BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report

Prepared for

HDR, Inc.

Prepared by

Garavaglia Architecture, Inc

30 January 2013
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 1

A.1 Recommendations

A.2 Summary

1. Introduction 6

1.1 MRL Project Summary

1.2 Historic Preservation Objectives and Requirements

1.3 Overview of Previous Studies

1.4 Impact Report Goals and Methodology

2. Historical Context and Significance 14

2.1 History

 2.2 Chronology of Development and Use

2.3 Historical Significance and Status

3. Physical Description and Existing Conditions 21

3.1 General Description and Character Defining Features

3.2 Exterior Conditions and Description

3.3 Interior Conditions and Description

3.4 Structural Conditions and Description

4. Vibrations Parameters 28

4.1 Literature Review

4.2 Site Specific Conditions

4.3 Analysis and Anticipated Impacts

5. Recommendations 41

5.1 Pre-Construction

5.2 During Construction

5.3 Post-Construction

5.4 Mitigations

6. Summary 52

7. Bibliography 53

7.1 References Cited

7.2 References Consulted

8. Professional Qualifications 58

Appendix A: 2002 HSR
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

ii

FIGURES

Figure 1. The project APE. The APE follows the physical extent of the levee 

around Marysville. Areas of anticipated staging are also included where 

the APE extends beyond the immediate levee confines.

7

Figure 2. Bok Kai Temple, c.1880. This image shows the temple shortly after its 

reached its current form. Note the different colors of the east and west 

wings and the detail in the wood frieze panel between the porch 

columns. (Image courtesy of the Bok Kai Temple website.).

14

Figure 3. Bok Kai Temple, 2011. This is a current image of the Bok Kai Temple as 

viewed from the top of the levee. The roof has been returned to its 

original shingled appearance after many years covered in inappropriate 

clay tile. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.)

18

Figure 4. Bok Kai Temple and surrounding area. The temple faces the levee and is 

accessible, by foot, via the neighboring park. (Aerial image taken from 

Google Maps.)

21

Figure 5. Horizontal crack in barrel vault. Even though the roof was repaired and 

strengthened in 2006, horizontal cracking in the small barrel vaulted 

section is ongoing. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 2011.)

23

Figure 6. Crack in the new wall paneling. This crack is above the door to the 

Fortune Teller’s Room. The condition of the underlying brick wall could 

not be surveyed. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 2011.)

24

Figure 7. Moisture staining in the Gambler’s Room. This area is near a roof drain 

that was improperly functioning. The area has since been repaired, but 

the damage is evident. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 2011.)

25

Figure 8. Poor pony wall condition. The northeast corner of the Temple is wood 

frame on a brick pony wall. The framing and the masonry wall are in 

poor condition. This image shows one area of extreme damage where 

severe settlement has occurred. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 

2011.)

26

Figure 9a. Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damage. Values referred 

to are at the base of the building. For line 2, at frequencies below 4 Hz, a 

maximum displacement of 0.6 mm (0.02 in) [zero to peak)] is not to be 

exceeded.

30
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

iii

Figure 9b. Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damage. Transient 

vibration guide values for cosmetic damage for the current BS 5228-2 

(2009). This diagram was originally developed for BS 7385-2 (1993) and 

was included in BS 5228-2 in 2009. Cosmetic damage is defined as 

creation of hairline cracks. The accompanying text indicates that minor 

damage is possible at vibration levels twice that shown, and major 

damage can occur at four times the listed values. For continuous 

vibrations, the guide values might need to be reduced by half. Important 

buildings that may be difficult to repair might require special 

consideration on a case-by-case basis. A historical building should not 

be assumed to be more sensitive unless it is structurally unsound. BS 

7385-2 notes that the probability of [cosmetic] damage tends towards 

zero at 12.5 mm/s (0.49 in/s) PPV.

30

Figure 10. Figure B-1 from Siskind, et al (1980). This shows their vibration limits for 

safe blasting near homes (transient vibrations). This diagram was not to 

be used for continuous vibrations.

31

Figure 11. Limiting sustained peak particle velocities. Limits as applied by the City 

of New Orleans based on studies of preconstruction vibrations and 

conditions at the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans.

32

Figure 12. Swiss Association of Standardization vibration damage criteria. 33

Figure 13. Whiffen Vibration Criteria for Continuous Vibration 33

Figure 14. Siskind Vibration Damage Thresholds 34

Figure 15. Caltrans vibrations threshold recommendations for various types and 

conditions of buildings. Transient sources create a single isolated 

vibration event, such as blasting or drop balls. Continuous/frequent 

intermittent sources include impact pile drivers, pogo-stick compactors, 

crack-and-seat equipment, vibratory pile drivers, and vibratory 

compaction equipment.

34

Figure 16. Guideline values for vibration velocity to be used when evaluating the 

effects of short-term vibration on structures, DIN 4150-3 vibration 

recommendations, 1999. In Section 5.1, of DIN 4150-3 (1999) v i,max is 

defined as the maximum absolute value of the velocity signal for the 

three components (x, y, or z) measured on the building foundation. 

This parameter is referred to as Vi . This is not a vector sum value. 

Measurements can also be made on the highest floor of a building. In 

this case, the highest of the two horizontal components shall be used. 

This value is also referred to as Vi . Note that the guideline values are 

frequency dependent if vibrations at foundation level are measured, and 

not frequency dependent if vibrations are measured on the top floor. 

35
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

iv

Figure 17. Curves for guideline values specified in Figure 16 for velocities 

measured at the foundation DIN 4150-3 vibration recommendations, 

1999. 

36
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

1

A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A variety of reports, studies, and theoretical projections of the impacts of construction-related 

vibrations on buildings are available for consideration when analyzing potential project 

impacts. Using the Caltrans Transportation- and Construction-Induced Vibration Guidance Manual

and other previously prepared MRL reports and analyses, Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. finds 

that the anticipated vibrations projections of 0.05 – 0.13 in/sec PPV as measured at 40-feet from 

vibration sources are within the industry thresholds for vibrations limits near historic or fragile 

structures. This anticipated PPV is also below the levels generally required to cause aesthetic or 

structural harm to historic or fragile buildings. Therefore, there is very low probability for 

aesthetic or structural damage to either the Bok Kai Temple or nearby contributors to the 

Marysville Downtown Historic District. Using a conservative approach, Garavaglia 

Architecture, Inc. recommends that the lower vibration threshold presented by Caltrans of 0.08 

in/sec PPV be used as the vibrations threshold for the MRL Phase 2b project. This represents 

the maximum recommended vibration as measured by monitoring equipment. Recommended 

placement of monitors range from approximately 35-feet from construction (south foundation 

wall of the Temple) to approximately 90-feet (within the property line of 7 D Street).

A.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

A.1.1 Pre-Construction

Establishing Baseline Vibrations Conditions

Ambient vibrations conditions should be collected immediately prior to the start of 

construction. This should be compared to the empirical construction-related data gathered at 

the Phase 1 construction-site (0.01 – 0.04 in/sec typically) and the anticipated vibrations from 

construction along Phase 2b (0.05 – 0.13 in/sec). If ambient vibrations exceed the actual and 

anticipated construction-related vibrations level, the likelihood of damage from future 

construction is quite low. If ambient vibrations are lower than anticipated construction-related 

vibrations, greater sensitivity to changing building conditions, such as plaster cracking, 

chipping, or flaking, building movement or settlement, cracked interior floor or wallboard, 

falling object, or loosening attachments, may be warranted.

Establishing Baseline Building Conditions

Understanding the difference between current conditions and those anticipated during and 

after construction is critical for buildings with the cultural and historic value of the Bok Kai 

Temple. Therefore, a solid understanding of baseline conditions, with supporting 

documentation for reference, is recommend. Specific recommended actions include:

• 3D laser scans or photogrammetry

Data gathering is relatively fast (1-2 days at most) and cost effective. Processing of the 

data may be contingent on the need. If no changes are observed and no constructionrelated vibrations events exceed the recommended thresholds, it may not be necessary 

to process and analyze the point-cloud information gathered on-site. This could be a cost 

savings.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

2

• Systematic recordation with high resolution digital photographs 

As an alternate to laser scanning, thorough recordation of all surfaces with a digital 

camera can be used to establish a visible baseline of conditions. This method requires 1-2 

days in the field and has minimal processing time. It is not as accurate as laser scanning, 

but is highly superior to regular photographic documentation.

• Pre-construction mural survey

A detailed conditions survey of the murals should be completed by a qualified murals 

conservator to record existing conditions. Conditions should be recorded on drawings or 

high-resolution photographs and accompanied by a brief written report summarizing 

the findings and highlighting any potential problem areas discovered during the survey 

process.

• Pre-construction level survey

A level survey of the floor in the altar room and western storage room is recommended 

to establish a baseline for existing levels of settlement for the building. These floors are 

relatively uniform and a laser level survey can be performed with minimal disruption of 

existing decorative features.

• Installation of crack monitors 

Inexpensive and effective, crack monitors can be installed in sensitive locations with no 

impact on the historic resource. They will require regular on-site monitoring.

• Pre-construction non-destructive wall survey (optional)

An ultrasonic, or other non-destructive survey of the sanctuary walls can be done prior 

to construction to more precisely know the conditions of the underlying brick walls.

Public Outreach & Education

Anticipated vibrations levels are quite low, but they are within the range detectible by humans. 

Therefore, education of the public is highly recommended. This is especially important because 

access to private property will be necessary if vibrations monitors are installed as 

recommended. Specific recommendations include:

• Public notification letters to residents, owners, and business proprietors within 200-feet 

of the construction zone, and along all proposed haul routes.

• Public meetings with dissemination of any presentations, questions, and answers 

following each meeting.

• Dissemination of educational materials concerning specific steps owners or tenants can 

take to limit incidental impacts such as falling objects or dislodging of poorly mounted 

materials on walls, ceilings, or shelving.

A.1.2 During Construction

Because anticipated vibrations are quite low, no pre-construction stabilization is recommended 

for the Temple. However the following steps to monitor the historic resource for changes 

during construction are recommended:
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

3

Implementation of a Vibrations Monitoring Plan 

• Install a minimum of two (2) monitoring units at the Bok Kai Temple site. One should be 

located under the temple, in the crawl space below the main entrance and placed near 

the south wall. The other should be located outside the Temple, near the north wall. This 

will require owner’s permission and may pose an access issue.

• Select a qualified monitoring professional with certified equipment and trained 

personnel.

• Equipment should allow for remote monitoring and should generate immediate 

notification to responsible parties when the recommended vibrations threshold of 0.08 

in/sec has been exceeded.

• Cease all construction within 200-feet of the resource when the threshold has been 

exceeded and visually inspect the Temple for damage.

• Establish a regular maintenance and monitoring schedule to collect data and check 

equipment.

Regular Visual Inspections

All remote monitoring should be augmented by routine visual inspections of the Temple. The 

exterior murals should be inspected on a daily basis, at a set time, either before or after each 

shift. This is a quick visual survey of focused areas where the most sensitive historical resources 

are located. The entire Temple should be inspected on a weekly basis. A standard methodology, 

perhaps a checklist, should be developed to guide these inspections and provide for consistency 

across the project’s duration.

Equipment Protections

Install barricades to prevent errant material or equipment from rolling off the levee and into the 

Temple or onto the Temple site.

Dust & Debris Control

Barriers to prevent debris from striking the building should be put in place prior to the start of 

construction. In addition, a dust mitigation plan should be created to limit dissemination of 

airborne particles into interior spaces of the Temple. 

A.1.3 Post-Construction

Affirming Building Conditions

Understanding the difference between pre-construction conditions and those existing after 

construction is critical for sensitive historic resources like the Bok Kai Temple. Therefore, a 

comparison of conditions, with supporting documentation for reference is recommend.

• 3D laser scans or photogrammetry

This cost effective method can be used to directly compare the data collected prior to 

construction with that present at the close of construction. Any differences in the 

information would indicate deterioration that has occurred since the start of 

construction. A determination of the causes of the damage, and whether it is the result of 

natural occurrences or of construction activities would then be necessary. This is 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

4

recommended as a way to document conditions in case there is any disputed damage in 

the future.

• Systematic recordation with high resolution digital photographs 

As an alternate to laser scanning, thorough recordation of all surfaces with a digital 

camera can be used to establish a visible baseline of conditions. This method requires 1-2 

days in the field and has minimal processing time. It is not as accurate as laser scanning, 

but is highly superior to regular photographic documentation.

• Post-Construction Floor Level Survey

At the end of construction, or after construction has been completed within 200-feet of 

the Temple, a second floor level survey is recommended. This should be compared to 

the pre-construction survey results to determine if any additional settlement may have 

occurred as a result of construction activities.

• Post-construction mural survey

A detailed conditions survey of the murals should be completed by a qualified murals 

conservator to record existing conditions. Changed conditions should be recorded on 

copies of the pre-construction survey and accompanied by a brief written report 

highlighting any changed conditions with specific recommendations to address any 

construction-related damage.

A.1.4 Mitigations

Plaster Damage

If damage to the exterior murals is observed, the following procedure should be followed 

immediately.

• Suspend all construction within 200-feet of the resource immediately.

• Install netting immediately below the murals to prevent loose material from hitting the 

ground.

• Contact a skilled murals conservator, preferable one familiar with the murals and the 

work carried out in 2006. At a minimum, the selected conservator should be a member 

of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), have at least 10 years experience 

working on exterior murals, frescos, and/or plaster-based cultural media.

• Temporarily stabilize the murals until all construction activities along the K1, K2, and L1 

segments are complete. Do not resume construction until the murals have been 

stabilized.

• Permanently stabilize the murals according to the recommendations of the murals 

conservator.

Fallen or Loose Artifacts

If artifacts become dislodged from the interior of the Temple because of construction-related 

activities, the following procedure should be followed immediately:
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

5

• Suspend all construction within 200-feet of the resource immediately.

• Contact a representative from the Bok Kai Temple to document the damaged items.

• Remove the item for assessment and repair offsite. The item should be properly 

packaged to prevent further damage. 

• Survey the remaining attachments for stability. Construction can resume after the 

damaged item has been removed from the site and wall and ceiling attachments have 

been verified.

• A skilled artisan familiar with sacred objects, or with the specific materials in question, is 

recommended to advise on actions needed to restore the damaged item.

• Repair any damage to the wall or ceiling where attachments dislodged.

• Reinstall repaired item only after all construction activities along the K1, K2, and L1 

segments are complete.

A.2 SUMMARY

There are very few anticipated impacts on the Bok Kai Temple as a result of constructionrelated vibrations. Vibration will occur at levels detectable by humans but should remain well 

below the levels generally required to cause aesthetic damage. Structural damage is highly 

unlikely based on the current analysis. Pre-construction stabilization activities include

recording baseline vibrations conditions, establishing baseline building conditions, and 

verification of vibrations generated by the proposed construction methods and equipment at 

the site. Provided the baseline assumptions of this report are supportable by pre-construction 

stabilization activities, vibrations levels remain under the recommended threshold of 0.08 

in/sec, and the project is properly monitored to verify that levels remain below this threshold, 

impacts to the temple are unlikely.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

6

1. INTRODUCTION

The city of Marysville is located approximately 50 miles north of Sacramento, California in Yuba 

County. Marysville is surrounded by 7.5 miles of levee that protect it from the flooding of three 

water courses: the Yuba River to the south; Jack Slough to the north; and the Feather River to 

the west. These levees vary in height from 16 to 28 feet.

