Technical Paper
Construction of a World-Class Vehicle Acoustical Laboratory Facility
2001-04-30
2001-01-1487
The GM Noise and Vibration Analysis Laboratory (NVAL) was conceived in response to GM's need for a state-of-the-art noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) testing and development facility. This paper examines the construction of the NVAL to help illustrate the process of converting NVH facility design documents into a functioning facility. It features a summary of items learned through the course of the construction effort and outlines issues a technical building owner should consider when embarking on a new facility project. NVH facility construction is unique. The traditional construction approach, emphasizing time and cost reduction, must be buffered with an equal or greater emphasis on performance and the proper sequencing of tasks to allow these integrated facilities to meet their operational objectives.