Vibration amplitudes in the Inuvik powerhouse

Vibration measurements in the main powerhouse at Inuvik, NWT, were taken to determine the amplitudes of vibration present in a structure supported on pile foundations in permafrost and subjected to large dynamic periodic forces. Accelerometers were placed on the support system for the main diesel generator and on the floor and pile foundation of the one-storey industrial building. One-third octave band RMS acceleration amplitudes produced by the generator, a 5.2 MW system, are presented. In comparison to ambient acceleration amplitudes (generator off), amplitudes produced by the generator were approximately 430 times larger on the structural system supporting the generator and five to ten times larger throughout the remainder of the powerhouse.