Avalon Bay Communities

Vibration isolation of the Avalon Communities Glendora.

Avalon Bay Communities, a member of the S&P 500, developed a 198-unit mixed-use project in Glendora, CA, approximately 20 miles east of Los Angeles, adjacent to active railway tracks. The primary sources of noise at the site currently include traffic from nearby roads and freight trains operating on the adjacent railway. In the future, this noise environment will also include sound from the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension. Acoustical studies reveal that combined future noise levels at the building façades will range from 63.4 to 69.9 CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level), surpassing the maximum residential threshold of 45 CNEL. To meet these standards, REGUPOL vibration systems were chosen to effectively mitigate the noise impact.

Railway Vibration

The noise environment at the project site is heavily influenced by railway activity on a two-track system located directly north of the development. Currently, these tracks are used daily by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight trains.

Given that expected vibration levels exceed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recommended thresholds, structural mitigation measures are required for concrete slabs near the railway to reduce ground-borne vibrations to acceptable levels. REGUPOL vibration and REGUFOAM vibration products were applied to isolate strip foundations and slabs on grade, achieving natural frequencies between 9 and 12.5 Hz. These measures ensure enhanced acoustic performance within residential spaces, creating a quieter and more comfortable living environment.

The collaboration with Eilar Associates and Architects Orange was exemplary. Their professionalism and openness to innovative isolation designs were instrumental to the project’s success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with such skilled partners.