Design of Post-

Post-Tensioned VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS
Slabs for Vibrations
Part 1 Basic information and practical approach
Whyy are we concerned about vibration;
What are the causes of vibration;
What are the allowable limits of vibration;
How to evaluate the vibration acceptability of a
floor
Numerical Example

Why are we concerned about vibration ?

Vibrations may be considered as annoying by
occupants
Threshold of perception
Threshold of annoyance
Vibrations may interfere with the functions of
Fl i A l i
FlorianAalami machines and instruments,
instruments such as in laboratories
laboratories.
President,ADAPTCorporation Each lab/instrument has its own specific limits of
acceptable vibration

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE PERCEPTION OF VIBRATION

FLOORS

What are the allowable limits of vibration?

Frequency (Hz); and
Peak acceleration
What are the causes of vibration ?
Most common cause is foot drop (heel drop) 1.50

occupants;
Dynamic impact from rolling object. 1 00
1.00
ak Accelerattion (% g)

Office, residence,
assembly hall

What are the allowable limits of vibration? 0.50

Perception of vibration depends on:

Frequency (cycles per second, Hz); and 0.25
Peak acceleration (expressed as percentage of
gravitational acceleration %g)
Pea

Operating
rooms

Consensus is that humans are most sensitive to 1 2 4 8 12 20

vibration for frequencies
q between 4 to 8 Hz. Frequency (Hz)

Higher accelerations can be tolerated at higher Threshold of Human Sensitivity to Vertical Vibration
or lower frequencies. (ATC)
ATC = Applied Technology Council
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE NATURAL FREQUENCIES
FLOORS

How to evaluate the vibration acceptability of a Step 1 - Determine natural frequencies (Hz)
floor?
Use Finite Element Method with plate elements, or
empirical formulas
For specific areas, such as a lab or operating room,
6 steps for complete evaluation determine the dominant frequencies of the
location of interest.
Step 1 - Determine natural frequencies (Hz)
St 2 Select
Step S l t exciting
iti fforce off vibration
ib ti
Step 3 - Select floor type
Step 4 Calculate the weight of vibrating panel
Step 5 Calculate peak acceleration
Step 6 - Evaluate the floor

Numerical example

Observe vibration modes of the above floor system

EXITING FORCE OF VIBRATION TRANSMISSION PATH OF VIBRATION

Step 2 - Select exciting force of vibration Step 3 - Select floor type

Use the following graph to determine the exciting Refer to the table to select damping factor ();
force in most cases 0.03 applies
1.0 The recommended values vary from 2-3% for bare
concrete floors to 5-8% for furnished rooms with
partitions extending full height.
0.8
Factor (DLF)

0.6
RECOMMENDED DAMPING
FACTORS FOR VARIOUS OCCUPANCIES
ynamic Load F

0.4
Damping factor
Occupancy

02
0.2
Dy

Bare concrete
B t floor
fl 0 02
0.02
Furnished, low partition 0.03
0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0
Furnished, full height partition 0.05
Frequency Hz
Shopping malls 0.02
Dynamic Load Factor for First Harmonic of
Walking Force

Exciting force = DLF * (Weight of Person)

 PEAK ACCELERATION PERCEPTIBILITY OF MOTION

Step 4 Calculate weight of target panel (W) Step 6 Evaluate the floor
Include superimposed load that follows the vibration Use natural frequency from Step 1; and
((stones;; tiles)) Peak ground acceleration (ao/g) from Step 5; and
Chart below from ATC to determine acceptability
Step 5 Calculate Peak Acceleration (ap/g)
Use an empirical relationship, such as the one below for 1.50
footfall
1.00

on (% g)
Office, residence,

P0 e0.35fn
assembly hall
ap
((1))
W
0 50
0.50

Peak Acceleratio
g
0.25
ap = peak acceleration;
Operating
g = gravitational acceleration [32.2 ft/sec2; 9.81 m/sec2 ]; rooms

Po = constant force representing the walking force (from

Step 2 and weight of walking person); 1 2 4 8 12 20
= modal damping ratio, from previous table Frequency (Hz)
W = effective weight of the panel and the superimposed
load; and Threshold of Human Sensitivity to Vertical
fn = first natural frequency (Hz)
(Hz). Vibration (ATC)

NUMERICAL EXAMPLE NUMERICAL EXAMPLE

TNO_123
Numerical Example
Given
Gi
Concrete floor system
Slab thickness
Slab thickness 8 (203 mm) 8'' (200mm)
Superimposed DL 20 psf (1 kN/m2)
Concrete fc 5000 psi (33
(33.8
8 MPa)
Modulus of Elasticity 1.2 Ec
(a) Floor plan Column
Required 18'' x 24''
(460mm x 610mm)
Evaluate vibration compliance of the floor panel
identified under foot drop

26'-3''
(
(8.00m) )

30'-0'' (9.14m)

(b) Panel plan

Identification of Panel for Vibration Evaluation

 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FLOORS FLOORS

Step 1 Determine natural frequencies (Hz)

Generate model of the entire floor
Use modulus of elasticity 1.2Ec
Include weight of objects attached to floor
Obtain first few natural frequencies
(a) First mode frequency 5.79
5 79 Hz

(b) Second mode frequency 6.33

6 33 Hz

Discretization of the Floor for a

((c)) Third mode frequency
q y 6.44 Hz
Reliable Frequency Values
Demonstrate live

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS FLOORS
Step 2 - Select exciting force of vibration Step 3 - Select floor type
Weight of person 150 lb (667 N)
Walking speed: 2 steps per second
From the chart:
DLF = 0.53
Po = 0.53 * 150 = 79.5 lb (354 N)

1.0

0.8
F)
d Factor (DLF

Office furnished; low partitions

0.6
From below select () = 0.03 From table
Dynamic Load

0.4 Damping factor

Occupancy

0.2
Bare concrete floor 0.02
Furnished, low partition 0 03
0.03
0 Furnished, full height partition 0.05
0 1.0 2.0 3.0

Frequency Hz Shopping malls 0.02

Dynamic Load Factor for First Harmonic of
Walking Force
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FLOORS FLOORS

Step 4 Calculate weight of target panel (W) Step 5 Calculate Peak Acceleration (ap/g)
Use an empirical relationship, such as the one below for
Dimensions of panel as shown below footfall
Mortar,
M stone, firmly
fi l attached
h d to flfloor 20 psff (1 kN/m2)
kN/ 2) ap P0 e0.35fn
0 35fn
Concrete weight: 150 pcf; (25 kN/m3)
g W
The total weight of the panel W is :
ap
30 26.25
8 = peak acceleration;
W= 0.15 0.02 = 94.5 k (421 kN)
12 g = gravitational acceleration [32.2 ft/sec2; 9.81 m/sec2 ];
TNO_123
Po = 0.53 * 150 = 79.7 lb (0.354 kN) (step 2)
= damping ratio 0.03 (step 3)
Slab
W = 94.5 k ( 421 kN ) (step 4)
thickness
8'' (200mm) fn = first natural frequency (Hz) = 5.79 Hz (step 1).

(a) Floor plan Column

18'' x 24'' ap 79.5 e 0.355.97
(460mm x 610mm) = = 0.00367 ; 0.37%
g 0.03 94.5 1000
26'-3''
(8.00m)
Peak ground acceleration ( ap) is calculated to be
0.37% of gravitational acceleration (g)
30'-0'' (9.14m)

(b) Panel plan

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS FLOORS
Step 6 Evaluate the floor Eliminate the noise (disturbance) from non-
Use natural frequency from Step 1; 5.79 Hz; and targeted floor regions
Peak ground acceleration from Step 5; 0.37% g; and TNO_123

Chart below from ATC to determine acceptability

1.50 Floor plan showing
the target panel
1 00
1.00
ak Accelerattion (% g)

Office, residence,
assembly hall

0.50

Panel
0.25
status
Pea

Operating
rooms

1 2 4 8 12 20

Frequency (Hz)
Threshold of Human Sensitivity to Vertical First mode frequency 5.79 Hz
Vibration (ATC)
Note that the first mode is primarily due to
The target panel is acceptable for office and residential
excitation of a non-targeted
non targeted region of floor
occupancies,
i b
but not ffor hospital
h i l operating
i room
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FLOORS FLOORS
Isolate the target area for vibration analysis
The response of the isolated region is greatly
influenced by the boundary conditions specified
around d th
the cutt
If the cut does not extend adequately beyond the
target panel, the results may not be reflective of the
prototype

