Case Study: Princeton University achieves vibration-controlled research lab design with Oasys Software

Princeton University designs its $280M Frick Laboratory with Oasys Software

Princeton University required a structural design for its new Frick Laboratory that could meet the rigorous vibration and cleanliness needs of sensitive research equipment while adhering to the university's sustainability plan. Oasys Software, specifically its Oasys GSA structural design and analysis software, was used to model and calculate floor vibrations from footfall to address this challenge.

The solution involved using Oasys GSA to create a series of vibration models, which led to a cost-optimized design that zoned the building based on vibration tolerance. This allowed for extremely low vibration levels in critical basement areas and higher, acceptable levels in perimeter corridors. The project was a major success, resulting in a building that was proclaimed by researchers as potentially the best academic chemistry building in the world, fulfilling the university's stringent performance criteria.

Princeton University