2025 MNSEA Annual Seminar & Trade Show - Vibration and Control of Building Structures

Description

Join us Tuesday May 13th for the 2025 MNSEA Seminar and Trade Show, Vibration and Control of Building Structures. We have exciting presentations and vendors lined up for you in the Discovery Hall of the Science Museum of Minnesota.




For more details on this event for attendees, please see this flyer (pdf).

Presenters:
SESSION 1: Vibration Engineering and Active Vibration Control of Floors
Paul Reynolds, PhD: CEO of CALMFLOOR, Honorary Professor at University of Exeter, UK
Innovative technologies for controlling building floor vibrations provide significant advantages over traditional methods throughout a building’s lifecycle. Modern floor designs often prioritize vibration serviceability, and advanced vibration control solutions can reduce both construction costs and the carbon footprint of new buildings. For existing buildings, these technologies offer a cost-effective and non-disruptive way to resolve vibration issues without requiring extensive structural modifications. They also enable upgrades to accommodate more sensitive uses, such as converting office or commercial spaces into laboratories, healthcare facilities, or residential properties. This presentation offers a concise introduction to vibration engineering in buildings, focusing on the concept of active mass damping and its practical application to building floors. Several global case studies illustrate the successful deployment of this technology.
 
SESSION 2 – Vibration Serviceability and Measurements:  Discussion, Demonstration, Case Studies.
Anthony J. Baxter, P.E., Principal at ESI Engineering
Peter G. Olney, P.E., Consulting Engineer at ESI Engineering
 Vibration serviceability refers to the ability of a structure to function as intended without causing annoyance to its occupants or compromising the performance of sensitive equipment.  It is an important design issue for buildings where human comfort is a priority, such as office buildings, hospitals, and residential structures.  It is critical for buildings with sensitive laboratories, operating rooms, and equipment, such as high magnification microscopes, MRIs, and microelectronic fabrication tools.  Understanding the vibration requirements is part of the challenge.  Analysis during design and measurements of vibration levels can also be challenging.  In this presentation, we will discuss the breadth of vibration serviceability, considerations for the structural engineer, measurements, and several project examples.

SESSION 3 – Introduction to passive TMDs, base isolation of structures & industrial equipment.
Florian Sassmannshausen – Vice President, Building Acoustics at GERB Vibration Control Systems
Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) and vibration isolators, though often hidden from view, play a crucial role in the performance of buildings and structures, impacting human comfort, acoustic comfort, or protecting vibration-sensitive equipment. Tuned mass dampers are essential for minimizing motion in tall and slender buildings, towers, long-span bridges, monumental staircases, and floors. Vibration isolators, on the other hand, protect vibration- or noise-sensitive spaces by reducing vibration transmission within mixed-use buildings, shield buildings from rail-induced vibration, or protect foundations and adjacencies from extreme vibrations from industrial equipment.

Established in 1908, GERB stands at the forefront of vibration control technology, offering tailored solutions for architectural, structural, and heavy industrial applications.
This session will explore common challenges posed by vibrations in structures and delve into advanced engineering solutions that empower structural engineers in performance-based design, ensuring human comfort in buildings and structures.