Vibration Design of Floors: Guideline

RFS2-CT-2007-00033
Human induced Vibrations of Steel Structures
Vibration Design of Floors
Guideline
Guideline_Floors_EN02.doc – 27.10.2008
Vibration Design of Floors Guideline
Table of Contents
Summary ...................................................................................3
1. Introduction .........................................................................4
1.1. General ........................................................................4
1.2. Scope ..........................................................................4
1.3. References ...................................................................5
1.4. Definitions ....................................................................6
1.5. Variables, units and symbols ...........................................8
2. Design of floors against vibrations ...........................................9
2.1. Design procedure ..........................................................9
2.2. Related design methods .................................................9
2.2.1. Hand calculation method using measurements ...............9
2.2.2. Transfer function method .......................................... 10
2.2.3. Modal superposition ................................................. 10
3. Classification of Vibrations .................................................... 11
3.1. Quantity to be assessed................................................ 11
3.2. Floor classes ............................................................... 11
4. Hand calculation method ...................................................... 13
4.1. Determination of eigenfrequency and modal mass............ 13
4.1.1. Finite Element Analysis ............................................. 13
4.1.2. Analytical formulas .................................................. 13
4.2. Determination of damping............................................. 14
4.3. Determination of the floor class ..................................... 14
4.3.1. Systems with more than one eigenfrequency ............... 15
4.4. OS-RMS90 graphs for single degree of freedom systems .... 16
A. Calculation of natural frequency and modal mass of floors and other
structures .......................................................................... 25
A.1. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Isotropic Plates...... 25
A.2. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Beams.................. 27
A.3. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Orthotropic Plates .. 27
A.4. Self weight Approach for natural Frequency..................... 28
A.5. Dunkerley Approach for natural Frequency ...................... 29
A.6. Approximation of modal mass ....................................... 30
B. Examples ........................................................................... 33
B.1. Filigree slab with ACB-composite beams (office building) ... 33
B.1.1. Description of the Floor............................................. 33
B.1.2. Determination of dynamic floor characteristics ............. 37
B.1.3. Assessment ............................................................ 38
B.2. Three storey office building ........................................... 39
B.2.1. Description of the Floor............................................. 39
B.2.2. Determination of dynamic floor characteristics ............. 40
B.2.3. Assessment ............................................................ 42
2
Summary
Modern large span floors and light weight floors show a tendency to vibrate
under service conditions. This guideline presents a method with which floors
can be easily designed for these vibrations.
The scope of this guideline are floors in office and/or residential buildings
that might be excited by persons walking normally and which can effect the
comfort of other building users. The aim of the design guide is to help
specify comfort requirements for occupants and to perform a design that
guarantees the specified comfort.
This guideline is accompanied by a background document which also
presents alternative and more general ways for the determination of the
floor response to dynamic human induced forces.
The theoretical methods presented here and in the background document
have been elaborated/investigated in the RFCS-Project “Vibration of Floors”.
The guideline and background document are here disseminated under the
grant of the Research fund for Coal and Steel within the project “HIVOSS”.
Guidance for the determination of the relevant dynamic floor characteristics
and application examples are given in the annexes of this document.
3
1. Introduction
1.1. General
Floor structures are designed for ultimate limit states and serviceability limit
state criteria:
• Ultimate limit states are those related to strength and stability;
• Serviceability limit states are mainly related to vibrations and hence
are governed by stiffness, masses, damping and the excitation
mechanisms.
For slender floor structures, as made in steel or composite construction,
serviceability criteria govern the design.
This guideline gives guidance for:
• Specification of tolerable vibration by the introduction of acceptance
classes and
• Prediction of floor response due to human induced vibration with
respect to the intended use of the building.
For the prediction of floor vibration several dynamic floor characteristics
need to be determined. These characteristics and simplified methods for
their determination are briefly described. Design examples are given in
annex B of this guideline.
1.2. Scope
The procedure provided in this guideline provides a simplified method for
determining and verifying floor designs for vibrations due to walking. The
guideline focuses on simple methods, design tools and recommendations for
the acceptance of vibration of floors which are caused by people during
normal use. The given design and assessment methods for floor vibrations
are related to human induced vibrations, mainly caused by walking under
normal conditions. Machine induced vibrations or vibrations due to traffic etc.
are not covered by this guideline.
The guideline should not be applied to pedestrian bridges or other structures
which do not have a structural characteristic or a the characteristic of use
comparable to floors in buildings.
The guideline focuses on the prediction and evaluation of vibration at the
design level.
4
1.3. References
[1] European Commission – Technical Steel Research: Generalisation of
criteria for floor vibrations for industrial, office, residential and public building
and gymnastic halls, RFCS Report EUR 21972 EN, ISBN 92-79-01705-5,
2006, http://europa.eu.int
[2] Hugo Bachmann, Walter Ammann. Vibration of Structures induced by
Man and Machines” IABSE-AIPC-IVBH, Zürich 1987, ISBN 3-85748-052-X
[3] Waarts, P. Trillingen van vloeren door lopen: Richtlijn voor het
voorspellen, meten en beoordelen. SBR, September 2005.
[4] Smith, A.L., Hicks, S.J., Devine, P.J. Design of Floors for Vibrations: A
New Approach. SCI Publication P354, Ascot, 2007.
[5] ISO 2631. Mechanical Vibration and Shock, Evaluation of human
exposure to whole-body vibration. International Organization for
Standardization.
[6] ISO 10371. Bases for design of structures – Serviceability of buildings
and walkways against vibrations. International Organization for
Standardization.
5
1.4. Definitions
The definitions given here are oriented on the application of this guideline.
Damping D Damping is the energy dissipation of a vibrating

system. The total damping consists of
• material and structural damping
• damping by furniture and finishing (e.g.
false floor)
• geometrical radiation (propagation of energy
through the structure)
Modal mass Mmod = In many cases, a system with several degrees of
generalised mass freedom can be reduced to a system with a single
degree of freedom with frequency:
1 Kmod
f =
2π M mod
where f is the natural frequency

Kmod is the modal stiffness
Mmod is the modal mass
Thus the modal mass can be interpreted to be the
mass activated in a specific mode shape.
The determination of the modal mass is described
in chapter 0.
6
Natural Frequency f Every structure has its specific dynamic behaviour

= with regard to vibration mode shape and duration
Eigen frequency T[s] of a single oscillation. The frequency f is the
reciprocal of the oscillation time T (f=1/T).
The natural frequency is the frequency of a free
oscillation without continuously being driven by an
exciter.
Each structure has as many natural frequencies
and associated mode shapes as degrees of
freedom. They are commonly sorted by the
amount of energy that is activated by the
oscillation. Therefore the first natural frequency is
that on the lowest energy level and is thus the
most likely to be activated.
The equation for the natural frequency of a single
degree of freedom system is
1 K
f =
2π M
Where: K is the stiffness
M is the mass
OS-RMS90 One step RMS- value of the acceleration for a
significant step covering the intensity of 90% of
peoples’ steps walking normally.
OS: One step
RMS: Root mean square = effective value, of the
acceleration a:
T
1 a
aRMS = ∫
T 0
a (t ) 2 dt ≈ Peak
2
where: T is the investigated period of time.
7
1.5. Variables, units and symbols

a acceleration [m/s²]
B width [m]
f, fi natural frequency under consideration [Hz]
δ(x,y) Deflection at location x,y [m]
D Damping (% of critical damping) [-]
D1 Structural damping [-]
D2 Damping from furniture [-]
D3 Damping from finishes [-]
l length [m]
K, k stiffness [N/m]
Mmod Modal mass [kg]
Mtotal Total mass [kg]
OS-RMS One step root mean square value of the [-]

effective velocity
OS- 90 percentile of OS-RMS values [-]