The Yuba River drains out of New Bullards Bar Dam in the Sierra Nevada and runs along the 

south edge of the Marysville Ring Levee project (MRL) into the Feather River. Jack Slough runs 

a quarter mile northwest of the MRL and flows into the Feather River. The Feather River drains 

from Oroville Dam and Reservoir from the north along the western edge of the Marysville Ring 

Levee and then flows into the Sacramento River. 

MRL is a cooperative effort between the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the 

State of California Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB), and the Marysville Levee 

District (District) to protect the City of Marysville from a 200-year flood event.1

Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. has been contracted to assess the potential impacts of proposed 

levee improvements on two National Register-listed historic resources immediately adjacent to, 

but located outside of, the project Area of Potential Effect (APE, see Figure 1): the Bok Kai 

Temple (temple) and the Downtown Marysville Commercial Historic District (district). The 

temple property is currently encroached upon by the north side of the levee. The district is noncontiguous and approximately three blocks of the National Register district are immediately 

adjacent to the APE. The Downtown Marysville Commercial Historic District is addressed in a 

separate Historic Structure Impact Report, also completed by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.

1.1 MRL PROJECT SUMMARY

As authorized under the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) IDIQ Contract No. 

W91238-10-D-0003, Delivery Order No. 0009, revised June 15, 2011, HDR/Fugro WLA Joint 

Venture (JV) was tasked with preparation of the Alternative Analysis for the Marysville Ring 

Levee Phase 2B (MRL) and the geophysical and pothole exploration of levee penetrations and 

encroachments, in support of levee improvement and reconstruction. The entire Marysville ring 

levee consists of approximately 7.5 miles of the levee surrounding and protecting the City of 

Marysville, California. Planned levee improvement measures throughout the ring levee address 

underseepage, through-seepage, embankment slope stability, utility penetrations, 

constructability, settlement, and geometrical corrections to the levee embankment. The MRL 

Engineering Documentation Report (EDR) and the MRL Environmental Assessment (EA) 

addresses the engineering and environmental aspects, respectively, of the Phase 1 through 4 

levee improvements for the entire Marysville area flood protection system. The Geotechnical 

Appendix of the MRL EDR identifies Phase 2 as a critical reach requiring levee improvements. 

In particular, the reach from Stations 244+00 to 285+00, Phase 2B was identified as a critical 

reach due to past performance and past repairs as well as its close proximity to historic 

structures. Additionally, penetrations and encroachments in the levee embankment and 

foundations dating to the mid 19th century have abandoned underground construction with 

 1 “Memorandum of Agreement Between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California State Historic 

Preservation Officer, Regarding the Marysville Ring Levee Project, Yuba County, California,” (March 2011), 1.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

7

Figure 1. The project APE. The APE follows the physical extent of the levee around Marysville. Areas of 

anticipated staging are also included where the APE extends beyond the immediate levee confines.2

potential voids that may cause instability and/or seepage. The USACE engineer’s opinion is 

that this site may have serious defects due to these conditions and requires through and 

underseepage mitigation. The MRL Phase 2B project was divided into three segments for the 

alternative analysis: Segments K1, K2 and L1. 

The mitigation measures considered for the MRL Phase 2B project are levee degradation/

reconstruction and cutoff wall construction. Levee degradation/reconstruction involves 

degrading (removal) of the existing levee and reconstructing a new levee. The cutoff wall 

measure involves degrading approximately the top half of the levee, constructing a cutoff wall 

to the necessary depth and reconstructing the top portion of the levee. Both mitigation measures

involve only standard earthmoving equipment.

 2 Memorandum of Agreement Between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California State Historic Preservation Officer,

Regarding the Marysville Ring Levee Project, Yuba County, California, March 2011, Attachment A.

Attachment A. Area of Potential Effects
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

8

The through-seepage mitigation measures considered in Segment K1 are levee degradation/ 

reconstruction and a cutoff wall. Only one alignment option was considered (existing 

alignment). This is the segment in closest proximity to the Bok Kai Temple.

The underseepage and through-seepage mitigation measures considered in Segment K2 only 

included a cutoff wall. There are two alignment options considered (existing alignment and 

slightly modified alignment). The cutoff wall in this segment will be slightly deeper for 

underseepage mitigation. This is the segment in closest proximity to historic district 

contributing buildings in poor condition.

The through-seepage mitigation measures considered in Segment L1 are levee degradation/ 

reconstruction and a cutoff wall. There are four alignment options under consideration (existing 

alignment, slightly modified alignment, and two set forward alignments). For the existing and 

slightly modified alignments, levee degradation/reconstruction and cutoff wall mitigation 

measures are considered, similar to Segment K1. Similar to Segment K2, cutoff wall mitigation 

measures are assumed for the set forward alignments located approximately 100 feet to 300 feet 

east of the existing levee. Segment L1 is not located near any identified historic resources.

Phase 2B consists of several construction techniques used in combination to install a 50- to 90-

foot deep, cutoff wall through much of the length. In addition, jet grouting would occur at the 

four bridges in this section (5th Street Bridge, Highway 70 Bridge, two railroad bridges). 

Construction in the Phase 2B portion must consider impacts on the historic resources as well as 

treatment of existing utilities with through-levee placements. All work associated with Phase 2B 

is projected to use conventional construction equipment such as loaders, scrapers, graders, and 

excavators.3

The following descriptions represent the extent of construction methods anticipated.

1.1.1 Cutoff Wall Construction

The levee crown would be degraded down 4- to 12-feet to provide a 40- to 50-foot temporary 

work surface for construction equipment. Conventional cutoff walls are constructed using an 

excavator with a long-stick boom capable of digging a trench to a maximum depth of 

approximately 75 to 80 feet. Some excavators can reach depths of up to 90 feet. The trench width 

will vary depending on depth, but it is assumed for this report the minimum width would be 36 

inches (3 feet). A bentonite slurry is placed in the trench as it is excavated to prevent caving 

while the backfill material is mixed. The excavated soil is mixed with the appropriate slurry 

(either bentonite or cement-bentonite) to achieve the required cutoff wall strength and 

permeability, and then backfilled into the trench. The levee portion that was degraded is now 

reconstructed. All work is completed with standard earthmoving equipment.

1.1.2 Levee Reconstruction

Instead of degrading only a portion of the levee as above, with Levee Reconstruction the levee 

is completely degraded. In some cases, a cutoff wall described above is installed at the location 

of the new levee alignment. In these areas, a working platform would be constructed above the 

existing ground surface for construction of the cutoff wall. After levee degrading and cutoff

 3 United States Army Corps of Engineers, “Final, Marysville Ring Levee, Yuba River Basin, California, Environmental 

Assessment, Initial Study,” (April 2010), 10.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

9

wall installation, the levee is reconstructed. All work is completed with standard earthmoving 

equipment.

1.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1 Section 106

The preparation of this Historic Structure Impact Report is part of the mandated adherence to 

Section 106 review, 36 CFR Part 800, as amended in August 2004. Section 106 requires that 

federal agencies, and entities that they fund or license, consider the effects of their actions on 

properties that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), or that may be 

eligible for such listing. To determine whether an undertaking could affect NRHP-eligible 

properties, cultural resources, including archaeological, historical, and architectural properties, 

must be inventoried and evaluated. Although compliance with Section 106 is the responsibility 

of the lead federal agency, others can conduct the work necessary to comply. Additionally, 

because both the Downtown Marysville Commercial District and the Bok Kai Temple are 

National Register listed historic resources, it is a statutory requirement under Section 110(f) of 

the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) that the agency official (Corps and CVFPB), to 

the maximum extent possible, undertake such planning and actions as may be necessary to 

minimize harm resulting from an undertaking. 

In compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, the Corps entered into a Memorandum of 

Agreement (MOA) with the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic 

Preservation (SHPO) regarding treatment of both the Bok Kai Temple and Marysville 

Commercial Historic District during this project. 

The NHPA defines an effect as an alteration to the characteristics of a historic property that 

qualify it for inclusion in or eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Effects can be found adverse or not adverse. Adverse effects are defined by the Criteria of 

Adverse Effect as outlined in 36 CFR 800.5(a)(1). An adverse effect is found when an undertaking 

may alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of a historic property that qualify that 

property for inclusion in the NRHP in a manner that would diminish the integrity of that 

property’s location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association. In applying 

the criteria of adverse effect, regulations require that consideration be given to all qualifying

characteristics of a historic property, including those that may have been identified subsequent 

to the original evaluation of the property’s eligibility for the NRHP. Adverse effects may 

include reasonably foreseeable effects caused by the undertaking that may occur later in time, 

be farther removed in distance, or be cumulative. Examples of adverse effects on historic 

properties include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical destruction of, or damage to, all or part of the property;

2. Alteration of a property, including restoration, rehabilitation, repair, maintenance, 

stabilization, hazardous material remediation, and provision of handicapped access, that 

is not consistent with the Secretary’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties 

and applicable guidelines;

3. Removal of the property from its historic location;
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

10

4. Change of the character of the property’s use or of physical features within the 

property’s setting that contribute to its historic significance;

5. Introduction of visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that diminish the integrity of 

the property’s significant historic features;

6. Neglect of a property which causes its deterioration, except where such neglect and 

deterioration are recognized qualities of a property of religious and cultural significance 

to an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; and 

7. Transfer, lease, or sale of property out of Federal ownership or control or conditions to 

ensure long-term preservation of the property’s historic significance.4

1.2.2 CEQA

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Section 15064.5) requires the lead CEQA 

agency to assess the impacts of the project on cultural resources. For the MRL, the lead CEQA 

agency is the lead non-Federal agency, CVFPB.5 Historical resources are defined as “any object, 

building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which is historically or 

archaeologically significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, 

economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California.”6

Before the level of significance of impacts can be determined and appropriate mitigation 

measures developed, the significance of historical resources must be determined. Generally, the 

application of Section 106 is considered to adequately address the requirements of CEQA.

This report is intended to provide information to related to compliance with both Section 106 

and CEQA for the MRL Phase 2B project.

1.3 OVERVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES

In preparation for this project, a number of previous studies have been conducted related to the 

potential construction methods under consideration, site specific qualities such as soil and levee 

condition, identification of known and potential historic resources in the area, and possible 

impacts related to levee repairs. The conclusions in each report are consistent and form the basis 

for many of the conclusions and recommendations in this document. The following presents the 

most relevant project-related studies and their findings.

• Roger Zemba, Memorandum for Record: Structural Observations and Analysis for Historic 

Structures – Marysville Ring Levee Construction, 13 January 2010

This memo is included as Attachment A of the 14 January 2010 memo by Erik James. It 

briefly describes the condition of the Temple, as observed in October 2009, as good and 

structurally sound. Recent repairs were noted, including replacement of the tile roof 

with wood shingles and replacement of the two supporting porch columns. The memo 

highlights the existence of a sheet pile wall approximately half-way between the Temple 

 4 “Code of Federal Regulations, Section 36, Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties, Subpart B, Section 800.5(2)(ivii),” (Washington, D.C., 2004).

5 Initial Study, 117.

6 California Public Resources Code, Section 5020.1(j).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

11

and the proposed construction location. The author states that the construction methods 

used to install the existing sheet pile wall are much more impactful and likely to have 

caused damage than the methods proposed for the MRL project. Also, the MRL project 

would be nearly twice as far away as the existing sheet pile wall, further reducing the 

likelihood of construction-related adverse impacts to the Temple. It concludes that if 

construction methods were carefully selected, no impacts were likely to the Bok Kai 

Temple.

• Erik James, Memorandum for Record: Marysville Ring Levee EDR – Bok Kai Temple 

Construction Impact Evaluation, 14 January 2010

This memo summarizes the findings of the earlier January 13, 2012 memo and adds 

calculations of anticipated vibrations based on methodology from Caltrans 

Transportation- and Construction-Induced Vibrations Guidance Manual. They used a 

conservative distance of 40-feet between the Temple and proposed construction 

activities and values associated with heavy impact construction equipment such as pile 

drilling equipment and large bulldozers (0.089 in/sec PPV). Even with site-specific soils 

data, they used a more conservative n-value of 1.1 to provide as conservative an estimate 

as possible for consideration. Their result was an anticipated peak particle velocity from 

construction equipment (PPV) of 0.05 in/sec. 

The memo concludes that level of anticipated vibration is below recognized thresholds 

where damage to buildings in good repair (like the Temple) is unlikely. It recommends a 

number of measures to limit construction-related vibrations as well as monitoring of the 

historic resource during construction.

• HDR, Inc., Engineering Documentation Report, Marysville Ring Levee, Yuba River Basin, 

California, April 12, 2010

The MRL is part of the larger Yuba River Basin project. As such it is covered under the 

environmental review documents produced for that project. Modifications to the MRL 

required creation of a separate document to verify that the conditions outlined in the 

original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) remain valid. The report concluded that 

the MRL project is consistent with the original project review. The original NEPA 

determination of a Finding of No Significant Impact and CEQA findings justifying a 

Negative Declaration remain valid.

• Environmental Assessment/Initial Study, Marysville Ring Levee, Yuba River Basin, California, 

April 2010

This document concluded with a finding of No Significant Impact (NEPA) and 

supported a Negative Declaration (CEQA) for the Marysville Ring Levee improvements. 

It discussed a number of potential and known historic resources, including the Bok Kai 

Temple and the Downtown Marysville Commercial District. Drawing primarily from 

the two January 2010 memos referenced above, it concluded the project was unlikely to 

result in impacts to these historic resource and recommended additional study and 

monitoring.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

12

• HDR/Fugro/WLA, Geotechnical Data Report, Marysville Ring Levee, Phase 2B, Marysville, 

California, December 7, 2012

This survey established areas of previous intrusions or voids in the levee as well as 

summarizing the known geologic history and categorization of soils in the Marysville 

area. Previous intrusions include a sheet pile wall near the Bok Kai Temple. The top of 

the wall will be located four-feet below the ground surface.

• HDR/Fugro/WLA, Final Alternatives Analysis, Marysville Ring Levee Phase 2B, Yuba River 

Basin, California, July 2012 

The major problems with the Phase 2B levee segments are identified as through-seepage 

and underseepage during high water events. Three possible solutions were deemed 

viable for the three segments: shallow cutoff wall, deep cutoff walls, and levee 

reconstruction. Four different possible alignments were also considered. The result was 

eight different alternatives presented in the report ranging in cost from approximately 

$11 million to $17 million. 

1.4 IMPACT REPORT GOALS AND METHODOLOGY

The goal of this historic structure impact report is to analyze potential impacts of the proposed 

project and project alternatives on the historic resource. Based on that analysis, 

recommendations to mitigate any potential impacts have been developed. The bulk of this 

analysis centers on evaluation of the possible vibrations resulting form proposed construction 

and comparison of these anticipated values with the body of literature concerned with 

establishing construction-related vibrations thresholds for historic buildings. This report is the 

second of a two-phase evaluation process that was preceded by a Marysville Levee Preliminary 

Historic Resource Impacts memo dated July 19, 2012.

1.4.1 Literature Review

Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. reviewed relevant project and historical information including:

• Donald Napoli, Downtown Marysville Commercial Historic District National Register 

Nomination (1999)

The nomination established the boundaries of the historic district as well as the character 

defining features of the district. The period of significance includes both 19th and 20th

century building campaigns but stops prior to the redevelopment efforts of more recent 

decades. It provides a historical context for Marysville in general, and minimal 

contextual information on the Chinese community that established the Bok Kai Temple 

and occupied the buildings on First Street, closest to the MRL project.

