This International Standard establishes the basic principles for carrying out Vibration measurement and processing data, with regard to evaluating vibration effects on buildings. It does not cover the source of excitation except insofar as the source dictates dynamic range, frequency or other parameters. The evaluation of the effects of building vibration is primarily directed at structural response, and includes appropriate analytical methods where the frequency, duration and amplitude can be defined. This International Standard only deals with the measurement of structural vibration and excludes the measurement of airborne sound pressure and other pressure fluctuations although response to such excitations is taken into consideration.

A building, for the purposes of this International Standard, is defined as any above-ground structure, which man frequently inhabits. This excludes from consideration certain items of plant, for example columns, stacks, headframe, containments, even though they may receive intermittent visits from operating staff.

The structural response of buildings depends upon the excitation; to this end this International Standard examines the methods of measurements as affected by the source, i.e. frequency, duration, and amplitudes as induced by any source, such as earthquakes, explosions, wind effects, sonic booms, internal machinery, traffic, construction activities and others.