Crane Collapse - Felixstowe Quay

Monitoring the Shock Waves at Felixstowe Quay

Vibration Monitoring Services Ltd were asked to carry out a vibration monitoring survey by O’Brien Demolition Ltd to assess the vibration levels generated on the Quay side during a crane collapse at the Port of Felixstowe. Profound Vibra+ monitors were sited at two locations and recorded the vibration levels generated as the crane collapsed onto the Quay.


O’Brien Demolition took measures to reduce the impact on the Quay side by creating a sand bed and using sections of demolished crane which were strategically positioned to lessen the crane’s impact when it hit the floor.


To weaken the structure of the crane, sections of the structure were removed or cut through to weaken it prior to the crane’s demolition which was brought down using steel cables attached to two large excavators.

The results of the monitoring showed that the measures taken reduced the impact on the Quay, the highest level recorded was 13.57mm/s at 7Hz.


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