• Architectural Resources Group, Inc., Historic Structure Report: Bok Kai Temple (2002)

The HSR for the Bok Kai Temple describes the conditions of the temple prior to recent 

repair campaigns. It presents a good overview of the construction chronology of the 

building and the historical context for the Chinese community in Marysville up through 

recent times. Appendices to the document include architectural plans and 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

13

recommendations for structural upgrades to the building. It does not detail what work 

was undertaken with the 2006 grant awards.

• California Department of Transportation, Transportation- and Construction-Induced 

Vibration Guidance Manual (2004)

This document serves as the basis for evaluation of vibrations-related impacts on 

buildings in various states of repair and construction types. It presents formulas for 

evaluation of site-specific conditions and recommends vibrations thresholds for 

construction-related activities. While it is not the only vibrations guideline referenced in 

this report, it is the only one specifically mentioned in the scope of work for the MRL 

project.

• Memorandum of Agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California State 

Historic Preservation Officer, Regarding the Marysville Ring Levee Project, Yuba County, 

California (2011)

The MOA establishes documentation and methodology requirements regarding the 

historic resources near the APE for the MRL project. It represents the agreement 

between the major stakeholders and serves as the overarching guideline for this 

document.

1.4.2 Field Investigations

After review of relevant background information, a site visit was conducted on December 7, 

2011 to inspect the interior and exterior of the Bok Kai Temple for existing conditions, and to 

conduct a general exterior survey of buildings in the historic district within 200 feet of the MRL 

project. This site visit included Architectural Conservator and Historian, Becky Urbano 

(Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.), Structural Engineer, Steve Duquette (Duquette Engineering), 

and HDR team member and vibrations expert, Dr. Sandy Figuers (Norfleet Consultants). A 

second site visit was conducted on August 30, 2012 to observe and note interior conditions of 

the buildings on the south side of First Street. This memo is the result of observations made 

during those site tours as informed by the background project information and ongoing 

conversations with HDR, the Corps, and other team members.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

14

2. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE

2.1 HISTORY

Architectural Resources Group (ARG) completed a Historic Structure Report for the Bok Kai 

Temple in 2002 (see Figure 2). The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places 

in May 2002. As defined in the National Register nomination, the years 1880-1930 mark the 

period of significance for the building, spanning from the building’s dedication in March 1880 

to the time when the Chinese population in Marysville was decreasing. The following historic 

overview is quoted from ARG’s Historic Structure Report for the Bok Kai Temple. Please see the 

original document for more information.

Figure 2. Bok Kai Temple, c.1880. This image shows the temple shortly after its reached its current form. 

Note the different colors of the east and west wings and the detail in the wood frieze panel between the 

porch columns. (Image courtesy of the Bok Kai Temple website.)
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

15

2.1.1 Developmental History and Context of Marysville

The city of Marysville lies at the confluence of the Yuba and Feather Rivers in 

Yuba County on a portion of land granted to John Sutter by the Mexican rulers 

of California in 1841. Sutter leased part of his land to Theodor Cordua, who 

built a rancho on the north bank of the Yuba River, just east of its junction with 

the Feather River, and raised livestock in the surrounding area. This was the 

beginning of the settlement that would soon become Marysville. In 1848, 

Cordua sold a half interest in the land to a former employee of his, Charles 

Covillaud, and later sold his remaining interest to Michael Nye and William 

Foster. Covillaud’s partners in the land grant soon changed so that by 1849 four 

men, Covillaud, Jose Manuel Ramirez, John Simpson, and Theodore Sicard had 

become Covillaud and Company. In 1850, town lots were mapped out, parcels 

sold, and the name of Marysville chosen for the new town in honor of Mary 

Murphy, the wife of Charles Covillaud and a survivor of the infamous Donner 

Party. Marysville was incorporated as a town by the California Legislature in 

1851.

Marysville’s early history is directly linked to the discovery and exploitation of 

gold in the nearby foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Following the 

discovery of gold at Sutter’s lumber mill in Coloma in January 1848, 

Marysville’s potential as a point of transfer for goods, people, and riches was 

quickly realized. The position of Marysville at the meeting of two navigable 

rivers, and its relative proximity to San Francisco, Sacramento, and the gold 

fields, made the site well suited to take advantage of the Gold Rush economy. 

Although gold discoveries were made just a few miles from the town, most of 

the early growth of Marysville was based on the related industries of trade, 

transportation, and financing, not directly on mining enterprises.

2.1.2 [Marysville Chinese Community]

As with other communities in California that grew rapidly during the Gold 

Rush period, Chinese immigrants were quick to establish homes, businesses, 

and a sizeable presence in Marysville. Although there is evidence of some 

Chinese presence in California before 1841, it was after the discovery of gold at 

Sutter’s mill that the number of Chinese immigrants became substantial. These 

Chinese immigrants, many from Kwangtung (Canton) province, voyaged across 

the Pacific to work in the gold fields, build the railroads, and open the 

businesses that would help to establish the early California economy.

The earliest temple built by the Chinese community in Marysville was probably 

constructed in 1854 on the north bank of the Yuba River at what was then the 

southeast corner of the young town. The likely location of this temple, at the 

southeast corner of what is currently First and B Streets, was adjacent to the 

Chinese quarter of Marysville that began to develop along the bank of the Yuba 

river. The temple was also situated near a stream that drained into the Yuba 

River, where it provided a spiritual barrier to the outward flow of positive 

energy away from the community and the inward floor of evil spirits along the 

stream of the river. As detailed by Dr. Paul Chace, the temple property was 

owned by attorneys for the Chinese through the 1860s and then transferred to 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

16

the Hong Woo & Co., the largest Sze Yup business in Marysville. Sze Yup refers 

to four districts in Southern china populated by peoples sharing a common 

dialect and ethnic identity. Late in the winter of 1874, devastating flooding of 

the rivers in Marysville forces the city to widen the levee along the Yuba River, 

including the area at First and B Streets. 

2.1.3 Development of the [Bok Kai Temple] Site

The existing Bok Kai Temple is situated between several structures and the 

levee along the north bank of the Yuba River. The Temple’s current location, 

south of First Street near D Street, dates to 1880. At that time, the front of the 

temple would have faced Front Street, and D Street would have run along the 

west side of the Temple to the bank of the Yuba River. Situated at the 

northeastern corner of the principal bridge into the city, the Temple became the 

first building everyone saw when entering early Marysville.

Before the founding of the Bok Kai Temple at its current site, a brick bathhouse 

and saloon occupied the property at the corner of D and Front Streets. This 

structure, dating to 1852, was owned by William H. Clark who operated it as 

the Marysville City Baths. The one-story structure, approximately 20-feet by 60-

feet with a basement, was enlarged circa 1856. Clark owned the expanded 20-

foot by 80-foot lot until 1857 when it was then auctioned off and passed through 

a series of owners through the 1860s.

In March 1869, members of the Marysville Chinese community acquired the 

brick bathhouse building and began work to reconstruct the structure a Chinese 

temple. The new Chinese temple was dedicated and opened to the public on 

May 15, 1869. The front of the building was described in newspaper accounts as 

‘ornamented with Chinese paintings’ and the temple hall as ‘gay if not gaudy’ 

and ‘about fourteen foot square.’ This temple is called the ‘Bok Ky Church’ in 

Marysville’s 1876 tax records. The northern wall of the 1852 bathhouse probably 

remained as the northern wall of the 1869 temple altar hall. The southern wall of 

the temple may have been newly constructed in 1869 to create a recessed front 

porch and entrance to the altar hall, a traditional southern Chinese architectural 

style. If this is the case, the walls onto which the exterior mural is currently 

painted would date to 1869.

In the site development scenario proposed above, the 1869 temple building 

would have occupied the southern half of the current site of the Bok Kai 

Temple. The property immediately adjacent to the 1869 temple on the north 

appears to have been undeveloped until 1858. At that time, a substantial 

improvement is listed for the property in the city’s Assessment Roll Book. This 

improvement may correspond to the construction of an on-site brick building. 

The owner of the property, as recorded in the 1859 Book of Deeds, is Isaac 

Belcher, a prominent lawyer in Marysville. Although Belcher owned the20-foot 

by 80-foot lot until October 1872, it is possible that the lease for the 1869 temple 

included Belcher’s land and building on the northern half of the site. In 1872, 

Thomas Seward and E.C. Ross acquired the Belcher property. These two men 

had obtained legal ownership of the southern 20-foot by 80-foot Bok Kai Temple 

property in August of the same year. Seaward and his estate retained 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

17

ownership of the consolidated 40-foot by 80-foot lot at Front and D Streets until 

February 1880, at which time the parcel was purchased by Chow You and Yee 

Wat Chung through an administrator of the deceased Seward’s estate, Title to 

the property was then transferred to the Trustees of the Bock Ky Church[.]

The renovation and expansion of the structure that is the present Bok Kai 

Temple was underway by January 1880. Although the extent of renovation is 

not definitively known, it likely includes the construction of new east and west 

bearing walls for the expanded Altar Hall and the application of many 

decorative details, including the mural painting at the front porch walls. The 

other brick bearing walls at the perimeter of the current Temple structure 

probably incorporate the walls of the 1852 Bathhouse and 1858 Belcher building. 

Some of the work performed as part of the expansion of the Bok Kai Temple 

was carried out by Swain & Hudson, a major building firm in Marysville at the 

time, Chinese craftsmen did other work, including the painting of the figurative 

and ornamental murals at the entrance porch. The architectural design of the 

temple was based on ‘models furnished...by the Chinese’ and ‘plans drawn by 

Chinese draftsmen,’ according to contemporary newspaper accounts. The 

construction of the 1880 Bok Kai Temple was accomplished with money from 

Chinese community members. The names of these people who contributed to 

the Temple are listed in a plaque in the Altar Hall. The Bok Kai Temple was 

dedicated in March 1880.

The founding of the temple was a symbol of the growing presence and 

influence of the Chinese community in Marysville. The maintenance and 

upkeep of the temple required contributions from every member of the 

community, both in time and money. The Temple provided a network of 

support for the community, which, from its earliest period and particularly after 

the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, was faced with various forms 

of discrimination and isolation. From its founding through the present day, the 

Council Chamber in the hall to the west of the Altar Hall has been used for 

community meetings, classes, and other social gatherings.

At the same time that the Chinese community in Marysville built the Bok Kai 

temple, Chinese immigrants to other areas of California and the west were 

constructing temples to serve their local community. Among the most 

prominent of the surviving structures are the temples in Oroville, the Won Lim 

Temple in Weaverville, and temples in San Francisco rebuilt after that city’s 

earthquake and fire in 1906. These temples display a common organization, 

relating to the religious and social functions of the temple and the relationship 

of social hierarchies.7

“The Bok Kai Temple is one of the few examples of a Taoist temple built by 

Chinese immigrants to the western United States, and is significant as a symbol 

of Chinese immigration and settlement in the west during the second half of the 

nineteenth century. The Temple’s design incorporates elements of traditional and 

popular cultural imagery and many of the deities associated with the building 

refer to the importance of water. The Temple is also significant for its exterior 

 7 Architectural Resources Group, “Bok Kai Temple Historic Structure Report, “ September 2002, 13-17.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

18

Figure 3. Bok Kai Temple, 2011. This is a current image of the Bok Kai Temple as viewed from 

the top of the levee. The roof has been returned to its original shingled appearance after many 

years covered in inappropriate clay tile. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.)

mural paintings depicting a combination of calligraphy writings, narrative 

panels, and decorative scenes. These paintings are significant both nationally and 

internationally, as rare examples of intact Taoist mural paintings. The Temple is 

also important as a local community landmark and serves as a center of local 

history, tradition, and pride,” (see Figure 3).8

2.2 CHRONOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT AND USE

The Bok Kai Temple retains a high degree of integrity and appears much as it did at the 

time of dedication in 1880. The following summary is taken from the Bok Kai Temple 

Historic Structure Report.9

 8 Ibid, 5-6. 9 Ibid, 22-23
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

19

1854 Construction of first Chinese temple in Marysville at southeast corner of First 

and B Streets.

1869 Dedication of first Bok Kai Temple at northeast corner of Front and D Streets. 

This temple incorporated portions of a one-story brick bathhouse built by 

William Clark in 1852.

1875 Removal of temple at First and B Streets for the widening of the levee along 

the north bank of the Yuba River.

1880 Expansion and renovation of the Bok Kai Temple at Front and D Streets. A 

brick building constructed in 1858 by Isaac Belcher was incorporated into the 

enlarged Bok Kai temple. New load bearing walls and roofs for the Altar Hall 

were built as part of this renovation.

Pre-1890 Small addition made to northeast corner of building. This addition was 

present in 1895 but had disappeared by 1909, based on Sanborn Maps for 

Marysville.

Pre-1945 Addition on east end of Temple approximately 20 feet by 40 feet.

1960 to 

1964

Renovation of the Bok Kai Temple, including repair of the building’s 

foundations, repair to the exterior stucco, and restoration of the building’s 

floors, walls, and ceilings. The existing sprayed-on foam roof was installed at 

this time, new electrical work, storm drain, and sewer services were provided, 

and the interior toilet rooms at the southeast corner of the building were 

installed. Landscaping work and the construction of the archway near D Street 

leading to the Temple was also included in this renovation plan.

c.1996 Installation of sheet metal housing at wall vent on west gable end of Altar 

Hall.

c.1998 Installation of iron security gates at exterior doors on south elevation.

c.2006 Grant money allowed for removal of the tile roof and its replacement with a 

wood shingle roof. At the same time, repairs were completed at the gable end 

walls to close up and fill substantial cracks that had developed from 

overloading of the roof and failure of the porch column supports. The wood 

porch columns were also replaced. Stabilization and minor repairs were made 

to the murals under the porch roof as well. The building was painted at this 

time. No seismic upgrades were completed at this time.

On the interior, the sanctuary walls were covered with textured panel board 

and painted, a new tile floor was installed, and a tile-clad altar replaced the 

previous wood altar.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

20

The following alterations to the Bok Kai Temple and site are undated:

• Rise in levee height between the south facade of the Bok Kai Temple and the 

Yuba River. Levee height was two feet high until 1872, when its height 

increased with each flood, ultimately reaching its present height and 

configuration.

• Original wood shingles replaced with clay tile; figurines and wood bases on top 

of the wood beam ends (these alterations made before c.1950, according to 

historical photograph).

• Installation of skylight in Council Chambers.

2.3 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND STATUS

The Bok Kai Temple was originally listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. 

The nomination was updated in 2001. It is California Historic Landmark Number 889 (1976).

“The primary significance of the Bok Kai Temple lies in its contributions to our understanding 

of the patterns of the country’s history, specifically, to patterns of immigration and expressions 

of ethnic heritage.”10 At the time of construction, it established Marysville as a center for 

Chinese culture in central California. Its function and appearance have changed little in the 

intervening years even as the Chinese population in the area has dwindled. 2012 marks the 131st

year of the Bok Kai Parade and Bomb Day Festival, ritual celebrations that are intimately 

associated with the temple and its place in the larger Chinese community.

Architecturally, the temple is significant as one of the last Chinese-built Taoist temples in the 

United States. The murals and iconography are unique and are some of the last surviving 

examples of exterior Taoist murals in the world.

