Accurate design starts with accurate engineering and acoustic data.

From the structural engineer:

• Plan views and cross-sections of the elastic-supported areas.

• Bearing dimensions.

• Dead and live load values.

From the acoustic consultant:

• Required support frequency for the building isolation system.

This information allows GERB engineers to select the optimal stiffness type, thickness, and layout for your project — ensuring compliance with vibration and acoustic performance targets.

• Relevant input data needed is load and size.
• The NOVODAMP® Designer tool allows the selection of the proper material and size.
• The output shows all parameters needed (frequency, deflection, capacity).

Full-surface installation means that NOVODAMP® mats cover the entire contact area between the structure and its foundation, creating a uniform vibration isolation layer.

Installation overview:

• Delivery & format: Mats are delivered stacked on pallets, max. 1,500 mm × 1,200 mm. No top/bottom orientation is required.

• Preparation: Install on a firm, level, dry, frost-free concrete subbase. Remove all loose particles and protrusions.

• Placement: Start from a reference point (e.g., straight wall), following the layout plan. Keep joints gap-free horizontally and vertically. For complex shapes (pits, pillars), cut mats on-site to fit perfectly.
  

• Fixing:

  • Usually no adhesive needed.

  • For high-traffic installation areas or vertical/inclined mounting, use solvent-free construction adhesive or spray/paste adhesive.

  • After curing, bond seams with smooth, watertight tape.

• Sealing: Seal perimeter joints to the surrounding structure.

• Avoid: Nails or mechanical fasteners that could compromise performance.

• Special note: The closed-cell structure may expand slightly under heat — account for thermal movement in design.

This method ensures consistent load distribution and maximum vibration isolation performance — ideal for floating floors, machine bases, or entire building footprints.

Note: full-surface isolation can also be executed with NOVODAMP® pads/stripes combined with NOVOFILL.

Lateral bearings address horizontal vibration transmission — especially important for buildings exposed to soil pressure vibrations from sources like trains or heavy traffic.

Principle:

• The building’s sidewall becomes the bearing surface.

• The NOVODAMP® pad acts as the elastic decoupling element.

• The surrounding soil serves as the mass that blocks vibration transfer.

Installation:

• Surfaces must be smooth, clean, and dry.

• Use an adhesive compatible with the substrate — for lighter mats, double-sided tape may be sufficient.

• For heavier mats, add mechanical support or extend adhesive tape over the top edge.

Result: Reduced lateral transmission of ground-borne vibration into the building’s superstructure, complementing vertical isolation layers.

According to our laboratory tests the NOVODAMP® closed-cell Polyurethane is a strong material which can keep it’s dynamic properties for a long time even in challenging environments. Depending on the specifics of each project, according to different laboratory simulated environment conditions, it’s lifespan can go beyond 100 years.

By choosing from different mat types with type-depending load-bearing capacities and characteristics and by choosing from different material thicknesses, a design for an unevenly loaded surface is also possible. Our team gladly assists.

The isolation efficiency depends on the exciting frequency fe

and the vertical frequency of the vibration isolation system f0.

Natural frequency f0 of NOVODAMP® :

f0=15,76×√(Edyn/(t×σ))

Edyn:   dynamic modulus of elasicity (N/mm2)

t:   thickness (mm)

σ:  load per area (N/mm2)

General formula:

I = (η – 2)2 / (η -1) 2

η = tuning ratio (fe / f0)

• vertical load
• thickness of NOVODAMP®
• type of NOVODAMP®