Heavy-weight impact testing: Test repeatability for a modified kettlebell and comparison of impact source weights and drop heights

Abstract

Noise and vibration from heavy-weight impacts associated with fitness activities are a common source of complaints in hotels, multi-family residences, and corporate office spaces. In situ testing using various heavy/hard impact sources is commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures to address noise and vibration complaints. Previous work (LoVerde et al., Internoise 2015) proposed the use of a 16-lb spherical shot for in situ testing. However, significantly heavier weights are common in many gyms. For instance, hotel chains commonly include free-weights with a range of 5 to 75 lb in their fitness rooms. It is not known if the relatively light 16-lb shot provides results that are indicative of impacts from significantly heavier weights. This presentation evaluates the use of heavier (50-lb and 100-lb) kettlebells and varying drop heights as alternates to the 16-lb shot. Additionally, this presentation evaluates test repeatability for the kettlebells which have been modified so that the impact surface is spherical in shape.