The identified period of significance for the Bok Kai Temple is 1880 through 1930. This marks 

the dedication of the temple in its current form through the retirement of Taoist priest Yee 

Chow Chung from active service.11

 10 Ibid., 5. 11 Dr. Sue Fawn Chung and Ross Nelson, “National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Bok Kai Temple, 

Marysville, California,” (2001).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

21

3. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

The following description is from the Bok Kai Temple Historic Structure Report:

The Bok Kai Temple is situated on the northern bank of the Yuba River at a point 

where the river widens before meeting the Feather River to the west. The temple 

building occupies a roughly 40-foot by 80-foot area between a levee along the 

river [to the south], a cluster of structures to the north, a public walkway and 

park to the west, and a parking lot to the east.12

South of the Temple, a concrete walkway separates the south wall of the building 

from a concrete retaining wall and a series of planting beds and concrete steps 

that rise up an earthen embankment...The embankment is a levee built up over 

time to a height greater than the roof of the Temple to protect the City of 

Marysville from flooding of the Yuba River [see Figure 4].

13

Figure 4. Bok Kai Temple and surrounding area. The temple faces the levee and is accessible, by 

foot, via the neighboring park. (Aerial image taken from Google Maps.)

 12 HSR, 25. 13 Ibid.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

22

The Bok Kai temple is a one-story, brick and wood-frame structure. The exterior 

unreinforced brick walls are stuccoed and painted white. The exterior wood 

frame walls are covered with corrugated metal siding. A concrete walkway leads 

to a raised platform in front of the main entrance to the building on the south 

elevation. A porch roof supported by wood beams and columns covers the main 

entrance near the center of the south facade and protects mural paintings on the 

stuccoed exterior walls of the Temple. Additional exterior doors on the south 

elevation open into side halls to the west and east of the central Altar Hall. Visor 

roofs supported by newer steel posts project from the south elevation to shelter 

these doors. A double-gable roof covers the central section of the building, and 

gently sloping roofs cover the side halls. The double-gable roof of the Altar Hall 

and porch and the two visor roofs are covered with ceramic tile; the other roofs 

have a sprayed-on foam roofing material.14

Currently, the Bok Kai Temple is divided into three distinct sections. The 

westernmost section is a large space separated by a wood partition screen into 

two rooms of roughly equal size. The screen is located at the former position of 

the party wall between the two earlier buildings on the site.15

The mural paintings were created by a single master artist at the time of the 

Temple’s dedication in 1880. They are a rare example of exterior decoration 

associated with Chinese religious architecture, either in the United States or in 

China. The 13 panels comprising the mural paintings have narrative scenes with 

figures engaged in different activities, calligraphy writings, and decorative 

scenes of birds and flowers. The use of a colored border ties the composition 

together. The scenes may represent important Chinese cultural values expressed 

in popular Taoism. Partially protected by the overhanging porch roof, the colors 

of the mural painting are still vibrant and the scenes legible. The Taoist mural 

paintings of the Bok Kai Temple are not only unique in North America, 

surviving over a century with strong connection of the original Temple buildings 

still intact, but are also among only a small number of surviving examples in the 

world. Similar temple paintings in mainland China were destroyed and lost in 

the 1960s cultural revolution, and most temples in Taiwan have been 

overpainted or refurbished, compromising significant wall paintings.”16

3.2 EXTERIOR CONDITIONS AND DESCRIPTION

The exterior of the building is in excellent condition. As part of the recent re-roof and repair 

project, all exterior surfaces were addressed. Cracks were filled, the stucco was repaired, wood 

columns were replaced, and the exterior surfaces received a new coat of white or red paint. 

Under the porch roof, cracks through the murals have been stabilized but not overpainted. The 

repairs remain visible. At the roof level, the cast figurines at the porch gable ends have been 

braced and positively attached to the ends of the parapet walls. On the west walls, as one enters 

the site, the bright paint has been soiled at grade by biogrowth within an infilled door recess. 

Adjacent to this infilled panel is a downspout draining a portion of the low-slope roof over the 

western section of the temple. Moisture in this area is becoming trapped in the wall and 

 14 Ibid, 26. 15 Ibid. 16 HSR, 6.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

23

creating conditions damp enough to support growth. Another downspout at the north end of 

the wall drains the north slope of the roof over the primary temple chamber. Water is carried by 

a long series of pipes across the back of the building to a collection box at the northwest corner

of the site. This collection box is not functional and water is deposited on the electrical meter 

and adjacent wall areas.

Soiling from water backsplashing is also evident at grade on the southern half of the west 

elevation. This is likely from water bouncing off the concrete walkway adjacent to the building 

and not from runoff from the roof at this location. Drainage at other points around the building 

parameter appears to be functioning properly.

While cracking of the gable ends over the central building section has been addressed, there is 

horizontal cracking of the stucco on the barrel-vault roof connecting the two halves of the 

central building section (Figure 5). It is unclear if this is an active crack or a historical condition 

that is stable but covered by a failing surface coating. 

Figure 5. Horizontal crack in barrel vault. Even though the roof was repaired and strengthened in 2006, 

horizontal cracking in the small barrel vaulted section is ongoing. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 

2011.)
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

24

The north and east sides of the building are largely inaccessible. The east side is covered with 

corrugated metal finished with stucco. The north is mostly masonry, with corrugated metal 

over the kitchen wing.

3.3 INTERIOR CONDITIONS AND DESCRIPTION

Interior conditions vary depending on which section of the building. Starting at the western 

section, the interior is used for storage. The walls are unfinished, with exposed brick. Remnants 

of a stucco finish are on the south wall and white paint remains on some of the exposed brick. 

Joist pockets are also visible indicating this section of the building had a second floor in the 

distant past. On the west and south walls, evidence of former openings are visible as arched 

brick headers and differences in color and texture of infill brick. This section appeared free from 

leaks and no cracking or settlement was observed.

Conditions in the central section, where the main temple is located, are obscured by recently 

installed textured panelboard. A crack was visible above the east door, below the Threshold 

Screen bracket (Figure 6). The ceiling in this space is quite dark from years of burning candles 

and incense. The floors are newly installed stone tiles. The same tiles are used on the new altar 

table. They replaced a wood altar table and wood floor surface to improve fire resistance within 

the worship space. In general the surfaces appeared to be new and free from defects. However, 

a number of objects are suspended from the ceiling or attached to the wall in this section of the 

building. The security of these connections is questionable.

Figure 6. Crack in the new wall paneling. This crack is above the door to the Fortune Readers’s Room. 

The condition of the underlying brick wall could not be surveyed. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, 

Inc., 2011.)
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

25

The only accessible basement area is beneath the central section. It is accessed through a small 

door in the east wall, underneath the stairs into the Fortune Reader’s Room. The brick 

foundation for the altar is clearly visible. Areas of moisture staining were noted at the northeast 

corner but no active leaks or ponding were evident. The space did not smell musty and overall 

appeared dry. The one exception was at the northeast corner. This corresponds to a faulty 

downspout on the exterior. Water is seeping into the soil and through the brick in this location.

The eastern section of the building consists of four main rooms and a number of smaller rooms 

within the main spaces. It is a combination of brick and wood-frame construction. The floor 

level is much lower than the other two sections. The masonry sections are dry and sound except 

for the northwest corner of the Gambler’s Room (Figure 7). Here moisture was evident at the 

ceiling. This roughly corresponds to the area of moisture in the basement, although that would 

be on the other side of the wall in question. A blocked roof drain is the likely source of moisture. 

The wood-frame rooms are in poor condition. The wood framing members rest on a stone, 

brick, concrete pony wall. Where this framing meets the wall, many framing ends are 

deteriorated or missing entirely. Cross bracing is minimal and poorly connected. The pony wall 

is crumbling in some locations. While this section remains upright and dry, its overall condition 

is marginal (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Moisture staining in the Gambler’s Room. This area is near a roof drain that was improperly 

functioning. The area has since been repaired, but the damage is evident. (Photo by Garavaglia 

Architecture, Inc., 2011.)
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

26

Figure 8. Poor pony wall condition. The northeast corner of the Temple is wood frame on a brick pony 

wall. The framing and the masonry wall are in poor condition. This image shows one area of extreme 

damage where severe settlement has occurred. (Photo by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., 2011.)

3.4 STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS AND DESCRIPTION

The existing structure is composed of four sections with two different types of construction –

unit masonry and wood frame. The main building (temple section) is an unreinforced brick 

masonry building with wood roof and floor diaphragms. At the roof, the diaphragms are 1x 

straight sheathing over 2x rafters. At the floor, the diaphragm is 1x straight floor sheathing over 

2x floor joists supported on girders running north-south in the crawlspace. The perimeter walls 

are unreinforced brick masonry and the foundation is also unreinforced brick masonry. Two 

smaller unit masonry building sections flank the main temple. Each has a slab on grade 

foundation and a low slope roof.

These sections of the building are in excellent structural condition. However it was noted that 

no seismic upgrades have been made. Unreinforced brick masonry buildings are generally 

accepted as being hazardous and requiring seismic upgrade to mitigate the life safety risk.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

27

To the east is a wood-frame addition with corrugated metal roofing and siding. The siding is 

clad with stucco on the exterior face of the material. This section has a wood frame roof 

consisting of corrugated metal roofing over 2x roof rafters. There is no sheathing. The walls are 

2x studs covered with corrugated metal siding, again with no sheathing. This structure sits on 

an on-grade concrete slab. The perimeter foundation is a combination of shallow concrete and 

shallow unreinforced brick continuous foundations. There are several areas where the bricks are 

loose and have settled away from the wall sill plate. 

This section of the building is in poor structural condition. The quality of the foundation 

materials and the lack of any lateral system makes this area of the structure most susceptible to 

damage.

3.4.1 Common Structural Deficiencies

The Bok Kai Temple is fairly well maintained and in good condition. It is constructed of 

unreinforced brick masonry with wood frame additions. While its condition is good, structures

constructed of unreinforced masonry have inherent deficiencies that make them susceptible to 

damage due to seismic loads or other heavy vibrations. The common deficiencies noted are as 

follows: 

• Parapet Bracing 

The parapets extend more that 12-inches above the roof plane without proper bracing. 

These parapets are unstable under seismic loading and may be unstable when subjected 

to continual, low-grade vibrations. This condition could result in collapse.

• Out-of-Plane Wall Anchorage 

There is a lack of continuity between the heavy masonry walls, the wood floor, and roof 

diaphragms. This can result in separation and collapse under seismic loading.

• In-Plane Shear Transfer

There is a lack of continuity between the floor and roof diaphragms for shear transfer. 

This can result in separation and collapse under seismic loading.

• Floor and Roof Diaphragms 

The floor and roof diaphragms typically are not adequate to support the lateral seismic 

loads imposed by the heavy masonry walls without strengthening or additional interior 

shear walls or frames.

These deficiencies are most critical when the building is subjected to seismic loading. The 

anticipated construction-related vibrations are much smaller but can cause architectural 

cracking and minor separations when the structure has these major structural discontinuities. 

Adequate monitoring as described in the recommendations section is imperative.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

28

4. VIBRATIONS PARAMETERS

Potential impacts on the Bok Kai Temple due to the MRL project are likely to be the result of 

vibrations caused by construction nearby. Vibrations are caused by construction activities 

themselves, such as blasting, drilling, compacting, etc. as well as by everyday activities related 

to construction such as material transport, material movement on adjacent streets, construction 

activities on staging sites, etc. In the K1 and K2 sections of Phase 2B, a small staging site is 

proposed for an empty lot immediately adjacent to the southeast corner of the historic district. 

Construction activities range from 10-100+ feet from the closest historical resources to the APE. 

How buildings react to these increased events is as much a function of condition, construction, 

and location as it is of the project-related activities themselves. Therefore, a determination of 

impacts must establish a baseline threshold for construction-related events then analyze the 

individual buildings’ ability to tolerate those vibrations. 

4.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

To place modern understanding of the impacts of construction-related vibrations on buildings 

into context, it is important to consider the international body of work on the subject. Generally, 

the British and German standards are most heavily referenced, although Swiss standards play 

an important role in studies done by Caltrans. In the United States, the body of work is a 

mixture of data from large construction projects, such as Boston’s Big Dig project, and data 

collected by the federal government agencies such as the Bureau of Mines. Each study 

references earlier studies and each is based on particular sets of criteria that are not necessarily 

translatable across situations, or across applications. Therefore, while there is relative 

consistency in the findings, the methodologies can differ. 

For the purposes of this analysis, information is primarily presented from the most widely 

referenced international standards and compared with the common domestic standards. 

Differences to keep in mind include nuances of language. Many of the German studies are not 

translated into English. Those that are available as translated documents are provided by the 

German government only. Therefore, slight nuances of translation are lost because the 

translation is from a single source.

4.1.1 Overview - German Standards

Internationally, the German standards are generally considered to be the most restrictive when 

considering impacts from vibrations on structures. In actuality, there are three building-related 

vibration German standards: DIN 4150-1, DIN 4150-2, and DIN 4150-3. DIN 4150-1 discusses 

the mathematical evaluation of vibration parameters, such as creating attenuation curves. DIN 

4150-2 describes how to evaluate human exposure to vibrations from construction activities. 

DIN 4150-3 discusses measuring and evaluating the effects of vibrations on structures (nonearthquake loading). Of these, only DIN 4150-2 and DIN 4150-3 have been translated into 

English and made widely available to the international engineering community. For the 

purposes of this analysis, DIN 4150-3 is the most applicable to the immediate goals of 

establishing vibration thresholds for the historic resources near the MRL project. It includes 

evaluation of vibrations on pipelines, non-cohesive soil settlement, vibrations in floors and 

walls, as well as generalized methods for reducing vibrations from construction activities.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

29

The German standards are integrated and broad. The DIN 4150-3 incorporates by reference six 

other German standards. Most have not been translated into English. DIN 4150-3 includes 

evaluation of vibrations on pipelines, non-cohesive soil settlement, vibrations in floors and 

walls, as well as generalized methods for reducing vibrations from construction activities.

One concern with referencing the German standard for an international audience is that the 

German authorities have never provided any information on how the standard was set. Further 

complicating comparisons is the differences in definitions of what constitutes a short-term 

vibration versus a long-term vibration. Section 3.4 of DIN 4150-3 defines a short-term vibration 

as: “vibration which does not occur often enough to cause structural fatigue and which does not 

produce resonance in the structure being evaluated.” Section 3.5 defines a long-term vibration 

as: “all types of vibration not covered by the definition of ‘short-term vibration’ in subclause 

3.4” (i.e. dynamic/harmonic vibrations). 

In DIN 4150-3 the definitions for short- and long-term vibrations are based on the ability of 

those vibrations to cause damage. A short-term vibration can cause damage, but not structural 

fatigue. A long-term vibration causes structural fatigue and building resonance. DIN 4150-3 

occasionally refers to long-term vibrations as harmonic. A weak impulse or continuous 

vibration that does not cause structural fatigue (but causes cosmetic cracking) would be called a 

short-term vibration while a vibration (impulse or continuous) strong enough to cause 

structural fatigue or building resonance would be classified as a long-term vibration.

4.1.2 Overview – British Standards

The British have two vibration standards, BS 5228-2 (2009) and BS 7385-2 (1993) (see Figures 9a 

and 9b). BS 5228-2 covers vibration control on construction and open sites and BS 7385-2 covers 

evaluation and measurement of vibrations in buildings. These standards have evolved over the 

years and sometimes the recommendations between the two publications have differed. They 

currently are consistent. Vibration level recommendations in both standards are judged to give 

a minimal risk of direct vibration-related cosmetic damage (threshold values- formation of 

hairline cracks). The PPV values are frequency dependent.

