University of California at Irvine Medical Center

As part of a transformative effort to enhance patient care and streamline clinical workflows, UC Irvine Medical Center reimagined how core hospital services are delivered, including the strategic placement of its MRI rooms.

Traditionally relegated to basement-level locations to avoid noise and vibration, MRI rooms in the UC Irvine Medical Center were relocated from the basement, bringing the imaging rooms closer to inpatient units and adjacent imaging departments. This forward-thinking design, led by CO Architects and Principal Gina Chang, AIA, challenged conventional layout norms in favor of a more patient-centric, operationally efficient model.

However, relocating MRI suites from the basement posed a significant acoustical and vibration challenge that required a tailored vibration isolation strategy.

Challenge

MRI systems are highly sensitive to low-frequency vibrations. Even minor structural movement from foot traffic or building systems can impair scan accuracy or degrade image quality. Pacing these imaging suites on the hospital’s entry level — above grade — introduced key design and engineering challenges:

• Vibration Control: Required an isolation system that could achieve extremely low natural frequencies to prevent signal distortion.
• Structural Load Support: Needed to bear both the heavy MRI equipment and the concrete slab weight.
• Regulatory Compliance: The design had to meet rigorous California state healthcare construction codes (HCAI, formerly OSHPD).
• Design Flexibility: The system had to preserve architectural freedom while delivering precise performance.
• Shielding Performance: Integrate with shielding and framing systems to mitigate RF and magnetic interference

Solution

To meet both the acoustic and structural performance demands, the project team selected Stravifloor Jackup-R, a spring-based floating floor system engineered for maximum isolation efficiency in sensitive environments.

Key features of the solution included:

• Low-Frequency Isolation: The system used 50 mm (2”) deflection springs,  meeting MRI performance specifications.
• High Load Capacity: Capable of supporting the combined weight of imaging equipment and topping slab without compromise.
• HCAI Verification: CDM Stravitec collaborated with a licensed California Structural Engineer to conduct an independent review. The system’s performance was validated for both load capacity and compliance with HCAI structural codes.

This robust solution made it possible to place MRI rooms closer to patients while maintaining a quiet, vibration-free environment necessary for clinical accuracy.  The design shift resulted in reduced travel distance between patient rooms and imaging, contributing to a more seamless care journey, and also Simplified workflows for imaging staff by colocating MRI services with other diagnostics.

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