RMS90
T period (of oscillation) [s]
t time [s]
p distributed load (per unit length or per unit [kN/m] or

area) [kN/m²]
δ deflection [m]
μ mass distribution per unit length or per unit [kg/m] or

area [kg/m²]
8
2. Design of floors against vibrations
2.1. Design procedure

The design procedure described in this guideline corresponds to a simplified
procedure with which a floor design can be verified for vibrations due to
human walking loads. The first step in the procedure is to determine the
basic floor characteristics or parameters. Using these parameters and a set
of graphs, a quantity called the 90% one-step RMS value, which
characterizes the floor response due to walking, is obtained. This value is
then compared to recommended values for different floor destinations. These
three steps are visualized in Figure 1. This method is referred to the
simplified procedure or hand calculation method and is treated in chapter 4.
Determine dynamic floor

characteristics:
Natural Frequency
Modal Mass
Damping
Read off OS-RMS90 value
Determine and
verify floor class
Figure 1: Design procedure.
2.2. Related design methods
2.2.1. Hand calculation method using measurements

The hand calculation method can also be used in those cases where the floor
characteristics have been determined by experiment. For a discussion on
how to extract dynamic floor characteristics from tests refer to [1] and [3].
9
2.2.2. Transfer function method

In the transfer function method, instead of using modal parameters such as
modal mass stiffness and damping, the floor's characteristics are described
in terms of a frequency response function, FRF, or transfer function. Starting
from a statistical description of walking loads, a probabilistic analysis is
carried out to determine the OS-RMS90 value of the floor. The method
described in more detail in [1] and [3].
In the hand calculation method, being a simplified version of the transfer
function method, the classical transfer function for a single degree of
freedom mass-spring-dashpot system is used and the probabilistic analysis
to obtain the OS-RMS90 has been carried out in advance.
The transfer function method can be applied where the floor response is
obtained by finite element calculations or by measurements. The same set of
acceptance criteria as described in this guideline are used.
2.2.3. Modal superposition

Two methods of analysis based on modal superposition are presented in the
guideline by the Steel Construction Institute, [4]. The general method uses
finite element software to determine the modal properties of the floor for a
number of modes, and then applies design walking forces to the floor to
determine a response, in terms of acceleration. The simplified method is
based on a parametric study using the general approach, and is presented as
analytical formulae. Unlike the hand calculation method, the approach used
for the modal superposition method is deterministic and the results are
comparable directly to limits supplied by international standards in [5] and
[6]. This method also allows the influence of separation between the walking
activity and the receiver to be considered, which enables the isolation of
critical areas such as hospital operating theatres to be determined. Further
information on this approach is given in the background document.
10
3. Classification of Vibrations
3.1. Quantity to be assessed
The perception of vibrations by persons and the associated annoyance
depends on several aspects. The most important are:
• The direction of the vibration. In this guideline only vertical vibrations
are considered.
• The posture of people such as standing, laying or sitting.
• The current activity of an occupant is of relevance for his or her
perception of vibrations, for example, persons working in the
production of a factory will perceive vibrations differently to those
working in an office.
• Additionally, age and health of affected people may play a role in
determining the level of annoyance perceived.
Thus the perception of vibrations varies between individuals and can only be
judged in a way that fulfils the expectations of comfort for the majority of
people.
It should be considered that the vibrations levels considered in this guideline
are relevant for the comfort of the occupants only. They are not relevant for
structural integrity.
Aiming at an universal assessment procedure for human induced vibration it
is recommended to adopt the so-called one step RMS value (OS-RMS) as a
measure for assessing floor vibrations. The OS-RMS values corresponds to
the vibration caused by one relevant step onto the floor.
As the dynamic effect of people walking on a floor depends on several
different factors, such as weight and speed of walking people, their shoes,
flooring, etc., the 90% OS-RMS (OS-RMS90) value is recommended as
assessment value. This value is defined as the 90 percentile of all the OS-
RMS values obtained for a set of loads representing all possible combinations
of persons' weights and walking speeds.
3.2. Floor classes

The following table classifies vibrations into six floor classes (A to F) and
gives also recommendations for the assignment of classes with respect to
the function of the considered floor.
11
Table 1: Classification of floor response and recommendation for the application of

classes
OS-RMS90 Function of Floor
Critical Workspace
Lower Limit
Upper Limit
Residential
Education
Industrial
Meeting
Health
Prison
Office
Retail
Sport
Hotel
Class
A 0.0 0.1
B 0.1 0.2
C 0.2 0.8
D 0.8 3.2
E 3.2 12.8
F 12.8 51.2
Recommended
Critical
Not recommended
Limits on vibration are also given in International Standard ISO 10137[6],

which is referenced in the Eurocodes. These limits are reproduced in Table 2,
with the equivalent OS-RMS90 limit.
Table 2: Vibration limits specified by ISO 10137 for continuous vibration

Place Time Multiplying OS-RMS90
Factor equivalent
Critical working areas (e.g. hospital Day 1 0.1
operating-theatres, precision
laboratories, etc.) Night 1 0.1
Residential (e.g. flats, homes, Day 2 to 4 0.2 to 0.4
hospitals) Night 1.4 0.14
Quiet office, open plan Day 2 0.2
Night 2 0.2
General office (e.g. schools, offices) Day 4 0.4
Night 4 0.4
Workshops Day 8 0.8
Night 8 0.8
It is considered that these limits are unnecessarily harsh, and testing on a

number of subjects found the limits in Table 1 to be more appropriate (see
[1]).
12
4. Hand calculation method

The hand calculation method assumes that the dynamic response of a floor
can represented by a single degree of freedom system. The eigenfrequency,
modal mass and damping can be obtained by calculation as set out in this
chapter. As discussed previously in section 2.2.1, the modal parameters can
be also obtained from a measurement. As this guideline is intended to be
used for the design of new buildings, testing procedures are excluded from
it.
4.1. Determination of eigenfrequency and modal mass

In practice, the determination of floor characteristics can be performed by
simple calculation methods (analytical formulas) or by Finite Element
Analysis (FEA).
In the determination of the dynamic floor characteristics also a realistic
fraction of imposed load should be considered in the mass of the floor.
Experienced values for residential and office building are 10% to 20% of the
imposed load. For very light floors it is recommended to include also the
mass of one person. A minimum representative person's mass of 30 kg is
recommended.
4.1.1. Finite Element Analysis

Different finite element programs can perform dynamic calculations and offer
tools for the determination of natural frequencies. Many programs also
calculate the modal mass automatically in a frequency analysis.
As the element types, the modelling of damping and the output is program
specific, only some general information can be given in this guideline
concerning FEA.
If FEA is applied for the design of a floor with respect to the vibration
behaviour, it should be considered that the FEA-model for this purpose may
differ significantly to that used for ultimate limit state (ULS) design as only
small deflections are expected due to vibration.
A typical example is the selection of boundary conditions in vibration analysis
compared to ULS design. A connection which is assumed to be a hinged
connection in ULS may be assumed to provide full moment connection in a
vibration analysis.
For concrete the dynamic modulus of elasticity should be considered to be
10% higher than the static tangent modulus Ecm.
4.1.2. Analytical formulas

For calculations by hand, Annex A gives formulas for the determination of
frequency and modal mass for isotropic plates, orthotropic plates and
beams.
13
4.2. Determination of damping

