Comparison of prediction and measurement techniques for pedestrian-induced vibrations of a low-frequency floor

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Publication Title

Structural Control and Health Monitoring

Volume

26

Issue

1

Keywords

floor vibrations, human-induced loads, low-frequency, measurements, occupant comfort, pedestrian-induced vibrations

Abstract

Pedestrian footfalls are often the governing source of vibration on the upper floors of structures. These vibrations may cause discomfort for occupants or interfere with the operation of sensitive equipment. Numerous design guidelines are available to assist structural engineers in achieving vibration serviceability objectives. The current methodology is largely deterministic and does not accurately represent the stochastic nature of pedestrian-induced vibrations or the probability that walkers will generate the predicted response. Statistical analysis is applied to compare long-term vibration measurements in a commercial structure against predictions from relevant guidelines and short-term controlled walking tests. The comparison is used to evaluate the probability that vibration levels predicted by the guidelines and induced through controlled walking tests will be exceeded by typical day-to-day vibrations. The results are important for the development of future fully encompassing probabilistic models of pedestrian-induced vibrations and for aiding architects and engineers in deciding the necessity of potentially costly mitigation measures.

DOI

10.1002/stc.2294

ISSN

15452255

E-ISSN

15452263

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