Database Formulation and Design Enhancement Initiatives for Vibration Assessment

PROJECT ABSTRACT Database Formulation and Design Enhancement Initiatives for Floor Vibration Assessment Principal Investigator: Linda M. Hanagan, Ph.D., P.E. CMS Proposal #9900099 Many lightweight floor systems experience excessive levels of vibration caused by normal occupant activities such as walking, dancing, aerobics, etc. Improving the structural designer's ability to provide an acceptable floor system is the subject of this research initiative. The scope of this research is defined under four research subject headings: 1) Floor vibration case studies: A minimum of ten floor vibration case studies are being studied to provide researchers, including the PI, with a more extensive database on the vibration behavior of in-place steel floor systems; 2) Research on ballroom floors: Several high profile ballroom facilities have been receiving negative attention in the press for their disturbing levels of floor vibration. The cause of these problems is under investigation and possible solutions are being sought; 3) Utilizing computer software in the design process: Research is being undertaken to study the use of general purpose structural design and analysis software in the evaluation of floor system designs; 4) Supplemental design criteria: This research is targeted toward refining specific portions of the Design for Walking Excitation criterion to aid the designer in predicting unacceptable floors.