The Alkek expansion project involved the construction of 12 additional levels, including 384 new patient rooms, atop an existing 12-story hospital facility amidst the urban environment of the Texas Medical Center. The existing hospital, which includes sensitive inpatient, ICU, imaging, surgery, and children's cancer unit, was to remain operational throughout the project, and therefore construction noise and vibration impact was a significant concern.
We provided input into the construction means and methods to help limit the impact on the existing facility. This included a detailed measurement survey where construction activities were staged on top of the existing building while the resulting noise and vibration levels were documented throughout the facility. The results of these measurements were utilized to develop specific guidelines for the construction team to follow to limit noise and vibration.
“It was quite a seamless, straightforward project. Nurse leaders worked with neurosurgeons and others to detect any unusual vibrations. Luckily, we had no problems in any of our surgical areas.”
- Garrett Walsh, M.D., professor in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and head of the Perioperative Enterprise Program
We provided input into the construction means and methods to help limit the impact on the existing facility. This included a detailed measurement survey where construction activities were staged on top of the existing building while the resulting noise and vibration levels were documented throughout the facility. The results of these measurements were utilized to develop specific guidelines for the construction team to follow to limit noise and vibration.
“It was quite a seamless, straightforward project. Nurse leaders worked with neurosurgeons and others to detect any unusual vibrations. Luckily, we had no problems in any of our surgical areas.”
- Garrett Walsh, M.D., professor in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and head of the Perioperative Enterprise Program