BS 5228-2 (2009) provides recommendations for retaining walls (no lateral support). For walls in 

good condition, the threshold limit for transient vibrations is 0.4 in/sec (10 mm/s) (PPV) at the 

base of the wall and 1.6 in/sec (40 mm/s) at the top. For continuous vibrations, the recommend 

limits should be reduced by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 depending on circumstances and external 

supports may be needed.

4.1.3 Overview – United States Studies

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) provides a vibration damage threshold criterion of 

0.5 in/sec (12.7mm/s) for fragile buildings and 0.12 in/sec (3 mm/s) for extremely fragile 

historic buildings from typical construction equipment.17 These criteria were taken from Swiss 

standards. The FRA report provided typical vibration levels for construction equipment, and 

defined frequent events as more than 70 events per day.

 17 United States Department of Transportation, “High-Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration Impact 

Assessment, Report 293630-1,” (1998).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

30

Line 

[see Figure 

9b]

Type of Building Peak Component Particle Velocity in 

Frequency Rage of Predominant Pulse

4 Hz to 15 Hz 15 Hz and above

1 Reinforced or framed structures 50 mm/s [1.97 in/s] 

at 4 Hz and above

50 mm/s [1.97 in/s] 

at 4 Hz and above

Industrial and heavy 

commercial buildings

2 Unreinforced or light framed 

structures

15 mm/s [0.59 in/s] 

at 4 Hz increasing to 

20 mm/s [0.79 in/s] 

at 15 Hz

20 mm/s [0.79 in/s] 

at 15 Hz increasing to 

50 mm/s [1.97 in/s] 

at 40 Hz and above Residential or light commercial 

buildings

Figure 9a. Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damage. Values referred to are at the base of 

the building. For line 2, at frequencies below 4 Hz, a maximum displacement of 0.6 mm (0.02 in) [zero to 

peak)] is not to be exceeded.

Figure 9b. Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damage. Transient vibration guide values for 

cosmetic damage for the current BS 5228-2 (2009). This diagram was originally developed for BS 7385-2 

(1993) and was included in BS 5228-2 in 2009. Cosmetic damage is defined as creation of hairline cracks. 

The accompanying text indicates that minor damage is possible at vibration levels twice that shown, and 

major damage can occur at four times the listed values. For continuous vibrations, the guide values might 

need to be reduced by half. Important buildings that may be difficult to repair might require special 

consideration on a case-by-case basis. A historical building should not be assumed to be more sensitive 

unless it is structurally unsound. BS 7385-2 notes that the probability of [cosmetic] damage tends towards 

zero at 12.5 mm/s (0.49 in/s) PPV.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

31

Findings in report RI-8507 by the U. S. Bureau of Mines are commonly used to define minimum 

ground vibration levels for structural and cosmetic damage to buildings from blasting.

18 These 

recommendations are based upon detailed monitoring of one- and two-story wood framed 

houses in good condition that were built to 1980’s construction standards. The vibration limits 

were set at a 95% confidence level with a 5% chance that damage could occur below the 

proposed limits (Figure 10). The authors noted that no damage had been recorded occurring 

below 0.5 in/s (12.7 mm/s). They indicated that their vibration limits should not be applied to 

steady state sources such as traffic because of the different nature of those vibrations.

RI 8507 also provides safe blasting vibration criteria for residential structures. The data upon 

which this criteria is based is well documented, widely available, and was the result of many 

years of full-scale testing and monitoring. The criteria are frequency based and are taken from

ground measurements adjacent to the foundation. The criteria are expressed as probabilities. It 

was noted that the probability of cosmetic damage from PPV values below 0.5 in/s is small (5 

percent for the worst case) and decreases rapidly.19 However, this study only evaluated blast 

vibration effects on buildings. 

Figure 10. Figure B-1 from Siskind, et al (1980). This shows their vibration limits for safe blasting near 

homes (transient vibrations). This diagram was not to be used for continuous vibrations.

 18 D.E. Siskind, M.S. Skagg, J.W. Kopp and C.H. Dowding, Structure Response and Damage Produced by Ground Vibration 

From Surface Mine Blasting, (United States Bureau of Mines, 1989). The term vibrations will refer to ground vibrations 

unless otherwise indicated. Vibration values refer to the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) of the full waveform. 19 Siskind et al., 1989, 68.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

32

The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) set a vibration limit of 0.12 in/s for fragile historic 

structures.

20 Many projects use this value for historic buildings. The FTA analysis are 

commonly used for low-level, continuous vibrations, such as trains and light rail projects.

For construction projects within the City of New Orleans, the City Government set the 

following vibration limits:

21

Structure and Condition in/sec

Historic structures

Residential structures

New residential structures

Industrial building

bridges

0.25

0.25

0.5

1.0

1.0

Figure 11. Limiting sustained peak particle velocities. Limits as applied by the City of New Orleans 

based on studies of preconstruction vibrations and conditions at the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans.

The PPV is the largest along any of a 3-axis geophone and the PPV values are for sustained 

(continuous) vibrations.

4.1.4 Caltrans Vibrations Standards

As required by the MOA, Caltrans Transportation- and Construction-Induced Vibration Guidance 

Manual is the guiding document for this project in terms of determining appropriate vibrations 

levels within the APE where historic resources may be impacted. In this manual, Caltrans

references standards developed by various parties over the last 30 years for various types of 

buildings, including many of the studies noted in the preceding sections as well as other 

supporting analysis, including those conducted by Yong Chae and the Swiss Association of 

Standardization.

The Chae Building Vibrations Criteria state a range for single-events of 0.5-1 in/sec PPV for old 

buildings in “poor to very poor” condition and a repeated-events threshold of 0.5 in/sec PPV.22

(It does not provide a repeated-events threshold for those buildings in the “very poor” 

category.) The Swiss Association of Standardization notes single-event vibration ranges from 0.3 

– 1.2 in/sec PPV and continuous-source ranges from 0.12 – 0.5 in/sec PPV for a variety of 

building classes (see Figure 12.).

23 The Swiss Association of Standardization recommendations 

(SN640312a, April 1992) have become a standard classification used by Caltrans and other 

entities as a guideline for both continuous and single-event vibration sources.24

 20 Carl E. Hanson, David A. Towers and Lance D. Meister, Transit Noise and Vibrations Impact Assessment, FTA-VA-90-

1003-06, (Federal Transit Administration, 2006), 12-13. 21 Professional Service Industries, Inc., Report of Preconstruction Survey and Vibration Monitoring Services, LSU Medical 

Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, (Stanley Group, January 13, 2010), Table 2, 6. 22 Yong S. Chae, “Design of Excavation Blasts to Prevent Damage,” Civil Engineering, ASCE, (Vol. 48, No. 4, 1978) as 

presented in Transportation and Construction Induced Vibration Guidance Manual, Caltrans, 2004, 16. 23 “Swiss Association of Standardization Vibration Damage Criteria Building Class,” as presented in Transportation 

and Construction Induced Vibration Guidance Manual, Caltrans, 2004, 16. 24 Ibid.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

33

Building Class Continuous 

Source PPV 

(in/sec) 

Single-Event 

Source PPV 

(in/sec)

Class I: buildings in steel or reinforced concrete, such as 

factories, retaining walls, bridges, steel towers, open 

channels, underground chambers, and tunnels with and 

without concrete alignment

0.5 1.2

Class II: buildings with foundation walls and floors in 

concrete, walls in concrete or masonry, stone masonry 

retaining walls, underground chambers, and tunnels with 

masonry alignments, conduits in loose material

0.3 0.7

Class III: buildings as mentioned above but with wooden 

ceilings and walls in masonry

0.2 0.5

Class IV: construction very sensitive to vibration; objects of 

historic interest 

0.12 0.3

Figure 12. Swiss Association of Standardization vibration damage criteria.

In addition to recommended vibrations thresholds, the Swiss study established a structural 

categorization system based on construction types. This information is paraphrased in Figure 

12. While it lists historic buildings as a category IV type of construction, the condition of the Bok 

Kai Temple is such that is more accurately categorized between Categories III and IV. This 

corresponds to a continuous source vibrations range of 0.12 – 0.2 in/sec. 

Like the Bureau of Mines report, RI 8507 , more recent studies cited in the Caltrans report 

discussed vibrations in term of the probability of certain types of damage occurring at different 

levels of vibrations exposure. For each type of damage they provide a range of exposure that 

has a certain likelihood causing an impact. For instance, the report draws upon the Whiffen 

Vibrations Criteria for continuous events to illustrate the types of damage that can be expected 

at various sustained vibrations levels (see Figure 13).25

PPV (in/sec) Effect on Buildings

0.4 - 0.6 Architectural damage and possible minor structural damage

0.2 Threshold at which there is a risk of architectural damage to houses with 

plastered walls and ceilings

0.1 Virtually no risk of architectural damage to normal buildings

0.08 Recommended upper limit of vibrations to which ruins and ancient 

monuments should be subjected

0.006 – 0.019 Vibration unlikely to cause damage of any type

Figure 13. Whiffen Vibration Criteria for Continuous Vibration

 25 A. C. Whiffen, “A Survey of Traffic-Induced Vibrations,” (Crowthorne, Berkshire, England: United Kingdom 

Department of Environment, Road Research Laboratory, 1971,) as presented in Transportation and Construction Induced 

Vibration Guidance Manual, Caltrans, 2004, 17.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

34

PPV (in/sec)

Damage Type 5% 

probability

10% 

probability

50% 

probability

90% 

probability

Threshold damage: loosening of 

paint, small plaster cracks at joints 

between construction elements

0.5 0.7 2.5 9.0

Minor damage: loosening and 

falling of plaster, cracks in 

masonry around openings near 

partitions, hairline to 3mm (1/8-

inch) cracks, fall of loose mortar

1.8 2.2 5.0 16.0

Major damage: cracks of several 

mm in walls, rupture of opening 

vaults, structural weakening, fall 

of masonry, load support ability 

affected

2.5 3.0 6.0 17.0

Figure 14. Siskind Vibration Damage Thresholds

The Caltrans manual goes on to reference the likelihood of certain types of damage from the 

same 1980 Siskind et. al study referenced by the Bureau of Mines in RI 8507 (see Figure 14).26

The combination of these and other relevant studies became the basis for the threshold limits 

recommended in the 2004 report and subsequently used by Caltrans for construction project 

near historic buildings. These recommendations are summarized in Figure 15.27

Maximum PPV (in/sec)

Structure and Condition Transient 

Sources

Continuous/Frequent 

Intermittent Sources

Extremely fragile historic buildings, ruins, ancient 

monuments 

0.12 0.08

Fragile buildings 0.2 0.1

Historic and some old buildings 0.5 0.25

Older residential structures 0.5 0.3

New residential structures 1.0 0.5

Modern industrial/commercial buildings 2.0 0.5

Figure 15. Caltrans vibrations threshold recommendations for various types and conditions of 

buildings. Transient sources create a single isolated vibration event, such as blasting or drop balls. 

Continuous/frequent intermittent sources include impact pile drivers, pogo-stick compactors, crack-andseat equipment, vibratory pile drivers, and vibratory compaction equipment.

4.1.5 Analysis of Caltrans Vibrations Threshold Recommendations

In the U.S., the terms short- and long-term vibrations are generic terms that describe the 

duration of a vibration, while the terms impulse, semi-continuous, and continuous are 

 26 Siskind et al., as presented in Transportation and Construction Induced Vibration Guidance Manual, Caltrans, 2004, 17. 27 Table 19, Transportation and Construction Induced Vibration Guidance Manual, Caltrans, 2004, 26.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

35

descriptors used to describe the nature/style of a vibration. The terms are not related to the 

ability of vibrations to cause damage. This is how the definitions are applied in the Caltrans 

manual – they are time dependent and not related to ability to cause damage even though they 

are based on studies that equate values to capacity to cause damage.

This is contrasted with the German DIN 4150-3 standard. The German standard defines 

duration as the time until damage occurs. Caltrans does not adopt these definitions and instead 

discusses vibrations in terms of their duration of use. The two sets of definitions are therefore 

not directly interchangeable. Figures 16 and 17 provide a summary of the vibrations limits 

presented in DIN 4150-3 for short-term vibrations, or for vibrations exposure that is not great 

enough to cause damage. Because the goal of this Historic Structure Impact Report is to 

establish initial parameters for avoiding potential damage, the German definition of “shortterm” vibrations is most applicable (and is most closely represented by Caltrans’ analysis.)

Caltrans lists recommended PPV limits for continuous vibrations that have PPV values based 

on the peak vertical axis velocity in the ground adjacent to a building. The values were taken 

from Whiffen and Leonard who assembled it from an earlier German DIN standard that has 

since changed. 28 Since then, the long-term (i.e. continuous) DIN vibration guideline for ancient 

Line Type of structure

Guideline values for velocity, vi, in mm/s

Vibration at the foundation at a frequency of Vibration at 

horizontal plane 

of highest floor at 

all frequencies

1 Hz to 10 

Hz

10 Hz to 50 

Hz

50 Hz to 100 

Hz*

1

Buildings used for 

commercial purposes, 

industrial buildings, and 

buildings of similar design

20 20 to 40 40 to 50 40

2

Dwellings and buildings of 

similar design and/or 

occupancy

5 5 to 15 15 to 20 15

3

Structures that, because of 

their particular sensitivity 

to vibration, cannot be 

classified under lines 1 and 

2 and are of great intrinsic 

value (e.g. listed buildings 

under preservation order)

3 3 to 8 8 to 10 8

* At frequencies above 100 Hz, the values given in this column may be used as minimum values.

Figure 16. Guideline values for vibration velocity to be used when evaluating the effects of short-term 

vibration on structures, DIN 4150-3 vibration recommendations, 1999. In Section 5.1, of DIN 4150-3 

(1999) !v! i,max is defined as the maximum absolute value of the velocity signal for the three components 

(x, y, or z) measured on the building foundation. This parameter is referred to as Vi . This is not a vector 

sum value. Measurements can also be made on the highest floor of a building. In this case, the highest of 

the two horizontal components shall be used. This value is also referred to as Vi . Note that the guideline 

values are frequency dependent if vibrations at foundation level are measured, and not frequency 

dependent if vibrations are measured on the top floor.

 28 Whiffin and Leonard, 1971.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

36

Figure 17. Curves for guideline values specified in Figure 16 for velocities measured at the foundation 

DIN 4150-3 vibration recommendations, 1999.

monuments has increased from 0.08 to 0.1 in/sec. The current short-term (i.e. non-continuous) 

DIN vibration guideline for ancient monuments is 0.1 in/sec, and the method on how the 

vibrations are measured has since changed as well.

The current DIN guidelines for short-term (non-continuous) vibrations are .012 - 0.31 in/sec for 

old buildings, depending on the frequency. For continuous vibrations (long-term vibrations as 

defined by Caltrans) the guidelines would be 0.1 in/sec, measured on the top floor.

The main differences between the current DIN standard and the one used by Caltrans are:

• The structure types have been renamed/condensed into three types: industrial, houses, 

and sensitive structures.

• The current DIN uses the vector sum to calculate velocity instead of just the vertical axis. 

This likely caused the increase in the vibration limit for sensitive structures from 0.08 to 

0.1 in/sec. The PPV values are not frequency dependent.

