Buildings and building services

1Rooftop HVAC and chillers

The problem

Chillers, heat pumps and air handling units on the roof run day and night right above homes and offices. Their vibration travels down through the slab as a low hum.

What we fit

Low-frequency spring isolators under each unit, with restraint where there is wind or seismic risk.

Typical choice

Spring isolator390–8,760 kg · 3–9 HzDouble springs with retention80–1,460 kg · 7–9 HzSingle anti-vibration springs5–730 kg · 3–9 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

2Suspended ceilings

The problem

False ceilings, ducts and machines hung from the slab pass vibration and noise from one floor to another.

What we fit

Tension isolators that hang the ceiling or the equipment and cut vibration at the anchor point.

Typical choice

Shock absorber type B5–420 kg · 3–5 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

3Floating floors and slabs

The problem

Gyms, theatres, dance halls, nightclubs or plant rooms: impacts and bass pass to the neighbours through the structure.

What we fit

A concrete slab on isolators, separated from the structural floor: the floor floats and vibration does not get through.

Typical choice

Anti-vibration floating slab1–4.5 HzSandwich vibration mounts2,500–25,000 kg · 10 HzSingle anti-vibration springs5–730 kg · 3–9 Hz

Proven in buildings: Pabellón de Badalona, Hospital de Manresa (2011), 1,000 m² of floating slabs.

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

4Pipework and risers

The problem

Pipework from pumps, boilers and chillers carries plant-room vibration through the whole building.

What we fit

Anti-vibration supports and hangers at the first fixing points, which also allow for expansion.

Typical choice

Shock absorber type B5–420 kg · 3–5 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

5Plant room: boilers and generator sets

The problem

Boilers, pumps and generator sets in the basement make the foundation and the ground floor vibrate.

What we fit

All-metal mounts or restrained springs under each unit, resistant to heat and diesel.

Typical choice

Vibration mounts 95420150–900 kg · 18–25 HzVibration mounts 954416350–3,000 kg · 15–25 HzDouble springs with retention80–1,460 kg · 7–9 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

6Transformers

The problem

The building's transformer substation hums at 100 Hz non-stop, and the hum reaches the premises next door.

What we fit

Transformer mounts under the base, cutting the hum before it passes into the structure.

Typical choice

Spring isolator390–8,760 kg · 3–9 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

7Buffers

The problem

Lifts, doors and mechanisms need an end of travel that absorbs the impact without breaking.

What we fit

Rubber buffers that stop the movement smoothly and quietly.

Typical choice

Rubber buffer5–14,000 kg · 2.5–7 HzCylindrical rubber buffer2–30,500 kg

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

8Whole building on springs

The problem

Next to a railway, a road or a factory, vibration enters the whole building through the foundation.

What we fit

Support the building, or the hall, on low-frequency springs, as at the Castelldefels Theatre-Auditorium.

Typical choice

Spring isolator390–8,760 kg · 3–9 HzSingle anti-vibration springs5–730 kg · 3–9 Hz

Proven in buildings: Teatro-Auditorio de Castelldefels, 2,340 t on coaxial springs.

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.