Ground-Borne Noise
Ground-borne noise (GBN) is one of the most challenging environmental impacts to measure and manage. Traditionally, it required intrusive indoor microphones, specialist analysis, and complex reporting.
With SiteHive, you can now measure and manage ground-borne noise in real time, using your SiteHive Hexanode Vibration Devices — with no need to enter properties or install additional sensors.
What is Ground-Borne Noise
Ground-borne noise is low-frequency sound generated by vibration travelling through the ground and structures.
It’s typically heard as a low “rumbling” or humming noise- even though it originates from vibration rather than airborne sound.
This vibration travels through the ground into building structures and can:
Be felt as vibration, and
Be heard when it re-radiates as sound through walls, floors, or ceilings.
Ground-borne noise is commonly associated with:
Tunnelling and rail projects
Underground construction
Piling and rock hammering
Heavy vehicle movements or TBM operations
Because it travels through the ground, GBN is often more noticeable at night and can feel louder than airborne noise- making it a key factor in community amenity and complaint management.
What we offer
Real-time, remote and scalable
The SiteHive Hexanode Vibration Device measures vibration at high frequency and converts it into real-time estimated ground-borne noise (GBN) in LAeq (dB) — giving you actionable data instantly on the SiteHive Dashboard.
Unintrusive and practical
No more indoor microphones or complex setups.
Simply deploy your Hexanode Vibration Device(s) at sensitive receiver locations and you’re ready to monitor.
Validated and accurate
Developed in collaboration with industry experts and validated on major projects- including Sydney Metro West (ETP).
Designed for real-world compliance
Built around the NSW Interim Construction Noise Guideline (2009) and aligned with international best practice.
ℹ️ To toggle on GBN - reach out to your BDM or contact support - support@sitehive.co or 0483924329
How it works
SiteHive’s GBN estimation process converts vibration into noise using a validated, transparent methodology- all performed automatically by the Hexanode Vibration Device and the SiteHive Enviro Software.
Hexanode Vibration Device
Records raw vibration data at high frequency.
Applies A-weighting to account for human hearing sensitivity.
Calculates Vsum (A-weighted combined vibration velocity).
Sends the maximum A-weighted Vsum per integration period (typically 1 minute) to the cloud.
SiteHive Enviro Software
Applies a scaling factor (user configurable, typically between 27–35) to estimate the equivalent noise level (LAeq).
Displays Ground-Borne Noise (GBN) directly on your dashboard.
Graphs GBN levels alongside PPV and VDV, giving you a complete picture of vibration and its acoustic impact.
💡 Tip: The GBN scaling factor accounts for factors such as distance from the source and building resonance, ensuring accurate, location-specific results.
Data Display and Reporting
Visualised directly in decibels (LAeq), making results clear even for non-specialists.
Integrated into reports - GBN values appear alongside PPV and VDV in your configurable PDF reports.
Available in graphs and dashboards – see trends over time and assess against management criteria.
Why It Matters
Ground-borne noise has significant impacts on community comfort and project compliance.
With SiteHive, you can now:
Monitor GBN continuously, 24/7, without intrusive setups.
Act quickly when levels approach guideline limits.
Demonstrate compliance transparently with validated, reliable data.
Build community trust by reducing intrusive investigations and improving responsiveness.
Handy Links
Product - Hexanode Vibration Device
SiteHive Hexanode Vibration Device
Blog - SiteHive vibration monitoring services for construction and industry