Construction noise and vibration in and around animal facilities presents design and construction, and especially operational challenges to maintain animal health and experimental integrity.  Protecting animals from the effects of construction activity, whether for interior renovation or major building construction projects, is paramount.  Scientific evidence on the direct effects is limited compared to anecdotal lore, and physical mitigation is difficult to apply without proven quantitative methods and principles.  This session will present a case study of a large university residential complex being built immediately adjacent to rodent and behavioral non-human primate facilities, including the development of quantitative thresholds, controlled construction experiments, specific solutions and evidence of successful mitigation during actual construction.

Bio:  Erik Mollo-Christensen - Tsoi Kobus & Associates
Erik Mollo-Christensen, AIA, is a principal with Tsoi/Kobus & Associates, and has specialized in the design of laboratory and vivarium facilities for more than 30 years, including projects for both academic and corporate clients. He has particular expertise in hardware and security systems, and led the design teams for vivarium projects at the Harvard University, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Bio:  Marc Newmark - Acentech, Inc.
Senior Consultant with Acentech, Inc. with over 11 years of experience in noise and vibration.  His consulting covers an array of project types including health care, laboratories, vivaria, higher education, construction and transportation.  He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and is an active member of the Acoustical Society of America and the Institute of Noise Control Engineering.