Vibration Properties and Serviceability Performance of a Modular Cross-Laminated Timber-Steel Composite Floor System

Abstract

Industry interest in mass timber hybrid construction is driving research into new connections, lateral load-resistance systems, seismic design, and fire safety design for low-carbon structures. However, only limited attention has hitherto been paid to the vibration serviceability of mass timber floor systems, which often controls their allowable maximum floor spans. This study investigated the vibration characteristics and serviceability performance of a promising modular prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT)–steel composite flooring solution under normal walking actions through both experimental testing and subjective evaluations. The study demonstrates that the flooring solution is a high-frequency floor system. The floor exhibits transient vibration response and can achieve acceptable vibration performance in residential and office settings. Its vibration performance can be reasonably assessed through the measured vibration dose value (VDV) over peak and root-mean-squared acceleration values when its modules are connected using self-tapping screws. The research outcomes will contribute to the vibration serviceability assessment of CLT-steel hybrid floor systems.