Damping has a great influence on the vibration behaviour of a floor.
Independently of the way of determining natural frequency and modal mass,
damping values for vibrating systems can be determined using Table 3 for
different structural materials, furniture and finishing. The system damping D
is obtained by summing up the appropriate values for D1 to D3.
Table 3: Determination of damping
Type Damping (% of critical
damping)
Structural Damping D1
Wood 6%
Concrete 2%
Steel 1%
Steel-concrete 1%
Damping due to furniture D2
Traditional office for 1 to 3 persons with 2%
separation walls
Paperless office 0%
Open plan office. 1%
Library 1%
Houses 1%
Schools 0%
Gymnastic 0%
Damping due to finishes D3
Ceiling under the floor 1%
Free floating floor 0%
Swimming screed 1%
Total Damping D = D1 + D2 + D3
4.3. Determination of the floor class

When modal mass and frequency are determined, the OS-RMS90 value as
well as the assignment of the floor classes can be obtained with the
diagrams given in section 4.4. The relevant diagram needs to be selected
according to the damping characteristics of the floor in the condition of use
(considering finishing and furniture).
14
20
2
1.8
1.4
0.6 0.7
2.4
2.2
1.2
2.6
0.5
19
0.4
18
0.3
0.2
1.6 22.2
0. 1
3
17
0.8 1
3.2
16
0.6
0. 2
1.8
1. 4
2.4
2.6
2.8
1.2
15
0.5
0.4
5
0.
3
14
0. 7 0. 8
3
1. 6
13
0.
Frequency [Hz]
2
12 0.
3.2
0.3
4
4
0.
22. 2
1.8
1.4
0.
1.2
6
2.4
1
2.6
11
5
2.8
5
7
0.
10
7
0.3
10 13
9 12
0
6
0. 8 0.6 0.5 .4
C
1.6
11
3
9
1
8 4 2 1 1.4 1.2 0. 7
3.
2.24.2 .8 0.6 0.5
17
2
22..6
8
0. 8
0. 7
7 1. 6 1
5
29
1.2
7
6 3 1.
4
6
21
2 1.8
9
10
25
1
2.2
11 13
5 3.2 2.4 1.6 1.2
33
2.
4 2. 86 1.4
12
1.8
41
4
2
49
5 3 1. 6
56
17
2.2
E
45
8
2. 4
37
7 2.6
3.2 2.8
3 6 4 2
29 3 2.4
109 2.6
3.22.8
11 5
21 12 4
96 13 8 7 6
11 25 5
6 9
10 6
17 87
15 6
33 11
F
136
216
176196
2 12
7
13
76 9
6
10 8
41 5
21 11 7
49 6 4
9 5
29 12
37 17
8
4
45
56
25 13 10 3 2.8
7 3.2
2.62.42.2
6
1
250 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 8000 10000
Modal Mass [kg]
Figure 2: Application of diagrams
The diagram is applied by entering the x-axis with the modal mass and the
y-axis with the corresponding eigenfrequency. The OS-RMS90 value and the
acceptance class can be read-off at the intersection of the lines extending
from both entry points (see Figure 2).
4.3.1. Systems with more than one eigenfrequency

In some cases, the floor response may be characterized by more than one
natural frequency. In these cases, the OS-RMS90 must be determined as a
combination of OS-RMS90 values obtained for each mode of vibration. The
procedure is as follows:
a) Determine the eigenfrequencies.
b) Determine the modal mass and damping corresponding to each
eigenfrequency.
c) Determine the corresponding OS-RMS90 value for each eigenfrequency.
d) Approximate the total (or combined) OS-RMS90 value using:
OS − RMS90 = ∑ OS − RMS
2
90; i
i
e) Read off the corresponding floor class from Table 1.
15
4.4. OS-RMS90 graphs for single degree of freedom systems
Classification based on a damping ratio of 1%

20 12
13 2.6 1.41.2 0.7
17 7 6 4 2.4 0.5
19 11
8
5 2.2 1.8 0.6
2 0.4 0.3 0.2
18 21 1 0.8 0.1
2.8
A
10 9 1.6
17
3.2
3
16 29
1312 7 6 4 2.4 1.8 1.41.2
2.6 0.7 0.5
15 17 8
25 11 2.2 0.6
5 2 0.4 0.2
1 0.8 0.3 0.1
14 21
41 33 2.8
37 109 1.6
13 45
49
3.2 0.1
B
3
12 29
1312 7 6 4 2.6
2.4 1.41.2 0.7 0.5 0.2
11 56 17 8 1.8
25 2.2 0.6 0.4
11 5 0.3
76 2
21 1 0.8
10 0.1
41 33 2.8
10
9 37 9 1.6
C
96 45
49 0.2
3.2
3
8 29 0.5 0.1
0.7 0.3
0.4
12
13 7 6 1.41.2 0.2
4 2.62.4 0.6
7 8 1.8 1 0.8
96 17 0.3 0.2
56 25 2.2 2 0.4
11 5 0.5
176 0.3
76 0.7 0.6
276
256 216
236
21 1.6 0.4
D
Eigenfrequency of the floor (Hz)
6
196156 116 2.8 0.8 0.5
136 1.2 1 0.3
33 1.4 0.4
41 0.6
10 0.7 0.3 0.2
5 9
37 33.2
0.5
45 2.41.82.22
2.6 0.8 0.4
0.6
0.3
1 0.7 0.5 0.4
196 49 1.6
E
216 4 1.2
376 316 1.4 0.8 0.6
4 396 6 0.7
416
336 236
356276 256
296 2.8
29 7 5 1
1.8 1.2 0.8
0.70.6
12 8 2 1.6
13 3 2.42.2
2.6
1.4 1 0.80.70.6 0.5 0.4
3.2
0.5 0.4 0.3
1.2 0.6
F
0.3
17 0.2
3 0.7
11
0.8 0.4
96 1.8
1 0.5 0.3
25 0.6 0.4
56 1.6 1.4
4 2.8 2 0.7 0.5
2.2 0.8
2.4 1.2 1 0.6
0.7
32.6
3.2 1.8 1.61.4 1.2 0.8 1
256 9
10 6 5 2
21 7 2.8 2.2
2.4 1.8 1.4
1.6
296 4 2.6
3 2
476 376 76 8 3.2 2.2
496 336 196 2.82.4
2.6
756
876 736 596 456396 316 216 5 3
956796
936776 636
616 576 176 12 6 4 3.2
856676
916896 436 356
536 33
2
836
816
716 556 13 11 9 7
656 516 416
696
10 8 5 4
41
37 17 6 3.2
3
276 2.4
5 4 2.8
2.6 2.2
116 29 7 3.23
2.4 21.8
2.2 1.6
1.4
2.8
2.6 1.2
236 156 45 9 6 2 1.8
1.6 1
12
11 4 1.4 0.8
25 3.2 3 2.4
2.2 1.21
8
0.70.8 0.60.7
136 1.4 0.5 0.4
1.81.6
49 1.2
5 1 0.6
10 2.82.6 0.3
21 0.4
2 0.8
0.5
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000
Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Figure 3: OS-RMS90 for 1% Damping
16

