Solving structural vibration issues

What can be done when this happens? How can we ensure the safety of those who work on and move around these structures? How can we prevent long-term damage to structures and equipment?

BBA's team of vibration and structural experts can:

• analyze vibration levels to which a structure is subjected.

• assess the structure's resistance to impacts.

• identify the source of impacts or vibrations.

• determine any damage to the structure when measuring.

• characterize dynamic phenomena (e.g., relevant frequencies, displacement magnitude, impact intensity).

During the design phase, BBA's team of experts can design steel and concrete structures that account for dynamic loads, ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Structural engineers will also size structures to prevent damage while vibrating equipment operates.

Vibration engineers must ensure that mechanical resonance frequencies don’t match the vibratory frequencies of motors or other oscillating components. They must also adhere to vibration limits, allowing equipment to reach the end of its useful life without premature failure.

Acoustics and vibration experts work with structural specialists to develop a measurement plan to identify the vibration source.

First, experts will measure vibration levels using triaxial geophones or a motion amplification camera, a tool that allows the vibration phenomenon to be viewed on site.

The structural analysis will then depend on the specific case being studied. Based on the results obtained:

• If vibration limits are below those set by standards, there's no cause for concern.
• If vibration limits exceed the criteria set by standards, further investigation is required:
  • Studying vibrations within the structure could reveal a risk of fatigue; vibration control measures may then be recommended.
  • Studying vibrations can lead to making changes in the structure to reduce adverse effects, such as enhancing employee comfort and ensuring their health.
  • The vibration study may demonstrate no risk to the structure, allowing it to remain as is while implementing an inspection plan to ensure no damage develops over time, especially if operating conditions change.

By combining the expertise of our structural, acoustic and vibration engineers, we develop analysis models that closely reflect real conditions observed in the field. Since structural behaviour under vibration varies with usage, BBA's experts take measurements to understand and reproduce real-life conditions. The approach enables us to design solutions that go beyond theory, since the models align with actual conditions.

BBA's experts also work with various partners to inspect hard-to-access structures and can carry out non-destructive testing to check for signs of fatigue damage.

With BBA's expertise in structural engineering and vibration, you gain turnkey solutions that provide peace of mind, whether you're designing pre-project solutions or correcting existing structures.

If you have any questions about your structures or buildings, contact our experts.