Frequently asked questions

A vibration damper is a mechanical device designed to reduce or control unwanted vibrations by absorbing or dissipating energy. Examples of vibration dampers include:

• Viscous dampers: Use fluid resistance to dissipate energy.
• Tuned mass dampers: Employ a mass-spring system to counteract vibrations.
• Friction dampers: Dissipate energy through friction.
• Active mass dampers: Use sensors and motors to apply forces that work against problematic vibrations in real-time.

CALMFLOOR is an Active Mass Damper (AMD). CALMFLOOR units continuously monitor floor vibration and use powerful motors to generate forces that cancel them out, resulting in significantly improved vibration performance.

Passive vibration control relies on the natural ability of materials and structures to dissipate vibration energy whilst in motion. Active vibration control uses electrical energy to generate forces that drive against the vibration motion. This means that active vibration control is potentially much more effective than passive vibration control.

Yes, they are similar. Noise-cancelling headphones continuously measure the sound around your head and generate an opposite signal that cancels it out. Similarly, active vibration control continuously measures the vibratory motion of a structure and generates forces to cancel it out. Both result in a level of sound/vibration cancellation beyond that which is achievable passively.

Active vibration control reduces vibrations of a structure to which it is applied. Active vibration isolation separates a piece of vibration sensitive equipment or a noisy piece of machinery from a structure.

This depends on various factors such as the floor system, construction material, beam positions and column grid. CALMFLOOR units are typically effective in the floor bay in which they are installed.

No. In a typical building, some bays are problematic and some are not, so the units are targeted at precisely those areas that require intervention.

Active mass damping is a versatile technology that’s suitable for any construction material and is adaptable to any stage in the life of a building floor, whether it’s a new build, operational or undergoing a change of use.

Power consumption is around 20-25W and, at its peak, no more than 350W.

Many clients work with their own structural engineering and acoustics consultants to evaluate vibration issues and design a scheme for vibration control. This might involve physical testing, for existing structures where this is possible, or simulation studies for proposed structures. We make available our own CALM Sim software, that can be used by engineering professionals to evaluate floor performance and the potential benefits of CALMFLOOR installation.

Every floor is different so there can’t be a generic answer to this question. We have achieved over 90% reduction on some structures, but more typical reductions are in the range 60-80%

The lowest level of vibration response achievable depends on the starting point, but we have been able to deliver 1/3 octave band responses down to VC-A on some projects. Typical office floors performance requirements (Response Factor 4 in the UK and 0.5%g peak in the US) are well within the capability of CALMFLOOR.

For orders of less than 10 units, we aim to supply this from stock. When demand outstrips our supply or for larger orders, a lead time of 12-15 weeks will apply. We’ll often be able to part-supply larger volume orders – please talk to our sales team for more details.

Most units are placed in the ceiling void underneath the floor being controlled. They can be easily mounted onto the webs of supporting beams or directly to the soffit of a flat slab or composite deck. Where this is not possible, CALMFLOOR units can be mounted on top of the floor, below a false flooring system of sufficient depth, or placed under desks, benches, or other furnishings. Each mounting method is equally effective from a vibration performance perspective.

Installation is extremely efficient compared to alternatives as it doesn’t require any significant structural intervention. The time it takes to install a CALMFLOOR unit depends on various factors, including installation method (floor mounted, beam mounted or hung from the underside of the floor slab), ease of access, site logistics etc. A single unit can take anywhere between 1-5 hours to install, meaning that installation can be completed out-of-hours to minimise disruption to in-service buildings.

Physical installation can be carried out by non-specialised MEP contractors, in accordance with our detailed install guides. We often find it most efficient to use contractors who are already familiar with an existing building, or who are engaged in the refurb or construction of a new space. CALMFLOOR staff or specialists from our strategic partner network are required to carry out the commissioning of the units. The installation and commissioning can be carried out during the same visit.

CALMFLOOR units require a single phase 110-250V 5A power supply for operation. They also require a CAT5 Ethernet data connection for CALM Connect connectivity, but will continue to control vibrations even if the network connection is interrupted.

Embodied emissions from material extraction, production and manufacturing are 480 kg CO2e.

Operating emissions of a unit over 50-year period are estimated 548 kg CO2e, but this varies according to the source of power used over that period.

CALMFLOOR units reduce embodied carbon in building floors by saving unnecessary extra concrete and steel to meet required vibration performance. This has been shown to be potentially very significant, for example up to 75% reduction in steelwork per floor in a high rise building.

Modifying buildings to improve vibration performance is difficult, expensive and highly disruptive, especially for buildings that are currently in service. Operations such as welding additional steel to existing beams, installing new columns down to foundation level, or increasing concrete slab thickness, are expensive and can impact seismic performance. Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are also very heavy, eat into the live load capacity of floors, require structural modifications for install and typically multiple units are required to control different vibration frequencies. In contrast, CALMFLOOR, at only 67 kg (150 lbs) weight and with the ability to control multiple frequencies simultaneously, is much easier to install and hence a much more cost-effective option.

CALMFLOOR units are designed to be maintenance free. Their minimum design life is 15 years, but accelerated life testing has proved them to be serviceable after more than 50 years simulated use. The number of moving parts has been minimised to enhance reliability.

Our CALM Care and CALM Connect package provides continuous remote monitoring of CALMFLOOR units. You are able to check on the health of deployed units at any time, and our CALM Connect system will send email alerts in case of failure.