(a) Selection of an extended region

(b) First mode of vibration Frequency 6.07 Hz

Note: first frequency of the entire

Note: first frequency of the entire floor is 5.79 Hz
floor is 5.79 Hz

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS FLOORS
How can we bring the vibration of a given floor Part 2 Past practice; alternative methods
to compliance?
Increase in stiffness increases the frequencies Semi empirical and simple methods of
Increase in weight reduces the frequencies vibration evaluation
Increase in frequency, increases the peak acceleration Numerical Example
Increase in weight reduces the peak acceleration
I
Increase in
i restraint
t i t off b
boundary
d conditions,
diti
reduction in span increases frequency
Estimate the natural frequencies
using empirical relationships
For the given example, increase slab thickness from 8 Make a good engineering judgment on the
(203 mm) to 10 (250 mm) probable shape of the first natural
1.50
frequency
Frequency fn = 7.72 Hz
W = 115.3 k ((514 kN)) 1.00
Peak acceleration
eak Accelerration (% g)

Office,
residence,
(ap/g) = 0.154 % assembly hall
0.50

0.25

Operating
rooms
Pe

1 2 4 8 12 20

Panel Frequency (Hz)

status
 FORMULAS FOR NATURAL FREQUENCIES DETERMINATION OF NATURAL
FREQUENCIES

FIRST NATURAL FREQUENCY CONSTANT

The parameters for the Table are:
Boundary
Case Constant
Conditions
c
f
1
b
1.57 1 2
a2
Where
a

2 1.57 1 2.5 2 5.14 4 Eh3 g

c=

12 1- 2
q
3 1.57 5.14 2.92 2 2.44 4

f = first natural frequency [Hz];

4 1.57 1 2.33 2 2.44 4 a = span length in X-direction;
E = dynamic modulus of elasticity [1
[1.25
25 static E
5 1.57 2.44 2.72 2 2.44 4 in psi; MPa];
h = slab thickness [in; mm];
6 1.57 5 14 3
1 57 5.14 13 2 5
3.13 14 4
5.14
= Poissons ratio [0.2];
[ ]
g = gravitational acceleration [32.2 ft/sec2 ; 9810
mm/sec2]; and
rigidly supported, rotationally free
g y supported, rotationally
rigidly y fixed
q = weight per unit surface area of the slab.
a span length in x-direction
b span l length in y-direction
a/b

DETERMINATION OF NATURAL DETERMINATION OF NATURAL

FREQUENCIES FREQUENCY

Shape of first Natural Frequency Mode Shape of first Natural Frequency

The first mode of vibration is affine to that of a Use a simply supported boundary conditions along
the four sides of an interior panel
single
i l panell simply
i l supported t d plate.
l t ThThe shape
h iis
not analogous to the deflected profile under Where columns are on a regular orthogonal grid,
selfweight the first mode is likely to be in form of a one-way
slab deflecting in a cylindrical form.

Panels bounded by smaller spans, may

vibrate analogous to a rotationally fixed plate

(a) Simple support (b) Fixed

(a) Simple support (b) Fixed

(c) Continuous spans

( )C
(c) Continuous
ti spans
(d) Deflection self weight
First Mode Shapes and Deflection of
Simple and Continuous Spans (d) D
Deflection
fl ti self
lf weight
i ht
First Mode Shapes and Deflection
of Simple and Continuous Spans
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FLOORS FLOORS

Numerical Example Step 1

Evaluate the vibration compliance of the floor slab
below, for foot drop having the same details in
former example, using empirical formulas
Envisage the probable shape of the first mode of
vibration.
vibration
A column supported slab, such as the floor system
under consideration is likely to vibrate in form of a
cylinder (one-way system)

View of the Floor System

Probable Shape of First Mode

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE CALCULATE NATURAL FREQUENCY

FLOORS
Step 2 FIRST NATURAL FREQUENCY CONSTANT
Select from the Table of frequency formulas, the case
that can best simulate the envisaged shape of first Boundary
Case Constant
mode of vibration Conditions
TNO_12
3

1 b

1.57 1 2
a

Find the First Natural Frequency rigidly supported, rotationally free

Using the parameters of frequency table: a span length in x-direction
g 9.81 m/sec2 ;32.2 ft/sec2 b span l length in y-direction
a/b
First natural frequency, fn:
c D h3
Eh g
fn = c =
a2 m
12 1 2 q

c =
Edynh

g
1.57 1 2

12 1 2 q

Est = 29,000 MPa

= 4287 ksi , using ACI-318 fn = ( c / a2 ) (frequency of first mode)