20 11 10 8 4
9 5
3.2
3
2.8 1.81.6 1 0.7 0.5 0.2
19 7 2.42.2 1.4
13 1.2 0.6
18 12 6 2 0.4
A
17 17 0.3
2.6 0.8 0.1
1621
1110 8 4 3.22.8 1.6 1 0.7
15 9 5 3 1.8 0.5 0.2
7 1.4
13 2.42.2 0.6
14 12 6 2 1.2 0.4
13 33 0.3 0.1
17
B
29 25 2.6 0.8
12
21
1110 8 4 1.6 1 0.7 0.2
3.2
2.8 1.8 0.5
11 4137 9 5 3
7 1.4
2.4 0.6
13 2.2
10 12 6 2 1.2 0.4
45 0.1
5649
0.3
9
C
33 25 17
29 2.6 0.8
0.2 0.1
8
21
0.7
11 10 8 4 1.6 1 0.5 0.1
76 3.2 2.8 1.8 0.6 0.4 0.3
7 0.2
4137 9 5 3 1.4
136 1.2 0.2
7 2.4
196 116 2.2 2 0.3
13
6 156 12 6 0.5 0.4
D
176 45 0.8
96 49
56 0.7
0.6 0.2
5
1 0.3
2.6 1.6 0.50.4 0.3
33 17 1.8 1.4 0.8 0.70.6
29 1.2
25 0.4
276216
E
336296
4 356316 196
236 2.8 0.5
256 176 4 3.23
2 1
2.42.2 0.6
21 0.8 0.7 0.50.4
8 5
11
10 0.3
1.6 1.4 1.2 0.60.5 0.4
0.3 0.2
F 9 0.7
3 76 1.8 1
7 0.8 0.4 0.3
2.6 0.60.5
4137 0.7 0.4
6 2 0.5
2.2 1.2 1 0.8 0.6
2.83
3.2 2.4 1.4
1.6 0.7
136 13 12 4 1.8
2 1.2 10.8
1.4
2.6 2.2 1.6
376 5 2.4 1.8
2.8
356 236 3
3.2 2
396
516 416
2.62.2
896
916
676596
556
616
576 456 336 216 4 2.4
856
836736 536
696636 476 256
296 116 8 7 6
2 876
816
796756656 496436
776 2.8
716 3
45
17 10 9 3.2 2.62.4
11 2.2
276 5
316 4
2.8 2 1.8
156 49 32.6 2.4 1.6
1.4
3.2 2.2 1.8 1.2 1
56 2 1.6 1.4
6 2.82.4 1.2 1 0.8
1.8 0.8
0.7 0.5 0.6
196 96 7 2.62.2 1.6 1.4 0.4
25 3 0.6
1
21 12
33 29 0.5
2 1.2 0.4
13 5 0.8 0.3
8 4 0.7
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

17

20 10 1.61.4 0.1
3.2 2.6 0.70.6 0.4
19 9 5 4 2.8 1.2 1
11 7 2 1.8 0.5
8 2.2 0.8 0.2
18 2.4
3 0.3
A
17 6
12
16 13
10 3.2 2.6 1.6 1.4 0.7 0.6 0.1
15 5 4 0.4
9 2.8 1.2
11 7 2 1.8 1 0.5
17 8 0.2
14 2.2 0.8
2.4 0.3
21 3
13 25 6
12
B
12 0.1
13
10 3.2 2.6 1.6 0.7 0.6
11 37 5 4 1.4 0.4
9 2.8
7 2 1.2 1 0.5
29 17 11 1.8 0.2
10 8
2.2 0.8
33 2.4 0.3
45
49 41 3
9 21 6 0.1
C
25
12
8
13 0.1
0.7 0.6 0.4 0.2
10 1.6 1.4
3.2 2.6 0.5 0.3
7 5 4 1
37 9 2.8 1.2 0.2
116 2 0.8
29 11 7 1.8
D
136 17 8
156 2.2
6
56 33 2.4
76 0.4
96 45 3
41 0.3
49
5 21 6 0.2
25 0.70.6 0.5
1 0.8 0.4 0.3
216
196 1.61.4 1.2
E
0.5 0.3
276
236
4 256 176 12 0.6
2.6
F
0.4
0.7
3.2 2
2.8
13 1.8 0.50.4 0.3
4 2.2
10 0.8 0.6 0.3
5 0.2
2.4
3 1
0.7
9 0.5 0.4
0.3
3 1.41.2
37 0.6
196
7 1.6 0.8 0.7 0.50.4
216
1 0.6
276 116 11 8 2.6 21.8
2.8 2.2 1.2
1.4 0.8
1
316 6 3.2 2.4 1.6
356 29 17 1.8
2 1.2
1.4
4 3
456 2.6 2.2 1.6
876
796
696 576
856
836
776756 536 476
616
676 416336296
5
816
736
716 596 496
636 396 2.8
2.4
2 656 436
556
516 376 136 1.8
3.2 2
156 1.6
3 2.2 1.4
33 12 2.6 1.8
7 2.4 2 1.6 1.2
256236 21 10
4
2.8 1.4 1
56 1.2 0.8
98 6 2.2 1.8 1
13 3.2 0.80.7 0.6
0.5
45 1.6
1.4 0.4
76 41 1.2 0.6
5
3 2.6 0.5
25 2 1
49 0.7
96 2.4
0.8
0.4 0.3
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

18

20
2.6 2 1.6 1.2
8 7 4 2.4 1 0.60.5
19 9 6 5 3.2 2.2 0.80.7 0.4
18 1.8 1.4 0.3 0.2
3
17 12 2.8 0.1
11
A
13 10
16
7 2.6 2 1.6 1.21
15 17 98 5
4 2.4 0.6 0.5
6 3.2 2.2 0.4
0.80.7
14 1.8 1.4 0.3 0.2
21 3
13 12 0.1
2.8
11
13
B
12 10
7 2.6 2 1.6 1.2 1

11
17 98 4
2.4 0.6
0.5
6 5
3.2
2.2 0.80.7 0.4
10 0.2
1.8 1.4 0.3
29
37 25 0.1
41 33 3
9 21
C
1211 2.8
8 49 13
45 10
0.1
2 0.2
2.6 1.6 1.21 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.1
7 87 4 0.7
9 2.4 0.8
56 17 5
96 6 3.2 0.2
2.2
116
6
D
76
1.8 1.4
29
37 25
41 33 3
5
21 0.3
0.4 0.2
2.8 0.60.5
12 1 0.7 0.3
11 0.8
E
196 1.2 0.4
236
156 2 1.6
4 176
216 4945 13 0.5
10 2.6 0.3
2.4 0.6
2.2 0.4
F 1.8 1.4 0.3

4 0.7
7 0.2
3 8 0.8 0.5
9 5 3.2 1 0.6 0.4 0.3
6 1.2
176 0.7 0.5 0.4
17 3 0.8 0.6
2.8 2 1.6 1
1.4 0.7
56 2.4
2.6 2.21.8 1.2 0.8
1
196 96
1.6
356 2 1.4 1.2
3.2
476416
396 1.8
816
796 556
616 436
576 496 376 296236 4
736
836 636 456
776
716
696
2 656 536
676 336 3
596516 2.8 2.2
276 116 1.61.4
316 2.4
76 2.6 1.2
256
5
136 29 1211 2
1.8 1
216 6 1.6 1.41.2 0.8
25 10 7
3.2 2.2 1
8 0.80.7 0.6
37 32.8 2.4 1.2 0.50.4
21
33 2.6 21.8 1.4 0.6
41 9 4 0.7
13 0.5
1 0.8 0.4
0.3
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

