Development and implementation of a construction noise and vibration management plan for occupied healthcare facilities

Abstract

Acoustics and noise management play an integral role in providing an optimum care environment for patients and staff of healthcare facilities. Indoor noise and vibration affect patient comfort and healing, clear communication, operation of sensitive imaging equipment, and overall occupant satisfaction. Construction and demolition activities often occur in occupied hospitals requiring ongoing noise and vibration sensitive operations to remain active. This case study presents the development and implementation of a construction noise and vibration management plan for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) expansion project. The expansion included the addition of 23 NICU beds an existing roof level, directly adjacent to an existing NICU unit, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, operating rooms, and In Vitro Fertilization clinic which remained in operation during demolition and construction. The acoustical design process from establishment of baseline conditions, prediction of project-related noise and vibration, design of mitigation strategies, and development of the management plan will be presented. Monitoring data collected over the 15 month demolition and construction period will be reviewed along with project implementations strategies and lessons learned.