Comparison of evaluations of human-induced floor vibration based on different design guidelines

This paper presents a comparative study on the evaluation of human-induced floor vibrations based on different design guidelines, including AISC DG11, ISO 10137:2007, SCI P354, and JGJT441–2019. Dynamic responses of floors are captured using FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations, with respect to varying thicknesses under different walking patterns and frequencies. The same single-step walking force model is applied across all scenarios to mitigate differences in floor comfort evaluation results due to varying walking force models, with a target to identify the differences induced by floor thicknesses, and walking patterns and frequencies. The dynamic responses are evaluated with respect to different evaluation indices in terms of floor comfort based on the adopted design guidelines. The findings reveal that resonance can occur even when the fundamental frequency of the floor is not equal to the walking frequency, but equal to (or very close to) an integral multiple of the walking frequency. The findings also reveal that walking patterns can affect the evaluation results of floor comfort, and walking at a fixed location may not give the worst evaluation scenario. Statistical analyses revealing the relationship between peak acceleration and floor thickness for walking at a fixed location can be mimicked using an exponential function, while for walking along fixed routes, a fifth-order polynomial function is more appropriate in depicting the relationship between peak acceleration and landing location. Comparison of the evaluation results indicates that different guidelines may give inconsistent or conflicting conclusions in terms of floor comfort, and among the adopted guidelines, ISO 10137:2007 imposes the strictest comfort requirements, while SCI P354 (VDV approach) offers the loosest criteria.