Experimental and numerical dynamic analysis of buildings floors when subjected to human-induced loads

Resumo

Numerous cases involving excessive vibrations on buildings floors due to human dynamic actions have
been reported over the years. However, it is worth to mention that the human rhythmic activities, especially when
performed by people groups tend to increase the degree of synchronization that may result in discomfort for the
building users. Therefore, this research work aims to investigate the dynamic structural behaviour of a reinforced
concrete floor when subjected to rhythmic human activities. The investigated floor corresponds to a gym with
dimensions of 16 m x 35 m, and total area of 560 m2. Initially, the floor dynamic properties (natural frequencies
and structural damping) were determined based on the structure experimental monitoring. Afterwards, a floor
numeric model was developed, based on the use of usual mesh refinement techniques present in Finite Element
Method (FEM) simulations and implemented in software ANSYS. This way, several dynamic loadings
mathematical formulations (only-force models and biodynamic systems) were implemented in order to assess the
floor dynamic structural response. The obtained results (displacements and accelerations) and the human comfort
assessment presented in this study indicate the relevance of the dynamic analysis to investigate the structural
behaviour of the reinforced concrete floor and also the influence of the people-structure dynamic interaction.