Posadas, M., Neubauer, T., Buckmaster, C. A. 2013. Noisy construction does not have to generate noisy data. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 670-671 (Abstract).

Our institution opened the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute (NRI) in November of 2010. This facility houses a team of world renowned researchers working with mice and rats to develop treatments for childhood neurologic disorders. The second and third floors were designed for vivarium use; however, the second floor was not begun until February 2012. In an effort to minimize the impact of noise and vibration from construction on ongoing behavioral and physiologic studies, the Center for Comparative Medicine tested noise and vibrations levels, using different shock absorbent floor mats and drill bits in a mock animal holding room. High frequency microphones and vibration sensors were used to evaluate and select the best materials and construction began. Vibration sensors were placed at the base of every ventilated rack and microphones were suspended from each ceiling. A computer system sent automatic email alarms to team members if noise or vibration exceeded set thresholds, prompting the manager to check the room and then contact the construction manager to stop or modify work when necessary. We were relieved to discover that our animals set off more alarms at night, during their active period, than the construction itself. The vibration pads mitigated noise and vibration and allowed construction and research to happen simultaneously.