Mitigating vibration from building systems in a second-floor laboratory

A second-floor laboratory reported excessive vibrations that were impacting the calibration of microscopes, as well as human comfort. Based on a review of the building floor plans and discussions with the Design-Build team, potential vibration sources were narrowed to various MEP equipment in the first-floor mechanical room, rooftop, and outdoor utility pad. Vibration measurements were collected in the laboratory and near each piece of mechanical equipment as the equipment was turned ON and OFF to determine its vibration impact on the laboratory. The narrowband frequency data indicated that the rotational frequency of the ceiling-mounted hot water pumps coincided with the frequencies of excessive vibration in the lab. Vibration isolation for the hot water pumps and surrounding piping and equipment was reviewed, and recommendations were provided based on ASHRAE guidance to minimize vibration propagation to the laboratory.