Human-induced vibration propagation on a composite floor system

Abstract

Floor vibration serviceability has recently become one of the main building design criteria especially for structures with long spans of light-weight construction. This paper presents the analytical modeling, in situ vibration tests, modal parameter estimation and response prediction of an office floor where excessive vibrations have been reported on a particular bay. Preliminary analytical studies of the floor system, a steel-light-weight-concrete composite floor system occupied by office cubicles, showed that the problem area was susceptible to foot-fall induced vibrations. Moreover, one of the calculated mode shapes indicated that the source of the annoying vibrations could have been located not only on the bay where they are mostly felt but also on other parts of the floor. In order to investigate the vibration propagation issue and to verify calculated modal parameters and response predictions, a series of vibration tests have been conducted. Walking tests conducted on the problematic bay produced acceleration levels that were above the vibration criterion proposed for office environments. The walking tests conducted on other bays produced non-negligible acceleration levels on the problematic bay, indicating the existence of vibration propagation. However, the magnitude of the propagating vibrations measured on the problem area was found to be at allowable levels. Finally, the floor vibration serviceability has been assessed and compared against measurements following the guidelines given in AISC - Design guide 11 and Arup's method.