House shaking

[AndersonC]

During a well earned lie in the other week I noticed the bed shake as a vehicle went past outside. I have noticed this again and so his my missus.

She thinks it happens when heavy vehicles such as buses go past, which explains why it doesn't happen all the time when normal cars use the road.

So we basically think that the heavy vehicles are causing a tremor which is shaking the house. I've had a look at the road and there is a pothole which is most likely causing the wheels, and thus the vehicle weight, to drop, causing a pressure wave which then travels through the ground and into the foundations of the house, resulting in the place shaking.

Unfortunately I have no record if when this started, but the key question is - is this likely to be causing any kind of structural damage to the property? Being pessimistic, I have perceptions of the front wall collapsing.

I assume the the council have responsibility for the road and it's condition, so will be ringing them up later for a discussion. Let's see what value a grand+ a year in council tax gets me!

Any advice & commments would be appreciated.

 

[Steve]

It shouldnt be a problem. In the middle of our street, there are 2 inspection covers. Whenever a coach or lorry or bus or 4x4 drives over it, things rattle in my bedroom. Ask your neighbours, they probably experience the same as you.

I should add, our house is still standing after 70 years of this, and was badly built in the first place

 

[noseall]

our house shakes too. not a problem. you are not alone.

 

[^woody^]

A lot of the time it is resonance from the diesel engines which causes the srtucture to vibrate (resonate) through the air, and not vibrations through the ground.

The structure will tolerate this without any problems

 

[AndersonC]

Thanks a lot for the answers so far, they have put my mind at ease.