This session will provide a focused discussion of successful management and monitoring of construction vibrations during renovations and additions to collections-based museums. Two case studies of museum expansions will be presented as real-world examples, along with lessons learned, challenges, and triumphs. Effective yet practical protection of collections from construction vibrations is a critical component of the design and pre-construction phase, the museum’s advance planning, and the contractor’s execution of the project.

Current best practices that museums worldwide are using for vibration control will be summarized. Attendees who will benefit from this session include museum staff, particularly conservation, registration, facilities; design architects and engineers; construction managers and general contractors; and exhibition production teams. Attendees will come away with strategies for how to evaluate, plan for, and successfully mitigate vibration risks to museum buildings and collections during a construction project.

Learning Objectives 

1. Understand the fundamentals of vibrations and how they can affect people, buildings, and museum collections (artworks/artifacts).
2. Identify potential vibration risks for museum buildings/collections.
3. Examine how to plan for, measure and monitor vibrations during construction activities.
4. Incorporate vibration control best practices into the design and pre-construction phase of projects.
5. Explore how to mitigate risk of potential vibration-related damage to museums and collections by strategic planning and vibration monitoring during construction activities.

AIA Continuing Education Course Number, BMS2025-34