Vibration Serviceability of a Building Floor Structure. I: Dynamic Testing and Computer Modeling

Buildings with large column-free floors or long-cantilevered structures can be susceptible to annoying vibrations due to everyday occupants’ activities such as walking. Computer modeling and analytical representation of building structural properties to predict the floor response subjected to excitations due to human activities are important issues that require further studies. Vibration testing and analysis of built structures can assist in more accurate estimation of structure dynamic properties. This paper presents the results of the modal testing conducted on an office building floor and analysis of the collected vibration measurements. It compares these results with the structural response using computer analyses. It also presents a sensitivity study to assess the importance of various structural parameters on the floor dynamic response. From the results presented, it is concluded that for the structure used in this study the raised flooring and nonstructural elements acted mainly as added mass and did not contribute to the floor damping. Conclusions are also made on the importance of various structural parameters on floor response and the analysis of the modal test results.