• The method for measuring vibrations has changed between the DIN 4150-3 version 

references in the Caltrans manual and that currently in use today. The sensor is placed 

on the top floor of the structure, not on the ground adjacent to the foundation. Seismic 

amplification is now included, making the vibration limit even more restrictive. An 

equivalent ground-level velocity could be as low as 0.04 in/sec. This is well in the range 

of background traffic vibrations.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

37

The Alternatives Analysis does not contain any proposed construction methods that involve

pile driving or other types of quasi-continuous vibration producing machinery. This suggests 

that the use of either long-term vibration guidelines (DIN 4150-3) or continuous (long-term) 

vibration guides from the Caltrans manual may too conservative. To put this in perspective, the 

Swiss non-blasting vibration standard for historic buildings is 0.12 to 0.2 in/sec (Figure 12).29

4.2 SITE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Preliminary evaluations completed in January 2010 looked at the proposed construction 

methods and site specific conditions to develop anticipated construction-generated vibrations 

levels for the MRL Phase 2B project. It assumed high-impact equipment, such as vibratory 

rollers would not be allowed and adopted a very conservative approach to estimating 

vibrations levels based on the use of bulldozers and other earthmoving construction equipment. 

As the project has developed, limited use of vibratory rollers is likely. Therefore, the following 

discusses potential vibrations from both earthmoving equipment and vibratory rollers.

According to Table 18 in the Caltrans study, earthmoving equipment would generate vibrations 

of 0.089 in/s at a distance of 25 feet. Vibratory rollers would generate vibrations of 0.210 in/s at 

the same distance.

These values were calculated using Equation 10 of the Caltrans study:

PPVEquipment = PPVRef(25/D)n

 (in/s)

In this equation, D is the distance from the vibration source and n is a coefficient based on soil 

type. Gathering information from boring 2F-08-61 taken at the levee crown near the steps at the 

Bok Kai Temple, project engineers classified the soils in the area as “low-plastic, stiff to hard 

Sandy Silts (ML) and medium dense to dense Silty Sands (SM) with Standard Penetration test 

blow N60 values ranging from 10 to 50 with a median value of 33.”30 From this, a value for n of 

1.1 was selected, as it was the value used by Caltrans to obtain the 0.089 in/s and 0.210 in/s 

values and it was more conservative than the coefficient corresponding to site specific 

conditions.

Caltrans used a distance of 25 feet, but with an average construction distance of 75 feet or more, 

a median distance of 40 feet was used by project engineers to assess potential vibrations. 

Looking at a distance of 40 feet and using a n coefficient of 1.1, project engineers calculated the 

following as a very conservative estimate of anticipated continuous vibrations from heavy 

equipment for the project:

PPVEquipment = PPVRef(25/D=40)1.1 (in/s)

PPVEquipment = 0.05 (in/s)

Using this same formula, and a reference PPV of 0.210 in/s for vibratory rollers, the anticipated 

vibrations from these rollers at a distance of 40 feet is 0.13 in/s. To reiterate, this assumes large, 

 29 Skipp (1998) contains good review of the framework of European vibrations standards. 30 “Memorandum for Record: Marysville Ring Levee EDR – Bok Kai Temple Construction Impact Evaluation,” (January 14, 

2010), 2.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

38

heavy construction equipment within 40 feet of the Bok Kai Temple. In reality, anticipated 

construction methods generally utilize equipment that generate vibrations levels well below 

that of a large bulldozer, and would be operating at 75 feet or more from the Bok Kai Temple. 

Limited use of vibratory rollers is anticipated. The soils at the site have steeper attenuation 

curves, thereby reducing vibrations at a faster rate as distance from the source is increased.

They are classified as Class II soils with a n value of 1.3 and would therefore result in even 

lower anticipated PPV values than that presented above.

4.3 ANALYSIS AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS

4.3.1 Application of Theoretical Data

In widely applied studies, the recommended thresholds for vibration levels range from 0.04 to 

0.5 in/sec. The core level range is 0.08 to 0.2 in/sec. Based on the information presented in 

Figures 13, 14, and 15, the data suggests that even at the average upper threshold of 0.2 in/sec, 

there is a less than 5% chance of damage to loose plaster and paint, of falling plaster and 

dislodging of loose mortar, and of major damage. Caltrans recommendations of 0.08 – 0.12 

in/sec for the most fragile resources, fall within this average range and are more conservative 

than many of the recommendations in other studies. This suggests that at the maximum 

vibrations threshold recommended by Caltrans has a less than 5% probably of causing further 

damage to loose plaster and paint, or causing falling plaster and dislodging of loose materials.

Using a conservative average distance of 40 feet, project engineers calculated an anticipated 

continuous-source vibrations level of 0.05 in/s for bulldozers and earthmoving equipment. 

Using their parameters, an anticipated continuous-source vibrations level of 0.13 in/s is 

anticipated for vibratory rollers at 40 feet.. This is consistent with the vibrations threshold 

recommended by Caltrans, and is still lower than the values expected to cause even minor 

aesthetic damage.

4.3.2 Comparison with Ambient Vibrations and Phase 1 Vibrations

For many subject buildings, everyday vibrations from street traffic, passing trains, and minor 

seismic events often produce vibrations in excess of those recommended in the charts 

presented. Therefore, the proposed construction methods are anticipated to generate vibrations 

well below the conservative ranges of value needed to cause architectural damage. The level is 

so low that structural damage is highly unlikely.31

For comparison of actual construction-generated vibrations, readings taken from Phase 1 of the 

Marysville Ring Levee project generally ranged from 0.01 in/sec to 0.04 in/sec. Monitors were 

placed at the toe of the levee, measuring vibrations at a distance comparable to those 

anticipated at the porch area of the Bok Kai Temple. Soils at the Phase 1 locations are 

comparable to those within the Phase 2b APE and the construction methods are similar to those 

proposed for the Phase 2b work. This average range of vibrations from the Phase 1 APE is 

below those levels anticipated for Phase 2b and demonstrates the capability of the proposed 

methods to comply with the Caltrans recommended long-term, or continuous, vibration levels 

of 0.08-0.12 in/sec for fragile structures.

 31 Ibid., 3.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

39

4.3.3 Vibrations-Related Settlement

Within the fields of geophysics and engineering that deal with vibrations analysis, there are two 

general views on low-level vibrations (such as those generated by the proposed construction 

methods) and soil settlement. The common view is that there are vibration limits 

(approximately 0.1 in/sec) and shear strain limits (approximately 0.01%) below which ground 

settlement (compaction/strain accumulation) in granular soils does not occur.32 The other view 

is that any level of ground vibration (no matter how small) over a sufficient length of time will 

cause strain accumulation, and thereby deformation, in granular soils.33

Within the last decade a series of German Doctoral theses and papers studied the relationship 

between long-term, low-level ground vibrations and settlement in granular soils.

34 These studies 

combined cyclic loaded, triaxial tests over a range of frequencies and up to 100,000 cycles with 

2-D numerical models. The key findings of these studies are: 

The cyclic loading follows Miner's rule. This was experimentally checked with multiple 

triaxial tests with over 100,000 cycles. Miner's rule (also called Miner's cumulative 

fatigue damage ratio) is based on the idea that every stress cycle (large or small) uses up 

a proportional part of the fatigue life of a structure. In granular soils, shear stresses 

(cyclic load) cause compaction until the void ratio for that particular stress level is

reached. That stress can continue to be applied, but no additional compaction will occur.

In a loading sequence, the peak stresses cause most of the settlement and are the most 

important. The average stress is unimportant. Also, the order or frequency that large or 

small stresses are applied does not alter the end result.35

In summary, the soil type, soil conditions, and peak vibration levels control the amount of 

settlement/compaction that can occur. No additional settlement will occur unless the vibration 

levels are increased.

In this analysis, we assume that the minimum shear strain to cause a soil volume change

(settlement/compaction) is 0.01%.

 32 Roy H. Borden, Lisheng Shao and Ayushman Gupta, Construction Related Vibrations, FHWA/NC/94-007, (Federal 

Highway Administration/North Carolina Division Study, 1994); S. Drabkin, H. Lacy and D.S. Kim, “Estimating 

Settlement of Sand Caused By Construction Vibration,” American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Geotechnical 

Engineering, (November, 1996), 920-928; K.R. Massarsch, “Settlements and Damage Caused by Construction-Induced 

Vibrations,” Proceedings from the International Workshop Wave (2000), 299-315; A.S. Suiker, “The Mechanical 

Behaviour of Ballasted Railway Tracks,” (Germany: Delft University: PhD thesis, 2002); C.C. Hsu and M. Vucetic, 

“Volumetric Threshold Shear Strain for Cyclic Settlement,” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental 

Engineering (Vol. 130, No.1, 2004), 58-70. 33 T. Wichtmann, “Explicit Accumulation Model for Non-Cohesive Soils Under Cyclic Loading,” (Germany: 

University of Bochum: PhD thesis, 2005).

34 Suiker, 2002; S. Werkmeister, “Permanent Deformation Behaviour of Unbound Granular Materials in Pavement 

Constructions,” (Germany: Dresden University: PhD thesis, 2003);, Wichtmann, 2005; T. Wichtmann, A. Niemunis 

and T. Triantafyllidis, “Strain Accumulation in Sand Due to Drained Cyclic Loading,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake 

Engineering (Vol.30, No.8, 2010), 736-745. 35 C. Karg, “Modeling of Strain Accumulation Due to Low Level Vibrations in Granular Soils,” (Belgium: University 

of Gent, PhD thesis, 2007).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

40

At the Bok Kai temple site, the near surface site soils are loose sands and likely have a relatively 

high void ratio. We assume that the shear velocity is in the 500 ft/sec range.

36 Using the 

recommended vibrations threshold of 0.08 in/sec maximum PPV:

Shear Strain = PPV/shear velocity

= [0.08 in/sec]/[(500 ft/sec)*(12 in/ft) 

= 0.000014 

= 0.0014% strain

This strain value is much less than the minimum strain (0.01%) needed for settlement to 

develop. It would require a PPV greater than 0.5 in/sec before settlement is likely to present a 

problem.

4.3.4 Conclusions

The condition of the Bok Kai Temple is good. The concern is not necessarily with structural 

failure, but damage to the artistic elements on and within the building. These include the 

exterior murals as well as alter decorations and elements attached to the walls and ceiling of the 

sanctuary.

Based on the proposed construction methods it appears the anticipated 0.05 – 0.13 in/sec levels 

are below internationally recognized damage thresholds. The relatively good condition of the 

Bok Kai Temple is another factor for consideration. Following the Caltrans manual and 

information in the general body of work on the subject, Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. 

recommends a conservative upper vibrations limit of 0.08 in/sec PPV. This value has a low 

probability of causing vibrations-related damage and is well within the anticipated range of 

vibrations induced by construction activities.

 36 B.O. Hardin and F.E. Richart Jr., “Elastic Wave Velocities in Granular Soils,” Proceedings of the American Society 

of Civil Engineers (Vol.89, No. SM1, 1963), Figures 6-7, 33-65.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

41

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Prior to beginning construction, it is important to establish the baseline conditions under 

normal circumstances. This provides a reference point for comparison of altered conditions both 

during and after construction. During this time, it is also highly recommended that public 

outreach be increased to prepare the residents and business-owners for the possible disruptions 

caused by construction activities. This is also an opportunity to educate the public on what they 

can do to minimize potential indirect damage of their property and to establish reasonable 

expectations for construction, communication, and project scope.

5.1.1 Establishing Baseline Vibrations Conditions

Ambient conditions along First Street and adjacent to the K1, K2, and L1 segments of the MRL 

project already include vibrations from heavy traffic, large vehicles, and regular freight train 

service. On top of this, these areas have been subjected to other intense development and 

construction project within the last 50 years, including major work on the Levee in the early 

1960s. In general, all buildings near the APE experience vibrations of some sort on a daily basis. 

It is possible that these ambient levels are below the anticipated construction-generated 

vibrations thresholds. However, only systematic testing of current, pre-construction conditions 

can establish the difference between the norm and the proposed. Therefore, the following tests 

are recommended:

• Proposed construction equipment and methods

Some of the construction methodologies being considered for the Phase 2b work are 

currently being implemented on another segment of the levee as part of Phase 1 work. 

Soil conditions are similar as well. Therefore, measurement of the vibrations generated 

by both equipment and methods in Phase 1 is directly applicable to work associated in 

Phase 2b. Measurements taken between June 21, 2011 and October 11, 2011 showed a 

vibrations range of 0.01 – 0.04 on average, as measured at the toe of levee. Comparing 

the theoretical and limited empirical data from the recommendations in this study with 

real-world conditions demonstrates the validity of the proposed construction methods 

to limit damages to historic resources from construction-related vibrations.

• Ambient vibrations levels from traffic and trains

The amount and types of traffic in the area generate surface vibrations do not yet appear 

to have caused aesthetic or structural damage to the Temple or surrounding buildings. 

A comparison between the existing, daily vibrations levels to those anticipated for 

construction activities will provide for more detailed outreach and preparedness 

planning.

5.1.2 Establishing Baseline Building Conditions

Understanding the difference between current conditions and those anticipated during and 

after construction is even more critical for individual buildings. A reference point is necessary 

for comparison of condition changes during construction, and possibly for use in determining 

the cause of any conditions changes. As a means to protect the project sponsors from 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

42

unsubstantiated claims of damage, a baseline of existing building conditions should be recorded 

prior to starting construction. Depending on the resource and access to the various elevations 

and spaces for each building, different methodologies can be employed. Specific 

recommendations are as follows:

• 3D laser scans or photogrammetry

These methods are most appropriate for building exteriors or for spaces that are large 

enough to allow for entire walls to fit within a single view. Laser scans are the most 

common method for this type of recordation. It is fast and relatively cost effective. 

Multiple scans can be done in a single day with processing of the raw data completed 

over a period of several weeks. It is possible to collect the data and process it at a later 

date on an as-needed basis. In general, resolution and accuracy vary. Determination of 

the most appropriate equipment should be done in consultation with a trained operator 

who is experienced with scanning architectural subjects in the field.

This method is recommended for relatively flat building surfaces where the view is 

straight on such as for the murals. For the Temple, this technology may be of limited use 

because of site constraints, however it should be used to record the murals prior to 

construction. While it may not record hairline cracks, it will provide a detailed record 

that can be used in conjunction with other measures listed here to accurately record 

existing conditions.

• Systematic recordation with high resolution digital photographs 

As an alternate to laser scanning, thorough recordation of all surfaces with a digital 

camera can be used to establish a visible baseline of conditions. This method is relatively 

quick and inexpensive although it won’t be able to record hairline cracks with much 

precision and differences in rough surfaces, such as a sandblasted brick wall, may be 

difficult to discern. This method is best used in combination with a hand-recorded 

survey on interior elevation drawings and for hand-recorded survey information on 

exterior elevation drawings for the murals. For the Bok Kai Temple, interior elevation 

drawings would need to be created to enable accurate recordation of surface cracks and 

other existing conditions. Exterior elevations already exist.

Photographs should be organized according to room and surface orientation. The 

organization system should be consistent throughout the project to enable comparison 

between before and after images.

• Pre-construction mural survey

A detailed survey of the mural conditions should be completed by a qualified murals 

conservator. This survey should be used in conjunction with the other recordation 

methodologies listed here to provide as complete a picture of the murals’ conditions 

prior to the start of any construction.

• Pre-construction floor level survey

The floor heights and materials vary throughout the Bok Kai Temple. The western 

section of the building is used for storage and has a concrete floor, set at grade. The 

central section contains the altar and has a framed floor finished with tile that is 

approximately 3-feet or more above grade. The eastern rooms are framed wood floors 

set at, or near grade and are highly irregular in surface heights and texture and would 

not be suitable for a reliable laser-level reading. Therefore, pre-construction floor level 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

43

surveys should be conducted on the western and central building sections to establish a 

baseline for existing conditions. This can then be compared to a post-construction level 

survey to determine if any settlement might have occurred as a result of constructionrelated activities.

