Vibration Control During Museum Construction Projects

Abstract

As vibrations caused by heavy construction at museums are potentially harmful to museum buildings and artwork, the protection of museum objects calls for a reliable method of vibration control. This article provides background information on vibrations and their effects on humans, buildings, and artwork, along with recommending conservative limits for protection of buildings and artwork from construction vibrations. Humans can perceive low levels of vibration before damaging levels are reached, and typical ambient (background) vibrations in museums can approach recommended limits. Research also shows that during transit, art objects are exposed to vibration levels much higher than recommended limits and damage rarely occurs. The greatest risks for damage to art objects during construction are from light objects “walking” on smooth surfaces; from the resonance of objects with natural frequencies similar to construction vibrations; and from vibratory motion of extremely fragile objects or those with serious pre-existing weaknesses. On the basis of research and the authors' experience, a general methodology for vibration control during museum construction projects is introduced—a methodology that reliably protects the museum while not unduly constraining the construction. Two examples of large-scale implementations are described to illustrate this methodology.

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