DYNAMICS AND VIBRATION: BUILDING ISOLATION

As cities expand, downtown real-estate becomes more valuable and lands that were once undesirable are being transformed into high-quality office and condominium spaces. A major challenge for the development of lands near subways or surface railways is overcoming ground-borne vibration, which can transmit up through a structural system, annoying occupants and disturbing sensitive equipment.

One solution employed by HGC Engineering is the use of isolation pads in conjunction with a large sub-grade damping mass, effectively providing two footings, each isolated from the other with the system tuned to the anticipated frequency range impacting the building.

HGC Engineering uses finite element analysis techniques in conjunction with physical testing (where needed) in order to tune the design, and ensure that the vibration isolation efficiency is greatest where it is needed most.

An Isolated Building Complex
Architectural rendering of Fulton Station Condominiums and Townhomes, built atop an existing subway corridor.