Most urban developments incorporate parking to meet user demand, whether for office buildings, residential towers, or research facilities. This is typically achieved through underground garages or multi-story podium structures, with the upper levels dedicated to the primary use.
In these mixed-use configurations, vibrations generated by vehicle activity in the garage can propagate both horizontally and vertically, potentially affecting adjacent sensitive occupants. This may include residents, office users, or vibration-sensitive equipment in healthcare and research environments. The impact can be further amplified in structures with expansion joints.
The McNamara • Salvia Vibrations Group brings specialized expertise in simulating vehicle-induced vibrations within parking structures and evaluating their effects on the adjacent occupied spaces. When analyses indicate potential exceedances, we develop practical, cost-effective mitigation strategies that can be incorporated into the design documents for new construction. For existing buildings, we perform field measurements to diagnose vibration issues and then provide targeted solutions to improve the performance.
During the design phase of The Sudbury, a concern was raised about vibration transmission between garage levels and apartment units on the lower floors of the tower.
The project used day-time and night-time vibration criteria for residential occupancies as per ANSI guidelines.
A finite element model of a typical floor plate holding both residential units and the garage was built. Vibration transmission analysis was performed by simulating a pick up truck traveling along the garage lane and resulting floor velocities were calculated in the apartment units. Maximum vibration levels were compared against the vibration criteria.
The structural framing of the garage levels was iteratively modified to develop a cost-effective stiffening solution while ensuring that vibration transmission into the residential units remained within acceptable limits.
For inquiries about Vibration Consulting, please use this email form to contact Dr. Omer Tigli.
