Floor Vibration Serviceability in a Multistory Factory Building

Abstract

Experimental and analytical modal analysis and in-operation vibration measurements were performed on the massive concrete structural floors of several structurally connected ‘units’ of a six-level, multitenant industrial complex with total floor usable area exceeding 0.1 km2. The aim of the systematic study was to characterize vibration sources and factors that affect vibration serviceability, which is a major concern when changing usage patterns lead to conflicting requirements for vibration generation and tolerance for different types of industrial/commercial user. This was a rare investigation aiming to provide information on specific performance and relevant technologies for occupancy decisions by tenants and building management of similar structures. Floors evaluated were within different types of industrial single-occupant unit stacked up to six levels and having multibay floors with spans up to 12 m with first vibration mode frequencies greater than 8 Hz. These “high-frequency floors” display typical transient response behavior to footfalls, with response levels controlled by modal mass. Units were studied in typical operational conditions including warehousing, instrument assembly and testing, light electronic/mechanical manufacturing, and machining. Vibration sources included internal and external vehicles, human footfalls, and machinery. The study showed the most onerous form of loading to be forklift trucks and that higher level floors of the same type were least serviceable. Experimental modal analysis showed a surprising range of modal properties for nominally identical floors of the same type and the relevance to performance of modal mass.