Evaluation of human-induced vibration of ferrocement in lightweight constructive systems

Abstract

This study investigates ferrocement slabs' dynamic response to human-induced vibrations in lightweight construction systems. Ferrocement is a sustainable and cost-effective material valued for its durability and versatility, yet its performance under serviceability criteria related to occupant comfort remains underexplored in the literature. To address this gap, ferrocement slabs' vibration-damping and structural behavior were evaluated through laboratory and in-situ tests, including heel impact, sandbag drop, and walking testing. The results consistently demonstrate that the slabs meet the serviceability thresholds defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the ISO guidelines for perceived acceleration. The in-situ slabs exhibited natural frequencies and damping ratios within acceptable limits, confirming their effectiveness in reducing vibration-induced discomfort. These findings support the use of ferrocement slabs in residential and office floor systems with spans of <4 m (13 ft), where controlling human-induced vibrations is critical to ensuring comfort and safety.