19

20 1.6 1.4 1 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.1
8 7 4 3.2 2.8
19 3 2.21.8 1.2 0.5
6 5 0.4
2.4
18 2.6 2 0.2
0.3
17 10
A
11
16 13 9
1.6 1 0.80.7 0.6 0.1
87 4 3.2
3 2.8 1.4 1.2
15 2.2 1.8 0.5
6 5 0.4
2.4
14 17 2.6 2 0.2
12
13 0.3
10
11
B
12 13 9
0.1
1.6 1 0.80.7 0.6
11 8 7 4 3.2
3 2.8 1.4
1.2 0.5
25 6 5 2.2
1.8
29 0.4
10 21 17 2.42 0.2
2.6
33 12
0.3
9
C
0.1
10
11
8 9
13
1.6 1 0.80.7 0.6 0.2 0.1
7 87 4 3.2
3 2.8 1.4 0.5 0.4
76 1.2
49 0.3
45 37 25 6 2.2 1.8
96 56 5
29
2.4 2
6 21 17 0.2
D
41 2.6
12
33
5
0.4 0.3 0.2
0.70.6 0.5
0.8
10 1
176
4 196 11
1.6 0.3
E
9 1.4
13 1.2 0.4
0.5
F
3.2 1.8
156 7 4 3 2.8 2.2 0.3
0.6 0.2
3 136 8 2 0.7
0.4
76 0.8 0.3
2.4 1 0.5
49 6 5 2.6 0.6 0.4
196 0.7 0.5
1.61.41.2 0.8 0.6
37 25 1.8 1 0.7
45
2.22 1.2
416 2.8 1.4 1
276 3 2.4 1.6
556
596
516 56 3.2
496 436356
536 96 29
476 396 336 17
21
616 456
636 216
2 576 2.6
376 296 12 1.8 1.2
4
316 256
1.4 1
176 2
236 41 2.2 1.6 0.8
10 1.2
5 1
9 2.4 1.8 1.4 0.80.7
116 7 2.8 0.6
0.5 0.4
3
2.6
33 1.2 1
11 1.6 0.3
8 6 3.2 0.7 0.4
0.8
2 0.6
0.5
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

20

20 7 2.6
6 2.2 1.2 0.3
19 5 2.4 1.6 0.8
1.8 0.6 0.4
3.2 2.8 0.2 0.1
18 4 1
8 2
17 10 1.4
3 0.7
0.5
A
9
16
7 6 2.6 0.3
13 2.2 1.2
15 12 5 2.4 0.8
1.6 0.6 0.1
3.22.8 1.8 0.4 0.2
14 4 1
8 2
17
13 1110 1.4
3 0.7
9 0.5
12
B
21 7 6 2.6
2.2 0.3
11 13 1.2 0.8
12 5 2.4 1.6 0.6 0.1
1.8 0.4 0.2
10 3.22.8
25 4
2 1
29 8
17
9 1110
41 1.4
37 0.7
3
C
9 0.5
8
0.1
0.3
49 21 7 0.2
6 2.6 0.1
7 13 2.2 1.2 0.8 0.6 0.4
5
76 12 2.4 1.6
1.8
3.22.8
D
6
56 1
25 4
96 45
2 0.2
3329 8
5 17 0.7 0.5 0.3
11 1.4
41 10 0.4 0.2
3
37 0.6 0.3
E
9 0.8
4
0.2
176
1.2
7 2.6 0.5
156
F
6 1.6
49 21 2.2 0.4
3 0.3 0.2
1.8 1 0.7
13 2.4 0.6
5
2 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.4 0.3
2.8
3.2 0.7 0.6 0.5
12 4
256 1.2 1
196
216 0.8
236 1.6 0.7
3 1.8 1.4
316 2.2 1.2 1
456 356 76 2.6
436
596
636 8 2.4
576
496
556476 336 116
536
616
516 416
396 2
2 376
136 1
296 1.6
276 25 2.8 0.8
56 1.41.2
3.2 1.8
1 0.7
176 45 0.8 0.6
2.2 0.5
0.4
11 10 6
2
96 0.7
4 3 1.2 0.6
33 17 9 1.6 0.5
29 7 5 1.4
2.6 0.4
2.4
0.8
1 0.3
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

Figure 8:OS-RMS90 for 6% Damping
21

20 2.2 0.1
6 5 4 2.4 1.4 1 0.7 0.5 0.2
19 2.8 1.8
2 1.2
18 3
3.2 2.6 0.3
17 9 7
1.6 0.8 0.6 0.4
8
16
A
6 2.2 0.5 0.1
11 5 4 2.4 1.4 1 0.7 0.2
15 13 2.8 1.8
12 10 2
14 3 1.2 0.3
3.2 2.6
17 0.6
1.6 0.8 0.4
13 7
9
8
12
0.1
B
6 5 2.2 1.4 0.7 0.5 0.2
11 11 4 2.4 1
13 2.8 1.8
12 2
10 21 10 3 1.2
2.6 0.3
25 3.2
29
17 0.6
9 1.6 0.4
7 0.8
9
0.1
8
C
8
4133 0.2
5649 0.5
6 5 2.2 1.4 0.7 0.1
7 37 11 4 1
2.4 0.3
13 2.8 1.8
2
45 12
D
6 76 10 1.2 0.1
21 3
2.6 0.4
0.6 0.2
25 3.2
96 29
17 0.8
5 1.6
7
0.5 0.3 0.2
9
116
E
8 0.7
4
0.4
33 1.4 1
41
49
F
0.2
56 2.2
6 5 0.3
3 0.6
4 2.4 1.8
136 1.2 0.8 0.5
37 11 2 0.4
2.8 0.3
0.7
3 1.6 0.6 0.5 0.4
2.6 1
13 3.2 0.8
1.4 1.2 0.7 0.6
256
416 296 1.8 1 0.8
176 2.2
376336 236196 12 10
516
616496 356 1.6
576
476
536 2
396 276 45
556456
2 216
436 2.4
156
316 76 21 7 0.8
1.4 1.2
2.8 1 0.7
2.6 0.8 0.6
25 4 3 1.8 0.7 0.5
1.6 1.2 0.4
1
17 8 5
29 9 1.4 0.6
3.2 0.3
96
0.8
2
6
0.5 0.4
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

22

20 3.2 0.1
5 4 2 1.8 0.5 0.4 0.2
197 6 3 1.6 1.21 0.7 0.3
2.4
2.6
2.8 0.8 0.6
18
1.4
17 9
8 2.2
16
15 13
10
7 6
5 4
3.2
3
2
2.4
2.6
2.8
1.81.6
1.21 0.7
0.8
0.5 0.4
0.3
0.2 0.1
A
14 0.6
11
12 1.4
13
9 8
2.2
12
17 3.2 2 0.1
5 4 0.5 0.4 0.2
11 21 3 1.8 1.6 1
13 7 6 1.2
2.4 0.7 0.3
10 2.6
B
10 2.8 0.8 0.6
11
25
12 1.4
9
98
2.2 0.1
8 4137
C
0.2
3.2 2 0.5 0.4
49 17 5 0.3 0.1
7 29 4
56 3 1.8 1
21 7 6 1.6 0.7
45 13 2.4 1.2
10 2.6
76
6 0.8 0.6
33
2.8
0.1
D
11 0.2
25
1.4
5 12
0.4 0.3
9 8 0.5 0.2
2.2
4
E
96 4137
2 1 0.7
3.2
17 5 0.6
1.81.6 1.2
F
3 49 0.3 0.2
4 3 0.8
29 0.4
0.5
56 7 6 2.4 0.3
21 2.6 1.4 0.4
0.70.6
13 2.8 0.5
1 0.8
45 1.2 0.6
216 10 0.7
2.2 1.6
356 21.8 0.8
316
496 1
596 436
416
396 296
476 376 176 1.4
576
556
516
536
2 76
456 0.8
336 256
236 33
196
276 136 1.2 0.7
11 3.2 2.4
3 0.6
1 0.8
2.6
0.7 0.5
156 1.6 0.4
116 1.4
0.6
2.8
4 0.3
12 1.8
25 2.2 1.2 0.8 0.5
8 0.4
5
9 2
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

