A comparative study on dynamic response of different floor types subjected to walking load

Abstract

This paper focuses on dynamic behaviors of different floor types, i.e. Long-span flat concrete
floor (LF), Composite floor (CF) and Hollow core floor (HF), subjected to human induced vibrations,
i.e. walking load. First of all, Finite Element (FE) models of all floors are modeled by using SAP2000
Nonlinear program in order to validate the modeling technique (compared with the results, i.e. natural
frequencies of the floor, obtained from the literature). Secondly, FE model of all three types of the
floor modeled using the same technique as the first part of this study is created. All floors with the
same size, i.e. 9.5x9.5 m. are used to perform dynamic time history analysis. The results are obtained
in terms of displacement and accelerations time history. Parametric studies including the effects of
different types of support, damping ratios, frequencies of load, number of loads and the patterns of
load are investigated. The results obtained from this study are then compared with the limit value
proposed by design standards. The results of this study can also be used to identify the occurrence of
unwanted vibrations that could cause human discomfort or, in extreme cases, structural failure.