Investigation of the Vibration Behaviour of Timber-Concrete Composite Floors as Part of a Performance Evaluation for the Belgian Building Industry

Abstract

Until recently, timber-concrete composite floors were unknown in Belgium. Today, little information is available and the application of this type of floor is problematical, because Belgian standards are not yet available. In order to change this situation, BBRI and CTIB (CTIB Belgian Institute for Wood Technology) are conducting a prenormative research project (2002–2006). The main purpose is not to investigate possible new solutions, but to evaluate existing systems and provide information necessary to update Belgian standards. The research programme mainly consists of an overall evaluation of some of the most common timber-concrete composite floor types, as well as some reference floors. In order to comply with Belgian building practice as closely as possible, an anhydrite layer was chosen as the top layer, since this type is frequently used to improve sound insulation. Also, timber floors with an anhydrite layer (or concrete layer) but without connectors were tested. The first two years of the project focused on mechanical resistance, vibration comfort and acoustics. To evaluate the analytical and numerical methods, a set of bending tests were executed, as well as shear tests, to characterize the connectors. Vibration behaviour was studied using a test set-up which allows the generation and measurement of vibrations on different parts of a construction. In this way, the transmission of vibrations can be analysed through the structure. During the second period of the project (2004–2006), long-term mechanical tests are taking place, along with further acoustic and vibration tests, and also fire safety is being studied. This paper describes the overall structure of the research with additional information about the vibratory part. Acoustic insulation will be presented in future, more specialized papers.