23

20 5 0.2
4 3.2 2.82.6 2.2 1.6 0.4 0.3 0.1
2.4 1.4 1.2 1 0.8
19 3 0.6 0.5
18 1.8 0.7
6 2
17 8 7
9
16
5 4 3.2 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1
11 1.61.4 1.2
A
15 2.8 2.2
2.62.4 0.8
1 0.5
13 12 10 3 0.6
14 1.8
0.7
6 2
13 8 7
9
12
17 5 4 0.2 0.1
11 3.2 0.4 0.3
11 2.6
2.8 2.2 1.6 1.2
2.4 1.4 1 0.8 0.5
13 10 3 0.6
12
B
10 1.8
25 21 0.7
6 2
9
87
9 0.1
8
0.2
29 0.4 0.3
45 17 5 4 3.2
7 11 0.5 0.1
2.62.2 1.6
49 2.8 1.41.2 1 0.8
C
2.4 0.6
13 3
76 41 12 10
6 3733
56
1.8 0.7
21
25
0.2 0.1
2
5 6
87 0.3
0.4
4
9
D 0.2
29
E 0.5
F 17 5 0.6
45 4 1.2 1 0.8
3 3.2 1.6 1.4 0.3
11 2.2 0.7
2.6 0.4
2.8 2.4
3 0.5 0.3
1.8 0.6 0.4
136 49 2 0.80.7
1 0.5
236 1.2 0.6
13 10 1.4 0.7
0.8
356
336 1.6
416
256 12
396 76 41
476
456
2 436376 296 196156
316 33
116 96 37 6
276 1
56
176 2.21.8 0.6
216 1.2 0.8 0.5
21 0.7
2.62.4
2
7 3.2 2.8 1.4 0.6 0.4
25 0.5
1
3
8 4 0.3
1.6 0.8
0.7 0.4
1
100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 50000 100000

24
A. Calculation of natural frequency and modal mass of floors

and other structures
A.1. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Isotropic Plates
The following table gives hand formulas for the determination of the first
natural frequency (according to [2]) and the modal mass of plates for
different supporting conditions.
For the application of the given equations it is assumed that no lateral
deflection at any edges of the plate occurs.
Supporting Conditions: Frequency ; Modal Mass

α E t3
f = ; M mod = β ⋅ M tot
clamped hinged L2 12 ⋅ μ (1 − υ 2 )
α
9.00
α = 1.57 ⋅ ( 1 + λ2 )
8.00
7.00
6.00
5.00
B 4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B
β ≈ 0,25 for all λ

α
16.00
14.00 α = 1 . 57 1 + 2 . 5 λ 2 + 5 . 14 λ 4
12.00
10.00
8.00
B
6.00
4.00
2.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B

α
14.00
12.00
α = 1 . 57 5 . 14 + 2 . 92 λ 2 + 2 . 44 λ 4
10.00
8.00
B
6.00
4.00
2.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B
25
Supporting Conditions: Frequency ; Modal Mass

α E t3
f = ; M mod = β ⋅ M tot
clamped hinged L 2
12 ⋅ μ (1 − υ 2 )
α
12.00
α = 1 . 57 1 + 2 . 33 λ 2 + 2 . 44 λ 4
10.00
8.00
6.00
B
4.00
2.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B

α
12.00 α = 1 . 57 2 . 44 + 2 . 72 λ 2 + 2 . 44 λ 4
10.00
8.00
6.00
B
4.00
2.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B

α
18.00
16.00 α = 1 . 57 5 . 14 + 3 . 13 λ 2 + 5 . 14 λ 4
14.00
12.00
10.00
B 8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
L 0.00
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Ratio λ = L/B

E Youngs Modulus in N/m²
t Thickness of Plate in m
μ mass of floor including finishing and
furniture in kg/m²
ν Poisson ratio
Mtot Total mass of floor including finishes and
representative variable loading in kg
26
A.2. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Beams

The first Eigenfrequency of a beam can be determined with the formula
according to the supporting conditions from Table 4 with:
E Youngs-Modulus [N/m²]
I Moment of inertia [m4]
μ distributed mass [kg/m]
ℓ length of beam
Table 4: Determination of the first Eigenfrequency of Beams

Supporting Conditions Natural Modal Mass
Frequency
4 3EI
f =
π 0.37 μl 4 M mod = 0,41 μ l
l
2 3EI
f =
π 0. 2 μ l 4 M mod = 0,45 μ l
l
2 3EI
f =
π 0.49 μl 4 M mod = 0,5 μ l
l
1 3EI
f =
2π 0.24μl 4 M mod = 0,64 μ l
l
A.3. Natural Frequency and Modal Mass for Orthotropic Plates
Orthotropic floors as e.g. composite floors with beam in longitudinal direction

and a concrete plate in transversal direction have a different stiffness in
length and width (EIy>EIx). An example is given in Figure A.1.
27
b
y
l
x
z
Figure A.1: Dimensions and axis of an orthotropic plate
The first natural frequency of the orthotropic plate being simply supported at
all four edges can be determined with:
π EI y ⎡ ⎛ b ⎞ 2 ⎛ b ⎞ 4 ⎤ EI
f1 = 1 + ⎢2⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ x
2 μ l4 ⎣⎢ ⎝ l ⎠ ⎝ l ⎠ ⎦⎥ EI y
Where:
μ is the mass per m² in kg/m²,
ℓ is the length of the floor in m (in x-direction),
b is the width of the floor in m (in y-direction),
E is the Youngs-Modulus in N/m²,
Ix is the moment of inertia for bending about the x-axis in m4,
Iy is the moment of inertia for bending about the y-axis in m4.
A.4. Self weight Approach for natural Frequency

The self weight approach is a very practical approximation in cases where
the maximum deflection δmax due to self weight loading is already
determined, e.g. by finite element calculation.
1 K
This method has it origin in the general frequency equation: f =
2π M
The stiffness K can be approximated by the assumption:
M ⋅g
K= ,
3
4 δ max
where
M is the total mass of the vibrating system,
g = 9.81 sm2 is gravity and
3
4 δ max is the average deflection.
The approximated natural frequency is
28
1 K 1 4⋅ g 18
f = = =
2π M 2π 3 ⋅ δ max δ max [ mm]
A.5. Dunkerley Approach for natural Frequency

The Dunkerley approach is an approximation for hand calculations. It is
applied when the expected mode shape is complex but can be subdivided
into different single modes of which the natural frequency can be
determined, see A.1, A.3 and A.2.
Figure 12 shows an example of a composite floor with two simple supported
beams and no support at the edges of the concrete plate.
The excepted mode shape is divided into two independent single mode
shapes. Both mode shapes have their own natural frequency (f1 for the
vibration of the concrete slab and f2 for the composite beam).
Initial System:
Mode of concrete slab:
Mode of composite beam:
Figure 12: Example for mode shape decomposition
According to Dunkerley the resulting natural frequency f of the total system

is:
1 1 1 1
2
= 2 + 2 + 2 + ...
f f1 f2 f3
29
A.6. Approximation of modal mass

The modal mass may be interpreted as the fraction of the total mass of a
floor that is activated when the floor oscillates in a specific mode shape.
Each mode shape has its specific natural frequency and modal mass.
For the determination of the modal mass the mode shape has to be
determined and to be normalized to the maximum deflection. As the mode
shape cannot be determined by hand calculations approximations for the
first mode are commonly used.
As an alternative to hand calculations Finite Element Analysis is commonly
used. If the Finite Element Program does not give modal mass as result of
modal analysis the mode shape may be approximated by the application of
loads driving the plate into the expected mode shape, see Figure 13.
Expected mode shape:
Application of loads:
Figure 13: Application of load to obtain approximated load shape (example)
If the mode shape of a floor can be approximated by a normalised function

δ(x,y) (i.e. |δ(x,y)|max. =1,0) the corresponding modal mass of the floor can
be calculated by the following equation:
∫
Mmod = μ δ2 (x, y) dF
F
Where
μ is the Distribution of mass
δ(x,y) is the vertical deflection at location x,y
When mode shape deflections are determined by FEA:

