Northwestern University Laboratories

Building structural vibration is a critical consideration for many research laboratories.

Soundscape Engineering has provided vibration measurement services to Northwestern University to support projects such as the Nano-tech Cleanroom Infill, Stern Lab fit-out, and J-Wing Infill at the Technological Institute. The new Nano-tech Cleanroom was designed to house an E-Beam Lithography system and an FIB SEM.

Soundscape Engineering assessed vibration levels where these systems were to be installed Soundscape has also provided measurement services and advised on vibration mitigation at the Chicago campus for renovation of the Core Genomics Lab at the Feinberg School of Medicine. With our ability to measure multi-axis vibration levels down to frequencies below one hertz and down to extremely low amplitudes, we are able to assess site vibration for the most vibration sensitive research and fabrication equipment.

In addition to providing vibration measurement for siting labs, Soundscape has performed vibration monitoring services during construction and investigated microscopy imaging problems. When the NUANCE Lab, a large microscopy lab located in Cook Hall on the Evanston campus, was experiencing imaging problems, Soundscape was brought in to investigate imaging equipment vibration exposure.

Soundscape also provided construction vibration monitoring at the Evanston campus. On a research campus, major construction projects can easily produce structureborne and groundborne vibration capable of disturbing vibration sensitive research. Sometimes alternate construction methods can be used and other times construction schedules must be coordinated with researchers. Vibration monitoring can be used to notify site superintendents when preestablished vibration criteria are exceeded. Soundscape provided continuous vibration monitoring, simultaneously at numerous campus locations, during the three years of construction for the Mudd Library expansion and the Kellogg School of Management building. Soundscape was brought in ahead of construction to evaluate haul road locations and discuss vibration minimization strategies with the research departments and construction contractors.