Kinetics Noise Control and GERB Vibration Control Systems have formed a partnership to address design issues concerning structural vibration isolation systems. Through this partnership, architects, structural engineers, and vibration consultants can seek assistance in designing product solutions for the most critical vibration and structure-borne noise isolation requirements on a project. Spring and elastomeric bearing vibration isolation systems can be designed and manufactured for isolating and supporting buildings and rail trackbeds. For instance, a combination of springs and bearings are used to support the world's largest column-free exhibition hall in Dallas, TX thereby mitigating vibration from heavy and light rail train systems passing under the building. In another situation, spring assemblies are used to support a rail trackbed that passes through a convention center located in Charlotte, NC thus reducing vibrations caused by trolley operations from propagating through the building. Because this technology and its supporting products exist, valuable land in downtown areas, around universities, and near large factories, that otherwise would be deemed unusable by city planners and real estate developers, can be developed and made useful for a variety of functions by a wide range of consumers.
Through the Kinetics/GERB partnership, Kinetics Noise Control has developed a new and unique structural vibration isolation bearing using alternating layers of elastomer and carbon fiber mesh reinforcement. Model ATLAS Structural Vibration Isolation Bearings provide several distinct advantages over conventional steel plate reinforcement built-up bearings. Traditional candidates considered for vibration isolation bearings include theaters and performing arts centers, but imagine being able to use this affordable technology for commercial, medical, and residential structures in areas that may otherwise go undeveloped. Some of the interest may be driven by the use of the building (e.g., sensitive hospital or laboratory equipment) and some may be driven by the building's location (e.g., next to rail lines or a super-highway). Regardless of the ultimate use of the structure, the need for isolation is based on the perceived benefit to the owner(s) concerning function, economics, or both. Depending on specific requirements for vibration mitigation, Model ATLAS Structural Vibration Isolation Bearings can be used either alone or in conjunction with spring vibration isolators to ensure a comfortable environment unaffected by ground- and structure-borne vibration.
Experiments were designed to verify theoretical analyses and to investigate important aspects of the bearing behavior that cannot be mathematically predicted and therefore must be determined from physical testing. All testing was independently performed at the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The testing program determined the static and dynamic stiffness of the bearing, checked for de-bonding of the elastomer and carbon mesh under extreme loading, and investigated long-term deflection (i.e., creep). Testing demonstrates the bearing provides performance equal to conventional steel plate reinforcement built-up bearings and that their operation meets current specifications. Additionally, an analytical solution for the pad behavior accurately predicts the measured response. In conclusion, Model ATLAS Structural Vibration Isolation Bearings will perform the same as traditional built-up bearings, but offer many additional advantages.