The Current Status of Analysis and Design for Annoying Wooden Floor Vibrations
Keywords:
Static, dynamic, vibration, wooden floors, frequency, amplitude, dampingAbstract
One result of improved material utilization in the design and construction of wooden buildings is a dramatic increase in undesirable, annoying floor vibrations. Whereas static criteria provide a sound method of ensuring a safe structure, these same criteria may not ensure that vibrational serviceability requirements are met. The major drawback of static criteria is that they do not address dynamic variables that become increasingly important as the span is lengthened, or the weight and/or the stiffness of the floor structure is reduced by either efficient design methods or the inclusion of engineered joist products. This paper discusses not only pertinent current research findings but suggests areas for future research to develop the dynamic criteria needed for the design of lightweight floor systems constructed with wood-based materials.
The development of such criteria may have a positive economic impact on the forest products industry. Although vibrational problems also occur in steel and concrete structures due to the reduction in weight of the floor components (steel joists and concrete slabs), researchers (Allen and Rainer 1976, 1985; Murray 1991) have made great strides in the understanding and control of vibrations in steel and concrete structures. If serviceability criteria for wooden structures are developed that will ensure acceptable vibrational performance, then the forest products industry will have the potential to be competitive in the profitable light-commercial construction market.
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