ISO 2017-3:2015

Overview

ISO 2017-3:2015 - Mechanical vibration and shock - Resilient mounting systems - Part 3 - defines the technical information to be exchanged when applying vibration isolation to new buildings. The standard applies during design and construction of new buildings exposed to significant man-made vibrations (railways, road traffic, industrial sources). Its purpose is to ensure clear information exchange between building owners, customers, and isolation suppliers so that base isolation and resilient mounting systems protect structural integrity, sensitive equipment and human comfort. Note: earthquake and wind forces are excluded.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Purpose and scope: why isolate (protect structure, equipment, occupants) and when isolation is applicable (new buildings near significant vibration sources).
• What to isolate: advice on isolating sources vs receivers; focus on new building structures, elements and sensitive equipment.
• Measurement & evaluation (how to isolate): site vibration measurements, time-history monitoring, frequency analysis and prediction of future foundation vibration levels. Measurements should conform to recognized guidance (e.g., ISO 4866, ISO 2631-2, ISO 10815) and be used to avoid resonance with structural natural frequencies.
• Selection of isolators: typical resilient elements (steel coil springs, natural/synthetic rubber, composites); location and access considerations for inspection/replacement.
• Information exchange requirements:
  • Information to be provided by the owner: site investigation (geology, soil, water table), building drawings and dynamic properties, load/deflection data, function of building, maximum admissible vibration levels, measurement descriptions and positions.
  • Information to be provided by the supplier: isolation system performance, physical and dynamic data, durability, environmental compatibility, and maintenance instructions.
• Validation: requirements for verifying isolation performance once installed.

Applications

ISO 2017-3:2015 is intended for projects where ground-borne or structure-borne vibration and shock can impair:

• Sensitive laboratories, hospitals, data centers, manufacturing facilities and music halls (sensitive equipment and acoustics).
• Buildings adjacent to railways, tunnels, elevated tracks, busy roads or industrial plants.
• Any new construction requiring vibration mitigation strategies (base isolation, resilient mounts) to meet comfort, safety or regulatory limits.

Who should use it

• Building owners and developers
• Architects and structural/acoustic engineers
• Vibration isolation suppliers and installers
• Project contractors and equipment manufacturers
• Urban planners and rail/transport project teams

Related standards

• ISO 4866 - measurement and evaluation guidance
• ISO 2631-2 - human exposure to whole-body vibration in buildings
• ISO 10815 - vibration from trains in tunnels

Using ISO 2017-3:2015 in project specifications improves coordination, reduces design risk and helps ensure effective vibration mitigation and compliance with vibration performance objectives.