Assume Edyn = 1.2 Est = 1.2* Est

 CALCULATE NATURAL FREQUENCY CALCULATE NATURAL FREQUENCY

Consider a region as shown in h = 8 inch (203 mm)

the figure 150 * 8 20
q = weight/unit area =
12 * 144 144
= 0.833 lb/ in2 ( 5.74 *10-3 MPa )

5144 * 1000 * 83 32.2 * 12

c = = 325,653 in2/sec

12 1 0.22 0.833 (2.1*108 mm2/sec)

b
fn = 325653 * 20.03 = 5.59 Hz
2
1080
a

ap P0 e0.35fn
a = 3*90*12 = 1080 in (42.5 m)
90 2 g W
= 1.57(1+2) = 1.57 1 = 20.03
26.25
ap 5 e 0.35
79.5
79 0 355
5.59
59
3 = = 0.004 ; 0.4 %
c=
D

Eh

g
g 0.03 94.5 1000
m
12 1 2 q
Edyn = 1.2
1 2 Est = 1.2*
1 2* 4287 = 5144 ksi (35
(35,477
477 MPa)
Note that the weight of one panel is used for W

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS FLOORS

Part 3 Impact of secondary factors

Check the Results for Post-tensioning
A
Acceptability
t bilit
Post-tensioned slabs are generally thinner
First natural frequency (5. 59 Hz) than their conventionally reinforced
Peak response acceleration relative to counterparts; hence, they have lower
gravitational acceleration (0.4 %) frequencies
1.50 Precompression from post-tensioning inhibits,
or reduces crack formation. Post-tensioned
1.00 slabs are stiffer than RC slabs of the same
eration (% g))

Office, residence,
assembly hall thickness
0.50
Peak Accele

Panel
Add picture of a PT slab???
0.25 status
Operating
rooms
P

1 2 4 8 12 20

Frequency (Hz)
Acceptable for office and residential
residential, but not
for operating rooms
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FLOORS FLOORS

Part 3 Impact of secondary factors

Cracking of concrete
Part 3 Impact of secondary factors
Neutral axis
Cracking of concrete

Cracking of concrete, in particular in Reinforcement

conventionally reinforced concrete, where hair (a) Cracked beam elevation
cracks under service condition are common
and numerous in number result in reduction of
local stiffness.
Concentration of local cracks over the supports Cracking
moment
and at midspan can result in a change in the (b) Applied moment
natural mode shape of vibration

le

(c) Effective moment of inertia Ie

Loss of stiffness due to cracking results

in shorter frequencies

VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE

FLOORS FLOORS

Part 3 Impact of secondary factors

Part 3 Impact of secondary factors
Cracking of concrete Crackingg of concrete
Extent of cracking under dead load. Max local Extent of cracking under dead load. Max local
reduction in stiffness 69% reduction in stiffness 67%

EXTENT OF CRACKING SHOWN THROUGH

EXTENT OF CRACKING SHOWN THROUGH REDUCTION REDUCTION IN STIFFNESS FOR MOMENTS
IN STIFFNESS FOR MOMENTS ABOUT Y-Y AXIS ABOUT X-X AXIS
 VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE
FREQUENCIES
FLOORS

Factors affecting the natural frequencies:

Floors mass
P t 3 Impact of secondary factors
Part Modulus of elasticity
Damping
Floor covers; tiles; stones Extent of cracking; post-tensioning
Equipment that is fixed to the floor
Mass
The weight of the objects that are attached to a Expresses as (W/g),
floor and follow its motion in harmony should W is the weight of the objects that are
be included in the analysis. These include tiles, attached to the floor and faithfullyy follow its
andd equipment
i t fi
fixed
d tto a fl
floor. displacement; the greater the weight the larger is
Objects attached to a floor will add weight, but the period; the smaller is the frequency (Hz)
not necessarily stiffness. Addition of weight g is the gravitational acceleration taken as
reduces the frequency 32.2 ft/sec2 ((9.81 m/sec2)).
Depending on the method of fixity of an object
to a floor, analysis software allow users to Modulus of Elasticity
define a fraction of the mass of each
equipment to be active for motion in each of the
The elastic modulus for vibration analysis is larger
than th
th the static
t ti values,
l i particular
in ti l when
h hi
high
h
three principal directions.
strength concrete is used.
Recommended values are 25%
higher than the static modulus
modulus.