M mod = ∑δ
Nodes i
2
i × dMi
Where
fi is the vertical deflection at node i (normalised to the maximum
deflection)
dMi is the mass of the floor represented at node i
30
If the function δ(x,y) represents the exact solution for the mode shape the
above described equation also yields to the exact modal mass.
The following gives examples for the determination of modal mass by hand
calculation:
Example 1: Plate simply

supported at all four t Lx
edges, Lx~Ly Ly
- Approximation of the first mode shape:

⎛ π× x ⎞ ⎛ π× y ⎞
δ(x, y) = sin⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ × sin⎜ ⎟ , δ(x, y) = 1,0
⎜ l ⎟
⎝ lx ⎠
max .
⎝ y ⎠
- Mass distribution
M
μ = total
lx × l y
- Modal mass
M total ⎛ π× x ⎞ ⎛ π× y ⎞ M
∫
Mmod = μ× δ 2 (x, y) × dF =
F
∫∫
×
l x × l y ly lx
sin 2 ⎜⎜
l
⎝ x ⎠
⎟⎟ × sin 2 ⎜
⎜ l ⎟
⎝ y ⎠
⎟ × dx× dy = total
4
Example 2: Plate simply

t
supported at all four Ly
Lx
edges, Lx<<Ly

l l
1. 0 ≤ y ≤ x and l y − x ≤ y ≤ l y :
2 2
⎛π ×x ⎞ ⎛π ×y ⎞
f ( x, y ) = sin⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ × sin⎜
⎜ l ⎟,
⎟ f ( x, y ) max . = 1,0
⎝ lx ⎠ ⎝ y ⎠
lx l
2. ≤ y ≤ ly − x :
2 2
⎛ π× x ⎞
δ(x, y) = sin⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ × 1.0 , δ(x, y) max . = 1,0
⎝ lx ⎠
- Mass distribution
M
μ = total
lx × l y
- Modal mass
31
∫
Mmod = μ× δ 2 (x, y) × dF
F
M total ⎡ ⎛ π× y ⎞ ⎤
l
lx y =l2 ⎛ π× x ⎞ lx l2 − 2 x ⎛ π× x ⎞
= × ⎢2 × ∫∫ sin 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ × sin 2 ⎜ ⎟ × dx× dy +
∫∫ sin 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ × dx× dy ⎥
2
l x × l y ⎢⎣ l ⎜ l ⎟
0 0
⎝ x ⎠ ⎝ y ⎠ 0 0
⎝ lx ⎠ ⎥⎦
M ⎛ l ⎞
= total × ⎜ 2 − x ⎟
4 ⎜ l y ⎟⎠
⎝
Example 3: Plate spanning in Ly

one direction between
beams, plate and Lx
beams simply
supported

δx ⎛ π× x ⎞ δ y ⎛ π× y ⎞
δ(x, y) = × sin⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + × sin⎜ ⎟ , δ(x, y) = 1,0
δ l δ ⎜ l ⎟ max .
⎝ x ⎠ ⎝ y ⎠
With
δ x = Deflection of the beam
δ y = Deflection of the slab assuming the deflection of the supports (i.e.
the deflection of the beam) is zero
δ = δx +δy
- Mass distribution
M
μ = total
lx × l y
- Modal mass
2
M ⎡δx ⎛ π× x ⎞ δ y ⎛ π× y ⎞⎤
Mmod ∫
= μ× δ (x, y) × dF = total × ∫∫ ⎢ × sin⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + × sin⎜
⎜ l ⎟⎥⎥
⎟ × dx× dy
2
F
l x
× l y lx ly ⎢⎣ δ ⎝ lx ⎠ δ ⎝ y ⎠⎦
⎡δx 2 + δx 2 8 δx× δy ⎤
= M total × ⎢ + 2 × ⎥
⎣⎢ 2 δ π δ 2 ⎦⎥
32
B. Examples
B.1. Filigree slab with ACB-composite beams (office building)
B.1.1. Description of the Floor
In the first worked example a filigree slab with false-floor in an open plan
office is checked for footfall induced vibrations.
Figure 14: Structure building
It is spanning one way over 4.2 m between main beams. Its overall
thickness is 160 mm. The main beams are Arcelor Cellular Beams (ACB)
which act as composite beams. They are attached to the vertical columns by
a full moment connection. The floor plan shown in Figure 15. In Figure 15
the part of the floor which will be considered for the vibration analysis is
indicated by the hatched area.
33
Figure 15: Floor plan
For the main beams with a span of 16.8 m ACB/HEM400 profiles in material
S460 have been used, the main beams with the shorter span of 4.2 m are
ACB/HEM360 in S460.
The cross beams which are spanning in global x-direction may be neglected
for the further calculations, as they do not contribute to the load transfer of
the structure.
The nominal material properties are
- Steel S460: Es = 210 000 N/mm², fy = 460 N/mm²

- Concrete C25/30: Ecm = 31 000 N/mm², fck = 25 N/mm²
As stated in chapter 0 the nominal Elastic modulus of the concrete will be

increased for the dynamic calculations:
34
E c , dyn = 1.1 × E cm = 34100 N / mm ²
The expected mode shape of the considered part of the floor which
corresponds to the first eigenfrequency is shown in Figure 17. From the
mode shape it can be concluded that each field of the concrete slab may be
assumed to be simply supported for the further dynamic calculations.
Regarding the boundary conditions of the main beams (see beam to column
connection, Figure 16) it is assumed that for small amplitudes as they occur
in vibration analysis the beam-column connection provides sufficient
rotational restrained, i.e. the main beams are considered to be fully fixed.
Figure 16: Beam to column connection
35
Figure 17: Expected mode shape of the considered part of the floor corresponding
to the first eigenfrequency
Section properties
- Slab:
The relevant section properties of the slab in global x-direction are:
mm 2
Ac , x = 160
mm
mm 4
I c , x = 3.41 × 10 5
mm
- Main beam:
Assuming the above described first vibration mode the effective width
of the composite beam may be obtained from the following equation:
l l 0.7 × 16.8
beff = beff ,1 + beff , 2 = 0 + 0 = 2 × = 2.94 m
8 8 8
The relevant section properties of the main beam for serviceability limit
state (no cracking) are:
Aa ,netto = 21936mm 2
Aa brutto = 29214mm 2
Ai = 98320mm 2
I i = 5.149 × 10 9 mm 4
36
Loads
- Slab:
Self weight (includes 1.0 kN/m² for false floor):
kN
g slab = 160 × 10 −3 × 25 + 1.0 = 5 2
m
Live load: Usually a characteristic live load of 3 kN/m² is
recommended for floors in office buildings. The considered
fraction of the live load for the dynamic calculation is
assumed to be approx. 10% of the full live load, i.e. for the
vibration check it is assumed that
kN
q slab = 0.1 × 3.0 = 0.3 2
m
- Main beam:
Self weight (includes 2.00 kN/m for ACB):
4.2 kN
g beam = 5.0 × × 2 + 2.0 = 23.00 2
2 m
Live load:
4.2 kN
q slab = 0.3 × × 2 = 0.63 2
2 m
B.1.2. Determination of dynamic floor characteristics

Eigenfrequency
The first eigenfrequency is calculated based on the self weight approach. The
maximum total deflection may be obtained by superposition of the deflection
of the slab and the deflection of the main beam, i.e.
δ total = δ slab + δ beam
With
5 × (5.0 + 0.3) × 10 −3 × 4200 4

δ slab = = 1.9 mm
384 × 34100 × 3.41 × 10 5
1 × ( 23.0 + 0.63) × 16800 4

δ beam = = 4.5mm
384 × 210000 × 5.149 × 10 9
the total deflection is
δ total = 1.9 + 4.5 = 6.4 mm
Thus the first eigenfrequency may be obtained from
37
18
f1 = = 7.1 Hz
6.4
Modal Mass
The total mass of the slab is
M total = (5 + 0.3) × 10 2 × 16.8 × 4.2 = 37397 kg
According to chapter A.6, example 3 the modal mass of the considered slab
may be calculated as
⎡1.92 + 4.52 8 1.9 × 4.5 ⎤