• Pre-construction ultrasonic survey of interior walls (optional)

The condition of the brick walls within the main sanctuary room is unknown. They are 

currently covered with modern textured panels. An ultrasonic survey or other nondestructive scan of the walls could be completed prior to construction to more precisely 

know the condition of the underlying walls. 

• Installation of crack monitors 

Where cracks currently exist and appear to be actively moving, installation of crack 

monitors during pre-construction is recommended as a means to establish trends in 

movement prior to any construction activity. Once a baseline has been established, the 

monitors should be left in place and recorded at regular intervals over the course of 

construction. The relatively low cost and disposable nature of crack monitors makes 

them an economical way to track building movement over time.

5.1.3 Public Outreach & Education

One of the most important pre-construction recommendations is community outreach and 

education. The vibrations levels needed to cause aesthetic damage are higher than those 

commonly detected by people. Therefore, people are going to be well aware of the constructiongenerated vibrations, making them hyper-vigilant about any changes to their building. 

Communication regarding what types of construction are proposed, what levels of vibrations 

they will likely experience, and for how long is important when striving to maintain positive 

pubic perception. The City of Marysville has earned a reputation for good public outreach. This 

should be used to the project sponsor’s advantage through the following actions:

• Public notification letters

All residents, owners, and business proprietors within 200-feet of the construction zone, 

and along all proposed haul routes, should be sent a letter that outlines the nature of the 

proposed construction, the approximate dates of construction, anticipated vibrations 

and other impacts (increased traffic, dirt and debris hauling, etc.) that may be 

experienced by these residents. Clearly communicated methods to report damage, file 

complaints, get more information, or otherwise engage the project sponsor should be 

provided. At a minimum, Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. recommends a dedicated hotline 

and monitored website to allow for two-way communication regarding construction 

activities. 

• Public meetings

A series of public forums should be scheduled to allow for direct dissemination of 

project-related information prior to the start of any construction in the area. At a 

minimum, the information in the notification letter should be presented and expanded 

upon. Adequate time for questions and answers should be accommodated. All questions 

and answers should then be posted online, or sent to interested parties.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

44

• Dissemination of educational materials

As an added measure of good will and preparedness, the project sponsor should 

prepare a set of guidelines for residents to follow lessen chances of indirect damage, 

from falling items, improperly braced furniture, or other conditions that are outside the 

control of the project sponsor. For the Bok Kai Temple, items of particular value or 

fragility should be moved off-site for the duration of construction if possible. At a 

minimum horizontal storage of fragile items should be encouraged. These 

recommendations would include movement of fragile items from high shelves to low, of 

attaching shelving to the wall, securely anchoring items hung on walls, and other 

methods to address decorating choices that could be impacted by construction vibration.

At a minimum, information should be readily available in print form at the public 

library, at City Hall and the local Post Office. If possible, a website should be established 

with public information such as these guidelines, project updates, photos, and a

monitored method for registering comments or complaints.

5.2 DURING CONSTRUCTION

The anticipated vibrations levels for the proposed construction methods within the APE are 

below the generally accepted thresholds above which damage would be likely. Therefore, the 

construction methodology is unlikely to cause damage to the Bok Kai Temple. The 

recommendation is to monitor vibrations levels at the building and regularly inspect the 

building for damage during periods of construction in the immediate vicinity.

5.2.1 Monitoring Plan

Buildings of concern and vibration limits

The Bok Kai Temple is considered a highly valuable cultural and historic resource, therefore the 

specified vibration limits are lower than those typically specified on similar construction 

projects. The information from vibration monitoring is used to help control the level of 

construction vibrations the properties will experience during construction activities. It is in 

good condition but its value warrants a highly conservative approach. Therefore, a vibrations 

limit of 0.08 in/sec is recommended. This level is the minimum vibrations level recommended 

by Caltrans, and is still below many international vibrations standards. This value is also below 

that generally required to cause damage to finishes in historic buildings.

Instrument and operator specifications

Monitoring equipment can be very helpful, but only if installed and used by qualified and 

trained personnel. These qualifications and specifications will be further developed during the 

design phase along with specific installation and monitoring guidelines. Base recommended 

requirements are:

• The vibration monitoring equipment should conform to the Performance Specifications For 

Blasting Seismographs, 2011 edition, issued by the International Society of Explosive 

Engineers (ISEE).

37

 37 International Society of Explosive Engineers, “Performance Specifications For Blasting Seismograph,” (2011).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

45

• The installation of the monitoring equipment should conform to Part II, Sections A and 

B of the Field Practice Guidelines For Blasting Seismographs, 2009 edition, issued by the 

International Society of Explosive Engineers (ISEE).38

• Integral, three-axis geophones are recommended for project. All three axes should be 

monitored. Noise monitoring may be desired, but is not needed as part of the vibrations 

monitoring protocols. Microphones do not have to be installed.

• The vibration data should be recorded, stored, and analyzed digitally. Analog (paper) 

on-site printouts are not recommended because of their fragility and lack of reliable 

backup recordation systems.

• Waveform recording mode is acceptable. Cell modem instrument communications are 

also viable solutions. The operator would be responsible for confirmation of adequate 

cell coverage. On-site, 110-volt power may not be available at all lots and arrangements 

may be necessary to draw power from adjacent lots. 

• At the time of measurement the vibration monitoring equipment should have a current, 

valid calibration certificate.

• The operator should responsible for the maintenance and security of their equipment. 

The project Contractor should not be responsible for damaged or stolen instruments 

unless an instrument is directly damaged by Contractor activities. The operator should 

inform the Contractor and project sponsor of the location of the instruments via written 

documentation.

• The installation, operation, and analysis of the vibration monitoring instruments should 

be performed under the supervision of a Registered Civil Engineer, Geophysicist, or 

Geologist in the State of California who has at least five (5) years of experience and who 

has expertise in the field of vibration monitoring that includes instrument set up, data 

processing, and data interpretation (hereinafter referred to as the Instrumentation 

Professional). A technician under the supervision of the Instrumentation Professional 

may conduct the actual measurements. Further definition of “expertise” will be included 

in the specifications developed during the design phase for the project.

• Vibration-monitoring personnel, which include those persons, firms, or entities 

providing vibration monitoring, recording, documentation and the production of 

reports, should also have the qualifications specified above. The selected vibrationsmonitoring contractor should be independent and should be neither employed nor 

compensated by subcontractors, or by persons or entities hired by subcontractors, who 

will provide other services or material for the Project. Monitoring personnel must be 

impartial to the outcomes of the monitoring and this neutrality should be readily 

verifiable.

 38 International Society of Explosive Engineers, “Field Practice Guidelines For Blasting Seismographs,” (2009), 2-4; The 

referenced documents are for blasting, but the same instruments are used to monitor construction vibrations. The 

installation methodologies are the same regardless of the vibration-generation source.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

46

• Further development of security procedures and qualifications for personnel will be 

included during the design phase for the project.

Monitoring operations

Implementation of monitoring activities should follow a clear, logical plan. All parties involved 

should be aware of the plan including location of monitoring equipment and frequency of onsite monitoring equipment inspections or readings. To this end, the following are 

recommendations to guide development and implementation of such a plan:

• Prior to performing any vibration monitoring, including baseline vibration monitoring, 

the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer a written plan detailing the procedures for 

vibration monitoring. The plan shall include (but not be limited to) the following:

o The name of the firm providing the vibration monitoring services.

o Description of the instrumentation and equipment to be used.

o The proposed location(s) for the instruments.

o Methods for fixing the geophones to the ground or building.

o Data collection/analysis methods and procedures.

o The number of vibration monitors to be used on this project.

o Means and methods for providing warning when particle velocity exceeds 

specified limits.

o Name of the responsible person(s) designated by the Contractor that can stop 

vibration-producing work (as necessary).

o A contingency plan for alternative construction methods if the particle velocity 

exceeds the specified vibration limits.

• Pre-construction vibration levels (baseline monitoring) shall be monitored for three (3) 

weeks prior to construction activity occurring within 500-feet of the subject properties. 

Monitoring shall occur from 6 am to 9 pm, seven days a week during this time period. 

Monitoring equipment should be placed to monitor street traffic vibration levels. After 

completion of the baseline monitoring, the Contractor shall submit a report of findings 

to the Engineer in a timely manner.

Based on the results of this baseline monitoring, additional pre-construction stabilization 

measures may be considered.

• If possible, monitoring equipment should be placed within 2-feet of the building 

foundations on the side facing the Contractor's work site (south or rear for most

buildings). Monitoring equipment can be placed either outside the perimeter foundation 

or in a crawlspace/ basement at locations recommended in Section 5.2.1-Locations on 

page 44. If construction within the 200-foot area occurs for one year or longer, provisions 

should be made to allow switching out individual instruments for yearly calibration 

without loss of monitoring coverage. Inoperative, damaged, and/or stolen instruments 

shall be replaced in a timely manner.

• The vibration monitoring equipment shall be in place and functioning properly prior to 

any construction activity within 200-feet of the Bok Kai Temple or for work at greater 

distances as determined by the Engineer. No construction activity shall occur within this 

200-foot zone unless the vibration monitoring equipment is active and functioning 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

47

properly. The instruments should be on and recording between the hours of 7 am to 5 

pm, or at least 30-minutes before and after daily construction hours, whenever 

construction activities occur within the 200-foot zone.

• During construction monitoring, the Contractor should submit daily reports by 8 am of 

the next day of construction activities to the Engineer documenting the results of the 

vibration monitoring.

• All vibration monitoring reports should be reviewed and signed by the Instrumentation 

Professional. At a minimum, these reports should include:

o Project identification, location, project name, date, name of individual 

responsible for monitoring, name of individual who prepared report, and 

monitoring results with conclusions.

o Location of monitoring equipment, including the address of the monitored 

building or facility.

o Description and location of vibration source(s).

o If thresholds are exceeded, a description of any resulting damage and the actions 

taken to address the cause and damage, should also be included in the 

monitoring report.

• The vibration monitoring equipment shall be set up in a manner such that an immediate 

warning is given when a vertical peak velocity equal to or exceeding 0.08 in/sec is 

produced. The warning emitted by the vibration monitoring equipment should be 

instantaneously transmitted to the responsible person designated by the Contractor by 

means of warning lights, audible sounds, or electronic transmission. Notification to a 

cell phone, beeper, or other personal communication device is recommended. The 

responsible person shall have the authority to stop work causing the vibrations. The 

Contractor should notify the Engineer every time the vibration exceeds the vibration 

limit.

Locations

For the Bok Kai Temple, a minimum of two (2) monitors is recommended. One should be 

placed in the crawlspace beneath the main temple room, at the south wall closest to the levee. A 

second monitor should be placed on the north side of the temple. This area is within the 

property line of 7 D Street, a private residence. If permissible by the owner, this monitor would 

also serve to record conditions relevant to the adjacent historic buildings in the historic district 

(330-320 First Street and 7 D Street in particular).

Access and Security Considerations

The above guidelines assume that monitoring equipment can be placed next to the building’s 

foundations. If the owners for neighboring structures refuse to provide access to their 

properties, the instruments may have to be set at the property line. Depending on the distance 

between the property line and the Temple’s foundation, this could have a significant effect on 

Contractor operations. Vibrations readings of 0.1 in/sec at 50-feet from construction activities 

imply a potentially different set of circumstances than 0.1 in/sec at a building foundation 

located 100-feet from construction activities. Because the property lines along First Street are 

much closer to the construction-site than the building foundations, monitors at the property line 

could potentially record higher vibrations levels than what is actually experienced by the 

buildings themselves. Outreach to building owners in critical, early in the pre-construction 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

48

phases, to educate them on the monitors, access frequency, and its impact on safety for their 

properties. Most buildings are businesses and are occupied during normal work hours. This 

should enable regular maintenance of the monitors with advanced notification to building 

tenants and owners.

Maintenance

Remote access to the monitoring equipment is recommended. This is most cost effective if 110-

volt power can be provided on a continuous basis. If a live power feed is not available, there is a 

reliance on battery-supplied power. Typically, an instrument can stay in the field for six (6) days 

before it has to be recharged. Depending on the installation, this would require replacement of 

the external batteries or removal for overnight recharging an average of once a week. This 

would require site visits at a minimum frequency of once a week. If a direct power source is 

available, the number of site visits can be reduced to once every four (4) to six (6) weeks. 

Batteries can be recharged with solar cells, but this greatly complicates secure installation and 

makes the units greater targets for theft. Secure installations can be done, but the associated 

costs are higher. An alternative to regular site visits to maintain the equipment is to train a 

Contractor technician to download the data from the instruments and change the batteries or 

charge the instruments as needed.

5.2.2 Regular Inspections

Remote monitoring of vibrations levels will not necessarily indicate the existing conditions at 

the site. To avoid causing unnecessary damage, a regular inspection routine is recommended. 

This is a quick visual survey of focused areas where the most sensitive historical resources are 

located. A standard methodology, perhaps a checklist, should be developed to guide these 

inspections and provide for consistency across the project’s duration.

• The exterior murals on the Bok Kai Temple are the most significant feature of the 

historic resource. They should be inspected daily, either at the end of the construction 

shift, or just before it, during construction on the K1 segment. Any changes in condition 

should be immediately reported. Depending on the nature of damage, steps should be 

taken to temporarily halt any ongoing construction until a remedy is implemented.

• The remainder of the Bok Kai Temple should be inspected weekly, following the 

procedures established above.

• When a monitoring station in the area records a PPV above the recommended vibrations 

threshold of 0.08 in/sec, a complete visual inspection of the temple should be 

completed. The pre-construction documentation should be used as a base to record any 

additional conditions discovered during this inspection.

• If a crack monitor in the Bok Kai Temple registers movement of 1/32-inch or 1⁄2-

millimeter, a complete visual inspection of the temple should be completed. The preconstruction documentation should be used as a base to record any additional 

conditions discovered during this inspection.

5.2.3 Equipment Protections

The Bok Kai Temple is located immediately adjacent to the existing levee. A portion of the 

temple grounds extends up part of the embankment on the backside of the levee. Currently 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

49

there is an iron fence around the property and at the foot of the levee. This fence would provide 

only minimal protection for the temple should an object fall from the levee crest during 

construction. Additional measures should be installed to prevent errant materials and 

equipment from rolling down the back of the levee. Additional fencing or barricades should be 

installed as close to the top of the levee as possible to limit impact speeds. These barricades 

should be reversible and temporary while still providing adequate protection for the resource 

below.

5.2.4 Dust & Debris Control

Barriers to prevent debris from striking the building should be put in place prior to the start of 

construction. In addition, a dust mitigation plan should be created to limit dissemination of 

airborne particles into interior spaces of the Temple. These particles could cause damage to the 

sensitive artifacts in the sanctuary space. Given the height of the construction-site above the 

Temple, barriers need only be high enough to limit debris from falling down the back of the 

levee. The nature of the barriers should be determined once the exact scope of construction 

activities and methodologies in the area has been finalized since barrier protection should be 

based on potential hazards. No barriers should be directly attached to the building or situated 

as to cause damage to the building.

5.3 POST - CONSTRUCTION

3D laser scans or photogrammetry

This cost effective method can be used to directly compare the data collected prior to 

construction with that present at the close of construction. Any differences in the information 

would indicate deterioration that has occurred since the start of construction. A determination 

of the causes of the damage, and whether it is the result of natural occurrences or of 

construction activities would then be necessary. This is recommended as a way to document 

conditions in case there is any disputed damage in the future.

