Floor Vibration
The trend for longer span, lightweight structures has led to and increased need to consider the performance of floors when subjected to human induced vibrations, such as those caused by walking, rather than relying exclusively on traditional methods of frequency-governed design. By comparing response analyses with BS and ISO defined limits for either the Response Factor or the Vibration Dose Value it is possible to ensure that the occupant comfort of a floor will be satisfactory. Advice is also given on the design of specialist floors, such as hospital operating theatres and dance-floors.
The objectives of this course are to:
- Explain theory of vibration in structures;
- Describe walking activities and their effect on floor dynamics;
- Explain the influence of perception and scale on human response to floor vibration;
- Introduce current design guidance (both finite element and simple hand calculation);
- Offer advice on practical considerations.
Having attended this course you will be:
- Aware of vibration issues;
- Able to source guidance on floor dynamics;
- Have knowledge of using finite element analysis for vibrations analysis;
- Able to carry out simple hand-calculations to assess the dynamic response of a floor for pedestrian loading;
- Confident in considering vibrations as part of structural design.
Who should attend?
This course is aimed primarily at practicing engineers (consultants, steelwork contractors and checking engineers) who would like to learn more about the issues that affect floor vibrations, and how to design structures to comply with current guidance.
Course delivery:
This course comprises a set of lectures supplemented by a number of interactive worked examples to ensure that basic ideas are understood.