Vibration behavior of large span composite steel bar truss-reinforced concrete floor due to human activity

Human-induced vibration could present a serious serviceability problem for large-span and/or lightweight floors using the high-strength material. This paper presents the results of heel-drop, jumping, and walking tests on a large-span composite steel rebar truss-reinforced concrete (CSBTRC) floor. The effects of human activities on the floor vibration behavior were investigated considering the parameters of peak acceleration, root-mean-square acceleration, maximum transient vibration value (MTVV), fundamental frequency, and damping ratio. The measured field test data were validated with the finite element and theoretical analysis results. A comprehensive comparison between the test results and current design codes was carried out. Based on the classical plate theory, a rational and simplified formula for determining the fundamental frequency for the CSBTRC floor is derived. Secondly, appropriate coefficients (βrp) correlating the MTVV with peak acceleration are suggested for heel-drop, jumping, and walking excitations. Lastly, the linear oscillator model (LOM) is adopted to establish the governing equations for the human-structure interaction (HSI). The dynamic characteristics of the LOM (sprung mass, equivalent stiffness, and equivalent damping ratio) are determined by comparing the theoretical and experimental acceleration responses. The HSI effect will increase the acceleration response.