainable, safe, and durable.

Monitoring also applies to a wide range of projects ranging from small apartment complexes to extensive infrastructure such as tunnels, dams, bridges, ports, and terminals, among others. There are various aspects of construction monitoring. Some of the prominent examples include photo condition inspections, vibration, and movement monitoring, geotechnical instrumentation, high definition scanning and more.

Here in New York City, building code requires surveys and monitoring of construction work within a 90-foot vicinity of designated landmark buildings. Technical policy and procedure notice, TPPN 10/88 discloses the monitoring measures required for intrusive construction. The monitoring program of both landmark and non-landmark structure includes a combination of services touched on in this post.

The services you choose will depend on the type of construction (bridge, highway, storied building) and your local building code. Construction monitoring also involves using various conventional and emerging technologies in robotics and precision survey, non-destructive testing solutions, imaging, and structural analysis. The goal is to facilitate the building of reliable construction without impacting surrounding structures.

Here are four essential construction monitoring services you will come across for most urban projects:

Photo Condition Survey

Photo condition inspection is an essential service that involves conducting existing condition surveys to provide comprehensive photographic documentation of the area pre/post-construction. It is usually performed on adjacent structures of all types… tunnels, buildings, landmarks, and any other sensitive constructions. This is particularly vital if the development involves blasting and jack-hammering. The inspection comes in two main phases that include pre-construction and post-construction surveys.

The initial review examines the existing conditions and suitability to develop a documented benchmark for parties involved, including neighbors. Following construction, a post-inspection survey provides insights regarding the presence of impacts on the sensitive buildings around the construction site. They may also include the third aspect for periodic photographic documentation in between construction phases in the events concerns or complaints arise.

Vibration Monitoring

A typical vibration monitor installation on a brick facade.

Vibration monitoring is another essential service in the urban construction industry. According to the New York City Department of Buildings, vibration monitoring examines construction impacts on important buildings such as landmarks, historic buildings, and apartment buildings, among others. Seismograph equipment are strategically installed on adjacent structures to record and report vibration impacts.

You can monitor vibrations remotely using seismic equipment or have monitoring technicians man the surveys. It may be necessary to have both and this will vary from project to project. The convenience of vibration monitoring services is that it offers both real-time alerts and data reports in the event project thresholds are exceeded. Thanks to modern technology, clients are able to access this data remotely as well as on-site.

Movement Monitoring (Surveying & Tilt)

Movement monitoring is another critical aspect of building protection. Monitoring movement may involve the use of manual / automated surveys and specialized equipment such as tilt-meters, inclinometers and crack gauges. These methods are used to measure if there is any directional movement of adjacent structures above and below ground.

Automated Motorized Total Station (AMTS) on a steel monument.

Automatic survey instruments are commonly increasing on larger long-term projects. Automated motorized total stations (AMTS) are wireless surveying devices used in conjunction with reflective optical prisms and computing software. The prisms are mounted to adjacent structures which the AMTS records point coordinates from at time-intervals set by project requirements. With the convenience of the AMTS’s unattended operation, this naturally improves safety, lowers costs, and provides data and alarms 24/7.

The Tower of Pisa could use some tilt-meters. Tilt monitors are mounted to structures and actively monitor leveling. Data from tilt-meters are transmitted wireless and measures movement in degrees (radial). In the event a building is experiencing shifts, the monitoring system will notify all project parties once the project thresholds are exceeded.

Cracks are everywhere! The necessity of crack monitoring will be determined after the pre-condition surveys. In the event that structural (and occasional cosmetic) cracks are documented, crack gauges are adhered with epoxy and then taped on each side of the crack. Crack gauges provides project managers data on crack widening and/or lengthening. With this data, the project can keep track of site conditions and if necessary, take precautionary measures.

A crack gauge monitoring a step crack on a brick facade of an adjacent building.

With movement monitoring as an essential construction monitoring service, a myriad of smaller services that examine a specific aspect will supplement your monitoring program and peace of mind.

Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring intends to rule out the existence of particulates and impurities that arise because of the ongoing construction. With modular and automated instruments capable of providing real-time results, the service seeks to monitor air quality and assure that air quality is not compromised by construction. It also differentiates construction impacts from issues other than the construction. You can read a case study by Aeroqual, which features the MTA Long Island Railroad ( LIRR )expansion project leveraging air monitoring.

Reliable air quality monitoring services are designed to maximize safety, debunk false allegations and avoid construction delays. The primary goal is to maintain air quality within the required standards. Advanced data collection instruments may eliminate the need for site investigation.

Other Construction Monitoring Services

According to studies, there are numerous minor monitoring and surveying services that accompany a capital intensive construction project. From ground and groundwater inspection to advanced 3D laser testing, precision surveys, and sound and noise monitoring, these services are widespread and interrelated.

Construction monitoring services generally aim to verify the project’s ability to comply with local requirements and minimize impacts to adjacent structures. Several different services fall within the building and construction codes in NYC.

Conclusion

Construction monitoring is an industry on its own and growing in parallel with the real estate and construction industries. The field covers a broad list of activities and legislature that govern standards at every scale. Whether it is a small story building or a federal infrastructure project, there are various considerations and monitoring requirements. Most services are connected, but the scale and construction code may vary as you move through the landscape of prospect projects.

As a project manager, it is essential to review your options carefully before choosing your construction monitoring vendor. The monitoring services you include in your project and the reports you gather will be crucial in unexpected scenarios and support decision making. As such, you should ensure you work with credible, reputable construction monitoring firms. They should demonstrate both experience and capacity to meet your needs as well as assure you’re in compliance with NYC’s construction codes.

About Vibranalysis

Working as a premiere services consultant, Vibranalysis has provided a wide range of instrumentation and monitoring services to general contractors, construction management companies, engineering firms, building owners, developers, excavators and demolition companies.

Vibranalysis was founded in May of 1986 by President Linda Socquet, and has been servicing the New York Metro area for over 30 years.

About the Author

Jabber Al-Bihani Jr. is an engineer in training (E.I.T.) and a life long entrepreneur. As a child of a small business family, he experienced first hand the commitments required to run a successful business. After years of testing ideas and failing businesses, he’s found his journey with Komeeda. As CEO and founder, he built a food hospitality technology platform to support small local businesses. He also operates an events production and catering company (Catering by Komeeda). His full time role is Vice President of Field Operations at Vibranalysis Inc., a high-touch construction monitoring and special inspections services company based out of NYC. He is motivated by his mission to develop intentional self-sustained communities for displaced people.