Controlling construction-induced vibrations in healthcare facilities

Abstract

Controlling excessive floor vibrations is critical in modern healthcare facilities where high-resolution imaging and diagnostic equipment are often used. These types of equipment have stringent floor vibration criteria to ensure the accuracy of their results. Controlling floor vibrations is further complicated as existing healthcare facilities are being renovated and upgraded to meet current healthcare demands, while remaining in operation. This paper presents a case study of an existing hospital which is undergoing extensive renovations. This hospital houses a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) equipment, as well as mass spectrometers. To determine the extent of the vibration mitigation required such that the equipment can remain operational during construction, vibration tests simulating the future construction activities were conducted. The vibration tests consisted of striking the ground with an excavator, while accelerometers were placed at strategic locations throughout the hospital to capture the excitation.