--- title: Solving structural vibration issues date: 2024-10-01T13:29:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/publications/solving-structural-vibration-issues" section: Publications --- A structure subjected to vibrational stresses can exhibit unexpected behaviour and may suffer rapid damage. For instance, some members far from the source of vibration may begin to vibrate significantly, a phenomenon known as resonance. When the vibration frequency of an external influence approaches the resonant frequency of the system under study—determined by the system's properties—it can lead to substantial displacements and even catastrophic structural failure. 1. What can be done when this happens? How can we ensure the safety of those who work on and move around these structures? How can we prevent long-term damage to structures and equipment? BBA's team of vibration and structural experts can: - analyze vibration levels to which a structure is subjected. - assess the structure's resistance to impacts. - identify the source of impacts or vibrations. - determine any damage to the structure when measuring. - characterize dynamic phenomena (e.g., relevant frequencies, displacement magnitude, impact intensity). 2. ## For new structures During the design phase, BBA's team of experts can design steel and concrete structures that account for dynamic loads, ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Structural engineers will also size structures to prevent damage while vibrating equipment operates. Vibration engineers must ensure that mechanical resonance frequencies don’t match the vibratory frequencies of motors or other oscillating components. They must also adhere to vibration limits, allowing equipment to reach the end of its useful life without premature failure. 3. ## For existing structures with vibration issues Acoustics and vibration experts work with structural specialists to develop a measurement plan to identify the vibration source. First, experts will measure vibration levels using triaxial geophones or a motion amplification camera, a tool that allows the vibration phenomenon to be viewed on site. 4. - [ ![Figure 1: Triaxial geophone](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_size_squared/188516/Figure-1-Triaxial-geophone.webp) Figure 1: Triaxial geophone ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Figure-1-Triaxial-geophone.png) - [ ![Figure2 Onsite motion amplification camera](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_size_squared/188498/Figure2-Onsite-motion-amplification-camera.webp) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Figure2-Onsite-motion-amplification-camera.jpg) 5. The structural analysis will then depend on the specific case being studied. Based on the results obtained: - If vibration limits are below those set by standards, there's no cause for concern. - If vibration limits exceed the criteria set by standards, further investigation is required: - Studying vibrations within the structure could reveal a risk of fatigue; [vibration control measures](https://www.bba.ca/publications/fatigue-phenomena-in-the-design-of-industrial-steel-structures-part-1#:~:text=La%20fatigue%20marque%20l'amorce,des%20concentrations%20de%20contraintes%20s%C3%A9v%C3%A8res) may then be recommended. - Studying vibrations can lead to making changes in the structure to reduce adverse effects, such as enhancing employee comfort and ensuring their health. - The vibration study may demonstrate no risk to the structure, allowing it to remain as is while implementing an inspection plan to ensure no damage develops over time, especially if operating conditions change. 6. ## Reproducing real conditions By combining the expertise of our structural, acoustic and vibration engineers, we develop analysis models that closely reflect real conditions observed in the field. Since structural behaviour under vibration varies with usage, BBA's experts take measurements to understand and reproduce real-life conditions. The approach enables us to design solutions that go beyond theory, since the models align with actual conditions. BBA's experts also work with various partners to inspect hard-to-access structures and can carry out non-destructive testing to check for signs of fatigue damage. 7. ## In conclusion With BBA's expertise in structural engineering and vibration, you gain turnkey solutions that provide peace of mind, whether you're designing pre-project solutions or correcting existing structures. If you have any questions about your structures or buildings, contact our experts. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Valérie Houle](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/154702/valerie-houle.webp) Valérie Houle, P.Eng., M.Eng. Department Manager, Structural [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/val%C3%A9rie-houle-90715680/) 2. ![7519](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/188496/7519.webp) Julien Deschamps-Francoeur, P.Eng. Environmental Engineering - [ 17 ago 2026 Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions - ![Nicolas Samson](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/197852/Nicolas-Samson.webp) Nicolas Samson, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Structural ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/structural-engineering-early-phase-unlocking-value-through-early-decisions "Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions") - [ 12 ago 2026 Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets - ![Caroline provost](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/208557/Caroline-provost.webp) Caroline Provost P.Eng. Director, Operational Strategy Implementation ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/four-mistakes-that-can-harm-the-future-performance-of-industrial-assets "Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets") - [ 27 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/las-decisiones-sobre-relaves-definen-desempeno-mina-a-largo-plazo "Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo") - [ 02 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/python-una-herramienta-clave-para-analisis-datos-en-procesamiento-minerales "Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales") [ Ver todo ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas "Ir a la página del listado de Publications") Pensemos más [ Póngase en contacto con nosotros ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/p%C3%B3ngase-en-contacto-con-nosotros) A structure subjected to vibrational stresses can exhibit unexpected behaviour and may suffer rapid damage. For instance, some members far from the source of vibration may begin to vibrate significantly, a phenomenon known as resonance. When the vibration frequency of an external influence approaches the resonant frequency of the system under study—determined by the system's properties—it can lead to substantial displacements and even catastrophic structural failure. 1. What can be done when this happens? How can we ensure the safety of those who work on and move around these structures? How can we prevent long-term damage to structures and equipment? BBA's team of vibration and structural experts can: - analyze vibration levels to which a structure is subjected. - assess the structure's resistance to impacts. - identify the source of impacts or vibrations. - determine any damage to the structure when measuring. - characterize dynamic phenomena (e.g., relevant frequencies, displacement magnitude, impact intensity). 2. ## For new structures During the design phase, BBA's team of experts can design steel and concrete structures that account for dynamic loads, ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Structural engineers will also size structures to prevent damage while vibrating equipment operates. Vibration engineers must ensure that mechanical resonance frequencies don’t match the vibratory frequencies of motors or other oscillating components. They must also adhere to vibration limits, allowing equipment to reach the end of its useful life without premature failure. 3. ## For existing structures with vibration issues Acoustics and vibration experts work with structural specialists to develop a measurement plan to identify the vibration source. First, experts will measure vibration levels using triaxial geophones or a motion amplification camera, a tool that allows the vibration phenomenon to be viewed on site. 4. - [ ![Figure 1: Triaxial geophone](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_size_squared/188516/Figure-1-Triaxial-geophone.webp) Figure 1: Triaxial geophone ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Figure-1-Triaxial-geophone.png) - [ ![Figure2 Onsite motion amplification camera](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_size_squared/188498/Figure2-Onsite-motion-amplification-camera.webp) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Figure2-Onsite-motion-amplification-camera.jpg) 5. The structural analysis will then depend on the specific case being studied. Based on the results obtained: - If vibration limits are below those set by standards, there's no cause for concern. - If vibration limits exceed the criteria set by standards, further investigation is required: - Studying vibrations within the structure could reveal a risk of fatigue; [vibration control measures](https://www.bba.ca/publications/fatigue-phenomena-in-the-design-of-industrial-steel-structures-part-1#:~:text=La%20fatigue%20marque%20l'amorce,des%20concentrations%20de%20contraintes%20s%C3%A9v%C3%A8res) may then be recommended. - Studying vibrations can lead to making changes in the structure to reduce adverse effects, such as enhancing employee comfort and ensuring their health. - The vibration study may demonstrate no risk to the structure, allowing it to remain as is while implementing an inspection plan to ensure no damage develops over time, especially if operating conditions change. 6. ## Reproducing real conditions By combining the expertise of our structural, acoustic and vibration engineers, we develop analysis models that closely reflect real conditions observed in the field. Since structural behaviour under vibration varies with usage, BBA's experts take measurements to understand and reproduce real-life conditions. The approach enables us to design solutions that go beyond theory, since the models align with actual conditions. BBA's experts also work with various partners to inspect hard-to-access structures and can carry out non-destructive testing to check for signs of fatigue damage. 7. ## In conclusion With BBA's expertise in structural engineering and vibration, you gain turnkey solutions that provide peace of mind, whether you're designing pre-project solutions or correcting existing structures. If you have any questions about your structures or buildings, contact our experts. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA