This research article presents a comparative analysis of vibration assessments in
lecture halls to investigate their influence on people using contact (accelerometers)
and non-contact (laser vibrometers) measurement techniques. The study aims to
verify the accuracy and reliability of vibration analysis in relation to two approaches
and determined physical parameters, i.e. acceleration amplitudes and vibration ve-
locities. The intriguing fact was that none of the building users reported any perceived
discomfort from vibrations, despite the determined parameters of the signal measured
using a laser vibrometer indicating exceedance of permissible vibration amplitudes in
several frequency bands. The conducted comparative analysis leads to the conclusion
that the location of the laser head tripod on the vibrating floor introduces significant
vibration amplification, which in turn may lead to an incorrect assessment of the
impact of vibrations on people in buildings. The studies described in the article were
carried out in accordance with the procedure contained in the Polish national standard
PN-B-02171. The obtained results and the resulting conclusions are an important
contribution to a better understanding of the advantages and limitations resulting from
the use of non-contact measurements.
