Methods to improve the vibration characteristics of joist supported floor systems

Abstract

The development of high strength, light weight materials has generated more efficient designs of steel joist-concrete slab floor systems. Though the structural integrity is rarely compromised, these floor systems are more susceptible to human-induced vibrations which may be annoying to the occupants of the structure.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop methods of improving the vibration characteristics of joist-supported floor systems. The frequency and first maximum amplitude of vibration can be altered by redesigning the cross-section of the floor system in order to improve its acceptability. However, damping has the greatest effect on the perceptibility of occupant-induced floor vibrations. Therefore, this study focussed on devising methods of increasing damping in joist supported floor systems.

Steel joist-metal deck-concrete slab test floors were constructed for the purpose of this investigation. In addition, a two-bay building was constructed so that the developments of this research could be field tested. The experimental results were presented and recommendations were made for future work in this field.