Energy-Saving and Green Building Materials: Structural Vibration Isolation Solutions

To equip you with the knowledge build smarter, greener, and safer, we'll review :

• Materials for bridges and buildings
• Strong structural engineering solutions
• Foundation isolation design

Advanced Building and Construction Materials for Vibration Isolation and Bridge Design

According to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, there are more than 617,000 bridges across the United States. Of the nation’s bridges, nearly 46,154, or 7.5 percent, are considered structurally deficient. Over the last decade, all levels of government worked to reduce the number of bridges that are in poor condition. Including funding in the 2021 Infrastructure Bill.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials requires new bridges be designed with 75-year service life. Prior, it was only 50 years.

To ensure a longer bridge life, engineers are looking for building and construction materials to increase durability in major components of the bridge structure.

Fixed Bearing Pads

Fabreeka preformed fabric pads and SA-47 random oriented fiber pads may be used on bridges to support uneven load and rotation on     steel-to-steel or steel-to-concrete connections.

A manual from the Wisconsin DOT states, “Fixed bearings act as hinges by permitting rotational movement, while at the same time preventing longitudinal movement. Fixed bearings function to prevent the superstructure from moving longitudinally off the substructure units.”

These vibration isolation materials are a cut above the standard neoprene pads for construction. Fabreeka’s bearing pads can help to provide uniform load distribution on bridges, reduce vibrations, and serve as an alternative to epoxy and grout. Applications of our load bearing pads include:

1. Bridge Rail Pads
2. Lamp Post Pads
3. Drain Trough Systems
   

Structural Expansion Bearings

Also known as slide bearings, our structural expansion bearings are used on steel bridges, precast concrete bridges and pedestrian walkways.

They offer a durable sliding surface with a low coefficient of friction to allow for thermal expansion and contraction in bridges to minimize structural stresses.

Fabreeka designs and manufactures custom expansion bearings to your specifications, including bearings with an ultra-low coefficient of friction and bearings for high-temperature applications.

READ NEXT: [How Fixed and Slide Bearings Work in Bridge Construction]

Durable and Efficient Structural Engineering Solutions

Fabreeka’s line of vibration isolation solutions succeeds at reducing structure-borne noise in buildings, but we also help structural engineers design energy-efficient buildings.  Here are some great building and construction materials used in buildings and structures.

Fabreeka-TIM®

Fabreeka-TIM® structural thermal break is an effective solution to reduce thermal bridging through the building envelope. Specified by building professionals everywhere, Fabreeka-TIM® is considered a green product for its energy-saving qualities.

With the tensile strength of steel, our structural thermal break is tough while interrupting heat loss. Plus, it brings you and your team one step closer to achieving LEED certification.

LEARN MORE: ["What is The Best Thermal Break Material?"]

Fabreeka-TIM® RF

For other applications, Fabreeka-TIM® RF is a great alternative with the same thermal break properties.The material insulates roofs, balconies, and other exterior parts of the structure.

Moreover, Fabreeka-TIM RF is also used with column bases and cold storage, resilient against any harsh conditions like severe weather. To match your needs, Fabreeka-TIM RF is available in a range of thicknesses and densities, a true testament to its versatility.

Foundation Isolation: Minimizing Building Vibrations for Stability

Fabreeka’s foundation isolation products help to isolate the building base from internal and external vibrations such as trains, subway cars, nearby construction, mechanical rooms, elevator rail cars and more. Our building and construction materials for foundation isolation include:

FAB-EPM HP

• Made from polyurethane foam, specifically designed to provide low frequency vibration isolation.
• Available in a range of densities for a variety of different load and application conditions.
• Used at the base in our foundation isolation system.

FAB-EFP

• Manufactured from recycled rubber, used in base formwork for concrete foundations.
• Available in full sheets and different densities for easy installation and great results.
• Great to use as footings for industrial machines, or for building support bases and light rail.

Fabsorb

• Used for the sidewall as part of Fabreeka's foundation isolation design.
• Supplied in sheets and can be cut to size in the field.
• Natural frequency range of 11 to 50 Hz, depending on load and material.
  

With Fabreeka's wide array of practical construction and building materials, you can be certain that our products deliver the right solution the first time, every time.

With decades of experience in the industry, contact our team today and discover how our building and constructions solutions can help your achieve your goals.

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We're Here. Let's Get to Work.

At Fabreeka, our team truly values the working relationships we hold with architects, structural engineers and contractors from around the world. Trust our expertise in reducing structure-borne noise, vibration and thermal bridging, for your next project.