Systematic recordation with high resolution digital photographs 

As an alternate to laser scanning, thorough recordation of all surfaces with a digital camera can 

be used to establish a visible baseline of conditions. This method requires 1-2 days in the field 

and has minimal processing time. It is not as accurate as laser scanning, but is highly superior to 

regular photographic documentation.

Post-construction level survey

A post-construction floor-level survey should be performed in the western and central sections 

of the Bok Kai Temple. This should then be compared to the pre-construction level survey 

results to determine if any changes have occurred that might be the result of constructionrelated settlement.

Post-construction mural survey

A post-construction mural survey is recommended to provide for a comparison of before and 

after conditions. Conditions should be noted on copies of the pre-construction survey results to 

allow for efficient comparison of observed conditions. Survey work should be completed by a 

qualified murals conservator. If possible, the same contractor responsible for the preconstruction survey should be sought to provide for continuity of the assessment process.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

50

5.4 MITIGATIONS

5.4.1 Plaster Damage

The most likely area of damage will be to the exterior murals on the stucco surface of the 

temple, above the main door. These murals were stabilized in 2006, but the extent of work is not 

fully known. No plaster anchors or other fasteners are currently visible and are not likely 

installed. It is therefore assumed the conservators found the plaster to be adequately adhered to 

the wall and no additional reinforcement was required at that time. Should cracks develop or 

paint or stucco begin to flake off the wall during construction, the following mitigations are 

recommended:

• Suspend all construction within 200-feet of the resource immediately.

• Install netting immediately below the murals to prevent loose material from hitting the 

ground.

• Contact a skilled murals conservator, preferably one familiar with the murals and the 

work carried out in 2006.

• Temporarily stabilize the murals until all construction activities along the K1, K2, and L1 

segments are complete. Do not resume construction until the murals have been 

stabilized.

• Permanently stabilize the murals according to the recommendations of the murals 

conservator.

5.4.2 Fallen or Loose Artifacts

Within the temple are a number of items suspended from the ceiling or attached to the wall. The 

current wall surface is a textured wallboard that is furred out from the brick substrate. It is 

unknown how deep the connections are for anchoring devices used to support mounted 

artifacts. They may extend into the masonry wall or they may be only through the wallboard.

Regardless, falling objects are a concern if vibrations levels due to construction are in excess of 

current ambient vibrations levels. Should attachments loosen or become dislodged, the 

following mitigations are recommended:

• Suspend all construction within 200-feet of the resource immediately.

• Contact a representative from the Bok Kai Temple to document the damaged item.

• Remove the item for assessment and repair offsite. The item should be properly 

packaged to prevent further damage. 

• Survey the remaining attachments for stability. Construction can resume after the 

damaged item has been removed from the site and wall and ceiling attachments have 

been verified.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

51

• A skilled artisan familiar with sacred objects, or with the specific materials in question, is 

recommended to advise on actions needed to restore the damaged item

• Repair any damage to the wall or ceiling where attachments dislodged.

• Reinstall repaired item only after all construction activities along the K1, K2, and L1 

segments are complete.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

52

6. SUMMARY

The Bok Kai Temple is a highly valued cultural and historic resource. It derives its significance 

from its place in the development of Chinese culture in the Central Valley, and for its 

architecture and murals. Sensitivity to these features is a critical part of designing a project that 

complies with Section 106 and CEQA. 

As proposed, the construction methods anticipated for completion of the Phase 2B section of the 

Marysville Ring Levee project will not pose a significant risk to the Bok Kai Temple or to other 

historic resources in the area. To help limit any potential impacts, limited recommendations for 

documentation and monitoring should be implemented. These include:

• Establishing baseline conditions through laser scanning or digital photogrammetry

• Implementation of a comprehensive vibrations monitoring plan

• Installation and monitoring of crack monitors within the Temple

• Installation of debris, equipment, and dust barriers

• Public outreach

• Post-construction affirmation of building conditions through re-surveying (laser 

scanning or digital photogrammetry, level surveys, mural survey)

Vibration will occur at levels detectable by humans but should remain well below the levels 

generally required to cause aesthetic damage. Structural damage is highly unlikely based on the 

current analysis. Provided limited pre-construction stabilization measures are implemented, 

vibrations levels remain under the recommended threshold of 0.08 in/sec, and the project is 

properly monitored to verify that levels remain below this threshold, impacts to the historic 

resource are highly unlikely.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

53

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

7.1 REFERENCE CITED

Architectural Resources Group. Bok Kai Temple Historic Structure Report. September 2002.

Borden, Shao and Gupta. “Construction Related Vibrations,” Federal Highway 

Administration/North Carolina Division Study, FHWA/NC/94-007 (1994).

Caltrans. Transportation and Construction Induced Vibration Guidance Manual. State of California 

Department of Transportation, 2004.

Chae, Yong S., “Design of Excavation Blasts to Prevent Damage.” Civil Engineering, Vol. 48, No. 

4, 1978. 

Chung, Dr. Sue Fawn and Ross Nelson. National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Bok Kai 

Temple, Marysville, California. 2001.

Code of Federal Regulations, Section 36, Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties, Subpart B, Section 

800.5(2)(i-vii). Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2004.

Drabkin, S., Lacy, H, and Kim, D.S. “Estimating Settlement of Sand Caused By Construction 

Vibration,” American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Geotechnical Engineering (November, 

1996).

Hanson, Carl E., Towers, David A., and Lance D. Meister. Transit Noise and Vibrations Impact 

Assessment, FTA-VA-90-1003-06. Federal Transit Administration, 2006.

Hardin, B.O. and Richart Jr., F.E. “Elastic Wave Velocities in Granular Soils,” Proceedings of the 

American Society of Civil Engineers (1963), 89, no. SM1.

Hsu, C.C., and Vucetic, M. “Volumetric Threshold Shear Strain for Cyclic Settlement,” Journal of 

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (2004), 130, no.1

International Society of Explosive Engineers. Performance Specifications For Blasting Seismographs.

ISEE, 2011.

---- Field Practice Guidelines For Blasting Seismographs. ISEE, 2009.

Karg, C. 2007; Modeling of Strain Accumulation Due to Low Level Vibrations in Granular Soils. 

Belgium: University of Ghent: PhD thesis (2007).

Massarsch, K.R. “Settlements and Damage Caused by Construction-Induced Vibrations,” 

Proceedings from the International Workshop Wave (2000)
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

54

Memorandum of Agreement Between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California State 

Historic Preservation Officer, Regarding the Marysville Ring Levee Project, Yuba County, California. 

March 2011.

Memorandum for Record: Marysville Ring Levee EDR – Bok Kai Temple Construction Impact 

Evaluation. January 14, 2010.

Napoli, Donald. National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Marysville Historic Commercial 

District. 1999. 

Professional Service Industries, Inc. Report of Preconstruction Survey and Vibration Monitoring 

Services, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Stanley Group. January 13, 2010.

Siskind, D.E., Skagg, M.S., Kopp, J.W. and C.H. Dowding. Structure Response and Damage 

Produced by Ground Vibration From Surface Mine Blasting. United States Bureau of Mines, 1989.

Suiker, A.S. The Mechanical Behaviour of Ballasted Railway Tracks. Germany: Delft University: PhD 

thesis (2002).

United States Army Corps of Engineers. Final, Marysville Ring Levee, Yuba River Basin, California, 

Environmental Assessment, Initial Study. April 2010.

United States Department of Transportation. High-Speed Ground Transportation Noise and 

Vibration Impact Assessment, Report 293630-1. USDOT, 1998.

Werkmeister, S. Permanent Deformation Behaviour of Unbound Granular Materials in Pavement 

Constructions. Germany: Dresden University: PhD thesis (2003).

Whiffen, A. C., A Survey of Traffic-Induced Vibrations. Crowthorne, Berkshire, England: United 

Kingdom Department of Environment, Road Research Laboratory, 1971. 

Wichtmann,T. Explicit Accumulation Model for Non-Cohesive Soils Under Cyclic Loading. Germany: 

University of Bochum: PhD thesis (2005).

Wichtmann, T. Niemunis, A, and Triantafyllidis, T. “Strain Accumulation in Sand Due to 

Drained Cyclic Loading,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering (2010), 30, no.8.

7.2 REFERENCES CONSULTED 

Amick, H. and Gendreau, M. “Construction Vibrations and Their Impact On Vibration-Sensitive 

Facilities,” American Society of Civil Engineers Construction Congress (2000).

Anderson, T.L. Fracture Mechanics, Fundamentals and Applications, New York: CRC Press, 1995.

Boone, S.J., Westland, J., and Nusink, R. “Comparative Evaluation of Building

Responses to an Adjacent Braced Excavation,” Canadian Geotech Journal (1999), v. 36.

Brandenberg, S.J., Coe, J., Nigbor, R.L. and Tanksley, K. “Different Approaches For Estimating 

Ground Strains From Pile Driving Vibrations At a Buried Archeological Site,” Journal of 

Geotechncial and Geoenvironmental Engineering (2009), 135, no.8.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

55

BSI Group. BS 5228-2: Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open 

Sites. 2009.

BSI Group. BS 7385-2: Evaluation and Measurement for Vibration in Buildings, Guide to Damage 

Levels From Groundborne Vibration. 1993

CalTrans. “Survey of Earth-Borne Vibrations Due to Highway Construction and Highway 

Traffic,” Report CA-DOT-TL-6391-1-76-20 (1976).

---- “Transportation Related Earthborne Vibrations,” Technical Advisory, Vibration TAV-02-

01-R9601 (2002).

---- “Transportation Related Earthborne Vibrations,” Technical Advisory, TAV-04-01-R0201

(2004).

Cardno, C. “Monitoring Vibrations in the Interests of Archaeology,” Civil Engineering 

(February, 2008).

Chiostrini, S., Marradi, A., and Vignoli, A. “Evaluation of Traffic-Induced Vibrations in Historic 

Buildings: The case of the 'Galleria Varariana' in Florence,” Transactions on the Built Environment 

(1995), 55.

Clemente, P. and Rinaldis, D. “Protection of a Monumental Building Against Traffic-Induced 

Vibrations,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering (1998), 17

DIN 4150-1, Erschütterungen im Bauwesen; Vorermittlung und Messung von Schwingungsgrössen.

(Vibrations in Building; Principles, Predetermination and Measurement of the Amplitude of 

Oscillations). Vornorm DIN 4150 Teil 1, Deutsches Institut für Normung, Beuth Verlag GmbH, 

Berlin, 2001.

DIN 4150-2, Erschütterungen im Bauwesen; Einwirkungen auf Menschen in Gebäuden. (Vibrations in 

Building; Influence on Persons in Buildings). Vornorm DIN 4150 Teil 2 bzw. Entwurf Norm DIN 

4150 Teil 2, Deutsches Institut für Normung, Beuth Verlag GmbH, Berlin, 1975 bzw. 1999.

DIN 4150-3, Vibrations in Building; Effects on Structures. (available also in German). Norm DIN 

4150 Teil 3, Deutsches Institut für Normung, Beuth Verlag GmbH, Berlin, 1999.

Dowding, Charles. Construction Vibrations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall International, 

1996.

---- Micrometer Crack Response to Vibration and Weather. Cleveland: International Society of 

Explosives Engineers, 2008.

Friedman, D. “Ambiguity in Building Investigation: A study of sampling and decision-making 

with field data,” Bulletin of the Association for Preservation Technology (2000), 31, no. 2/3.

Hassan, Obama A.B. Train-Induced Groundborne Vibration and Noise in Buildings. Essex, United 

Kingdom: Multi-Science Publishing Company Ltd., 2006.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

56

Henwood, J.T. and Haramy, K.Y. 2002; Vibrations Induced by Construction Traffic: A historic case 

study. Federal Highway Administration, available at 

www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/geotech/geo_support/geophysics_geology/documents/geophysics

2002/043henwood_construction_vibrations.pdf

Hiller D.M. and Crabb G.I. “Groundborne Vibration Caused By Mechanized Construction 

Works,” Transport and Road Research Laboratory 429 (2000).

Jackson, M.W. “Thresholds of Damage Due to Ground Motion,” Proceedings of the International 

Symposium on Wave Propagation (1967): 961-969.

Jackson, N.M., Hammons, M.I., Walker, R. and H. Von Quintus. “Use of Nondestructive 

Techniques to Estimate the Allowable Vibratory Compaction Level During Construction,” State 

of Florida Research Report FL/DOT/SMO/07-BDB-11 (2007).

Korkmaz, K.A., Ay, Z, Keskin, S.S., and Ceditoulu, D. 2010; “Investigation of Traffic-Induced 

Vibrations on Masonry Buildings in Turkey and Countermeasures,” Journal of Vibration and 

Control (2010) 17, no.1.

Martin, D.J. “Ground Vibrations Caused By Road Construction Operations,” Transport and Road 

Research Laboratory 328 (1977).

---- “Ground Vibrations From Impact Pile Driving,” Transport and Road Research Laboratory

544 (1980).

Melkumyan, M.; 2001; “Proposal on Movement of the Church” Transactions on the Built 

Environment (2001), 55

Oriard, L.L. “The Effects of Vibrations and Environmental Forces,” International Society of 

Explosive Engineers (1999).

Rainer, J.H. “Effects of Vibrations on Historic Buildings, an Overview,” Bulletin of the Association 

for Preservation Technology 11, no.1 (1982): 2-10.

Sedovic, W. “Assessing the Effect of Vibration On Historic Buildings.” Bulletin of the Association 

for Preservation Technology 16, no. 3/4 (1984): 52-61.

Skipp, B.O. “Ground Dynamics and Man-Made Processes: Prediction, Design and 

Management,” Ground Engineering Board (1998): 29-38.

Walter, E.J. “Long Term Vibration and Damage Effects,” Proceedings of the Second Conference of 

Explosives and Blasting Techniques (1976): 249-252.

Walter, E.J. and Walter Jr. E.J. “Low Level Continuous Vibration and Potential Damage,”

Proceedings of the Fifth Conference of Explosives and Blasting Techniques (1979): 206-219.

Watts, G.R. “Traffic-Induced Ground-Borne Vibrations in Dwellings,” Transport and Road 

Research Laboratory 102 (1987).
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

57

---- “Case Studies of Effects of Traffic Induced Vibrations on Heritage Buildings,” Transport 

and Road Research Laboratory 156 (1988).

---- “Traffic Induced Vibrations In Buildings,” Transport and Road Research Laboratory 246 

(1990).

Wiss, J.F. “Construction Vibrations: State of the Art,” Journal of Soil Mechanics Division, ASCE 107 

(1981): 167-181.
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

58

8. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. is a full service architecture firm located in San Francisco, 

specializing in providing historic preservation architecture and planning services. Founded in 

1986, we have worked with Federal, State and local clients for over 25 years. We have a wide 

range of professional experience with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines 

for the Treatment of Historic Properties, NEPA, CEQA, and Section 106 compliance, and 

application of the California Building Code, California Historical Building Code, energy codes, 

and accessibility regulations (including ADA) to a variety of building and structure types. The 

firm has an in-house staff of architects, historians, and building conservation professionals who

exceed the Professional Qualifications Standards used by the National Park Service, previously 

published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61 in either Historic Architecture or 

Architectural History. 
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

A

APPENDIX A: 2002 HSR
BOK KAI TEMPLE

Historic Structure Impact Report 

A

The 2002 HSR cannot be added electronically as it is a protected document. It should be 

included as a hard copy in the final submission and is attached as a separate document to this 

report