TRANSMISSION PATH OF VIBRATION PERCEPTIBILITY OF MOTION

What is considered unacceptable?

Extent of Cracking
Cracking reduces the stiffness of a floor and
consequently lowers its natural frequency.
People
p are most sensitive to vibration when
engaged in sedentary activity while seated or lying.
Much more is tolerated by people who are
standing, walking, or active in other ways

For conventional RC allow for cracking The response acceleration is sometimes compared
with the minimum acceptable value fn using the
For RC flat slab construction; with span to empirical
p formula developed
p for steel.
d th ratio
depth ti 30 or larger,
l allow
ll 30% reduction
d ti in i
stiffness due to cracking
K
fn 2.86ln
For post-tensioned floors designed using ACI W
(IBC), no reduction in stiffness is due

For post-tensioned floors based on the
European code EC2 and most other major
non-US codes, reduction in stiffness may be
necessary
K = a constant, given in [Table next slide];
= modal damping ratio [Table earlier];;
W = weight of area of floor panel affected by
the point load (heel drop); and
fn = minimum acceptable frequency.
 PERCEPTIBILITY OF MOTION RHYTHMIC MOTIONS

The response acceleration is compared with the rhythmic motions; dance halls; gyms;
minimum acceptable value fn .

K
fn 2.86ln
W

CONSTANT K FOR MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE

FREQUENCY
K
Occupancies
ki
kips kN
Offices, residences, In each instance, the evaluation starts by
13 58 estimating the following:
assembly halls
Maximum number of individuals that are likely
45
4.5 20
Shopping malls to be in step harmony
Number of foot drops per second, assume 3,
Using the values of the previous example: in absence of information
K = 13 kips (58 kN) (empirical constant) Estimate of total weight of persons in step
W = 94.5 kips (421 kN) (weight of panel) harmony (P)

= 0.03 (damping) The remainder of the analysis and evaluation
13 follows exactly the same procedure outlined in
fn = 2.86 ln 0.03 94
0 03 94.5 = 4.36
4 36 Hz < 5
5.97
97 OK foregoing examples

PERCEPTION OF VIBRATION VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE FLOORS

What are the allowable limits of vibration? References

Frequency (Hz); and
ADAPT Technical Note TN290, 2010, Vibration Design of
Peak acceleration Concrete Floors for Serviceability
Serviceability, www.adaptsoft.com,
www adaptsoft com 20
pp., 2010

ADAPT Technical Note TN388, 2010, Vibration Evaluation

g)

15.0
50 of a Floor System for Footfall,
Footfall www.adaptsoft.com,
www adaptsoft com 9 pp.,
pp
eration (% g

2010
10.0
Rhythmic activities
outdoor footbridges AISC/CISC, (1997) ,Steel Design Guide Series 11, Floor
Vibrations Due to Human Activity,
Activity, American Institute of
Peak Accele

5.0 Steel Construction, Chicago, IL, 1997.

ATC, (1999) ATC Design Guide 1, Minimizing Floor

0.0 , Applied
Vibration, pp Technology
gy Council,, Redwood City,
y, CA,,
1 2 4 8 12 20
1999, 49 pp.
Frequency (Hz)
Bares, R., (1971), Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs
Threshold of Human Sensitivity to Vertical Vibration and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory, Bauverlag
from Rhythmic Activities (ATC) GmbH, Wiesbaden und Berlin, 1971, pp. 626

Mast, F. R., (2001),Vibration of Precast Prestressed

Concrete Floors, PCI Journal, November-December 2001,
ATC = Applied Technology Council
2001 pp. 76-86.
2001, 76 86
VIBRATION DESIGN OF CONCRETE FLOORS

References

Source: Allen,
Allen DD. E
E., and Murray
Murray, T
T. M
M., (1993) Design
Design
Criterion for Vibrations Due to Walking, Engineering
Journal, Fourth Quarter, American Institute of Steel
Construction, 1993, pp. 117-129.

TR43, (2005), Post-tensioned concrete floors: Design

Handbook, Second edition, The Concrete Society , Surrey
GU17 9AB, UK.

Szilard, R., (1974), Theory and Analysis of Plates-

Classical and Numerical Methods, Prentice-Hall, Inc., New
Jersey, 1974, 724 pp.

Thank you for listening

ANY QUESTIONS?

florian@adaptsoft.com