Methods for the vibration analysis of reinforced concrete precast one-way joist slab floor systems under human walking

An assessment of analytical methods for the vibration analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) precast one-way joist slab floor systems under human walking is presented. This study consists of a comparative analysis between analytical, numerical and experimental results. Firstly, an assessment of an existing analytical method for such evaluations is done, since it has not been validated. Subsequently, an efficient finite element model for the vibration analysis of this type of floor system under human walking is proposed. In the experimental program, two slabs specimens were tested under free and forced vibration. One test specimen was done in a laboratory and the other test in an apartment building of confined masonry. Ambient vibration tests were carried out to determine natural frequencies, and forced vibration tests to compute peak accelerations under people walking as induced loads. The experimental results were used as a reference for assessing the analytical and numerical results. It is observed that, in some cases, the analytical procedure underestimates the peak acceleration of the floor systems, while the numerical models yield satisfactory results, which are in agreement with experimental findings. In the assessment of the response of the two specimens with the current serviceability criteria for vertical vibrations, resultant accelerations are greater that permissible acceleration. Consequently, people may experience annoyance and discomfort in this type of floor system under vibrations caused by human walking.