Structure-borne Noise and Vibration from a Gondola Lift Terminal

A vibration assessment was conducted to support the design of a ski resort in Utah, USA, with special consideration given to a gondola lift terminal planned near residential condos. The vibration generated from the terminal could propagate through the connected substructure, and an assessment was required to progress the structural and acoustic design. Vibration was measured at a similar gondola lift terminal to inform predictions using a Finite Element model. Structure-borne noise from the gondola system was also measured at a terminal building, and these measurements were used to support a separate empirical analysis. The study utilized a combination of approaches to guide design decisions and meet criteria for human comfort.