M mod = 37397 × ⎢ + 2× ⎥ = 17220kg
⎣ 2 × 6.4
2
π 6.42 ⎦
Damping
The damping ratio of the steel-concrete slab with false floor is determined
according to table 1:
D = D1 + D2 + D3 = +1 + 1 + 1 = 3%
With
D1 = 1,0 (steel-concrete slab)

D2 = 1,0 (open plan office)
D3 = 1,0 (false floor)
B.1.3. Assessment
Based on the above calculated modal properties the floor is classified as
class C (Figure 5). The expected OS-RMS value is approx. 0.5 mm/s.
According to Table 1 class C is classified as being suitable for office buildings,

i.e. the requirements are fulfilled.
38
B.2. Three storey office building

B.2.1. Description of the Floor
The floor of this office building, Figure 18, span 15m from edge beam to
edge beam. In the regular area these secondary floor beams have IPE600
sections are laying in a distance of 2.5m. Primary edge beam which span
7.5m from column to column have also IPE600 section, see Figure 19.
Figure 18: Building overview
Figure 19: Steel section of the floor
The plate of the floor is a composite plate of 15cm total thickness with steel
sheets COFRASTRA 70, Figure 20.
39
Figure 20: Floor set up
The nominal material properties are
- Steel S235: Es = 210 000 N/mm², fy = 235 N/mm²

- Concrete C25/30: Ecm = 31 000 N/mm², fck = 25 N/mm²
E c , dyn = 1.1 × E cm = 34 100 N / mm ²
Section properties
- Slab (transversal to beam):

A = 1170 cm²/m
I = 20 355 cm4/m
g = 3.5 kN/m²
Δg = 0.5 kN/m²
- Composite beam (beff = 2,5m; E=210000 N/mm²):

A = 468 cm²
I = 270 089 cm4
g = (3.5+0.5) x 2.5 + 1.22 = 11.22 kN/m²
Loads
- Slab (transversal to beam):

g + Δg = 4.0 kN/m² (permanent load)
q = 3.0 x 0.1 = 0.3 kN/m² (10% of full live load)
ptotal = 4.3 kN/m²
- Composite beam (beff = 2,5m; E=210000 N/mm²):

g = 11.22 kN/m²
q = 0.3 x 2.5 = 0.75 kN/m
ptotal = 11.97 kN/m
B.2.2. Determination of dynamic floor characteristics
40
Supporting conditions
The secondary beam are ending in the primary beams which are open
sections with low torsional stiffness. Thus these beams may be assumed to
be simple supported.
Eigenfrequency
For this example the supporting conditions are determined on two ways. The
first method is the application of the beam formula neglecting the
transversal stiffness of the floor.
The second method is the self weight method considering the transversal
stiffness.
• Application of the beam equation (Chapter A.2):
p = 11.97 [ kN / m] ⇒ μ = 11.97 × 1000 [ kg m / s ² / m] / 9.81[ m / s ²] = 1220 [ kg / m]

2 3EI 2 3 × 210000 × 10 6 [ N / m²] × 270089 × 10 − 8 [ m 4 ]
f = = = 4,77 Hz
π 0.49 μl 4
π 0.49 × 1220 [ kg / m] × 154 [ m 4 ]
• Application of the equation for orthotropic plates (Chapter A.3):
π EI y ⎡ ⎛ b ⎞ 2 ⎛ b ⎞ 4 ⎤ EI x
f1 = 1 + ⎢2⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥
2 m l4 ⎣⎢ ⎝ l ⎠ ⎝ l ⎠ ⎦⎥ EI y
π 210000 × 106 × 270089 × 10 − 8 ⎡ ⎛ 2.5 ⎞ 2 ⎛ 2.5 ⎞ 4 ⎤ 3410 × 20355

= 1 + ⎢2⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ ⎥
2 1220 × 154 ⎢⎣ ⎝ 15 ⎠ ⎝ 15 ⎠ ⎥⎦ 21000 × 270089
= 4.76 × 1.00 = 4,76
• Application of the self weight approach (Chapter A.4):

δ total = δ slab + δ beam
5 × 4.3 × 10−3 × 25004
δ slab = = 0.3 mm
384 × 34100 × 2.0355 × 105
5 × 11.97 × 150004
δ beam = = 13.9mm
384 × 210000 × 270089 × 104
δ total = 0.3 + 13.9 = 14.2 mm
18
⇒ f1 = = 4.78 Hz
14.2
41
Modal Mass
The determination of the eigenfrequency above showed that the load bearing
behaviour of the floor can be approximated by a simple beam model. Thus
this model is taken for the determination of the modal mass:
M mod = 0,5 μ l = 0,5 × 1220 × 15 = 9150 kg
Damping
The damping ratio of the steel-concrete slab with false floor is determined
according to table 1:
D = D1 + D2 + D3 = +1 + 1 + 1 = 3%
With
D1 = 1,0 (steel-concrete slab)
D2 = 1,0 (open plan office)
D3 = 1,0 (ceiling under floor)
B.2.3. Assessment
Based on the above calculated modal properties the floor is classified as
class D (Figure 5). The expected OS-RMS value is approx. 3.2 mm/s.
According to Table 1 class D is classified as being suitable for office
buildings, i.e. the requirements are fulfilled.
42

Vibration Design of Floors: Guideline

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vibration Design of Floors: Guideline

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RFS2-CT-2007-00033

Human induced Vibrations of Steel Structures

Vibration Design of Floors

Damping D Damping is the energy dissipation of a vibrating

where f is the natural frequency

Natural Frequency f Every structure has its specific dynamic behaviour

where: T is the investigated period of time.

1.5. Variables, units and symbols

f, fi natural frequency under consideration [Hz]

δ(x,y) Deflection at location x,y [m]

D Damping (% of critical damping) [-]

D1 Structural damping [-]

D2 Damping from furniture [-]

D3 Damping from finishes [-]

Mmod Modal mass [kg]

Mtotal Total mass [kg]

OS-RMS One step root mean square value of the [-]

OS- 90 percentile of OS-RMS values [-]

T period (of oscillation) [s]

p distributed load (per unit length or per unit [kN/m] or

μ mass distribution per unit length or per unit [kg/m] or

2. Design of floors against vibrations

2.1. Design procedure

Determine dynamic floor

Read off OS-RMS90 value

Figure 1: Design procedure.

2.2. Related design methods

2.2.1. Hand calculation method using measurements

2.2.2. Transfer function method

2.2.3. Modal superposition

3.2. Floor classes

Table 1: Classification of floor response and recommendation for the application of

Limits on vibration are also given in International Standard ISO 10137[6],

Table 2: Vibration limits specified by ISO 10137 for continuous vibration

It is considered that these limits are unnecessarily harsh, and testing on a

4. Hand calculation method

4.1. Determination of eigenfrequency and modal mass

4.1.1. Finite Element Analysis

4.1.2. Analytical formulas

4.2. Determination of damping

4.3. Determination of the floor class

Modal Mass [kg]

Figure 2: Application of diagrams

4.3.1. Systems with more than one eigenfrequency

e) Read off the corresponding floor class from Table 1.

4.4. OS-RMS90 graphs for single degree of freedom systems

Classification based on a damping ratio of 1%

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 2%

6 156 12 6 0.5 0.4

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 3%

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 4%

7 2.6 2 1.6 1.2 1

F 1.8 1.4 0.3

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 5%

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 6%

Modal mass of the floor (kg)

Classification based on a damping ratio of 7%

Modal mass of the floor (kg)