Vibration Monitoring of a Commercial Property

Introduction

A car dealership recently constructed new offices across the road from a casting company. The two-storey new building had offices on the first level and a clear space on the ground level for car valeting.

Why was the vibration monitoring requested?

Complaints of severe vibrations were reported by the employees on the first floor, apparently originating from the casting company across the road.

What?

The company approached us to monitor this vibration over a two-week period and report on the vibration levels.

We installed the appropriate equipment on the ground floor and recorded the vibrations for two weeks, after which we analysed the data and compiled a thorough report.

How?

The vibration data recorded on the ground level were all within the limits, not to cause harm or discomfort to the employees; however, we received videos of the water vibrating in glasses and bottles on the first floor - so what was the problem?

A vibration survey was not conducted before constructing the new office building, so the ground vibration was unknown to the dealership. The building designer was also unaware.

Although the vibration levels on the ground level were within limits, the structure of the building aggravated the vibration on the first floor.

Consequently, the building was modified to lessen the vibrations on the first floor, as they were excessive and over the limit.

Important!

If the vibration levels measured on the ground floor were over the limits, the casting company would be at fault; however, in this case the onus was on the dealership.

Vibration monitoring equipment differ by the format in which the vibration data is recorded. If the first floor vibration amplitudes and their corresponding frequencies were sought, different and more specialist equipment would be sourced.

As the building aggravated the vibration levels on the first floor, equipment would be used to acquire the amplitude of the vibration and the frequency, so that the finite element model of building could be updated and improved.

If you want vibrations monitored or measured, please call us.

If you need help with something similar.

Please call 01908 643433 if you require help with unwanted vibration.