The topic of "Vibration" may
be divided into
three fields; a- perturbations in structures that annoy occupants, b-
vibrations in machinery that can be damaging or disabling and c-
vibrations by machinery or activities that travel to other areas.
a- We measure the floor vibrations in structures with a seismic sensor capable of detecting vibration well below the human sensory threshold, measured in 1/3 octave bands from 1 Hz through 10,000 Hz if necessary, likely to be of concern for the operation sensitive equipment such as scanning electron microscopes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. Where such building floor vibrations are greater than the human sensory threshold (above .001 inches per second RMS) concern is often expressed regarding residential and office workplace comfort. We often measure greater vibrations with a small accelerometer, then analyze those data according to frequency and amplitude, often searching for the vibration source if not obvious, and recommend mitigation measures. b- "Balancing" limit criteria, often expressed - say as 0.05 inches per second or 1 mm/second - for operating machinery is often used for preventive maintenance or as a troubleshooting measure. Once identified as being suspect, the machinery manufacturer can provide remediation measures. We can measure and report such vibrations. Many firms and technicians have vibration meters to identify these situations. We are often consulted over concern that these common unbalance vibrations are seriously disturbing nearby persons or sensitive equipment. We measure these vibrations and their energy spectrum, relate these to the disturbed entities, and then we provide remediation measure recommendations such as more vibration isolation or that preventive maintenance be applied where necessary. c- Similar to b- We are often consulted over concern that vibrations from nearby or unknown sources are seriously disturbing nearby persons or sensitive equipment. We measure these vibrations, relate them to surrounding entities such as nearby machinery, or road traffic or rail traffic, and then provide remediation measure recommendations such as isolation either of the disturbed entity, or the emitting source such as HVAC machinery. Economics (construction costs and isolation/snubber installation labor and maintenance) usually drive the ultimate remediation.  If you have acoustical or noise control design problems you would like to discuss, feel free to call or FAX us any time. Campanella
Associates For
more information on
vibration matters, contact Home Last updated 10-Jun-2010. Web Site by Point & Click Software, Inc. |