New whitepaper discusses deflection details for isolation bearings

As urbanization expands and infrastructure continues to grow, the issue of ground vibration travelling through buildings caused by transport will worsen. In a new Bearing Deflection Detail Whitepaper, Trelleborg’s engineered products operation explores the consequences of this and how it can be effectively managed.

Noise and vibration isolation bearings installed within a building are a key way to dramatically reduce the effects of ground vibration; a primary cause of noise in buildings. However, the industry is currently lacking in specification guidance for these products, as the British Standard (BS 6177:1982) was withdrawn in August 2013. As a result, there is now an absence of regulations in this area.

Ashley Haines, design manager within Trelleborg’s engineered products operation, says: “The need for vibration isolation strategies in buildings is increasing. However, given the application requirements for isolation bearings, they are not easy to replace or repair if they fail. So, it is vital that the industry truly understands how to specify the right product to ensure high levels of performance.

“Due to the lack of regulatory guidance, there is concern that important parameters could be misunderstood or missed out of specifications. Specifically, I’m referring to the issue of deflection — the distance by which the bearing is compressed by the weight of the building. If bearings are not manufactured to deflect by an equal amount throughout the building, no matter its location or the load placed upon it, ground vibrations will not be efficiently managed. This could mean that the vibration is amplified, causing very audible and unwanted sounds.”

With growing infrastructure, there is also the issue of more complex, mixed-use developments. Multi-use buildings made up of stylish residential areas, sitting on top of commercial spaces are frequently being sold at premium prices. So, sophisticated vibration isolation strategies are vital to ensure that no unwanted noise gets through.

Trelleborg’s new whitepaper provides a detailed and technical overview of what should be included within an isolation bearing specification. Similarly, it discusses important information covered by the withdrawn British Standard, as well as additional detail on deflection rates, not well represented in BS 6177:1982 but still highly relevant and applicable.

Download the Bearing Deflection Detail Whitepaper at https://ow.ly/O5mTY. For additional information about Trelleborg’s engineered products operation, visit www.trelleborg.com/Infrastructure.