Prediction and Mitigation of Building Floor Vibrations Using a Blocking Floor

Abstract

Buildings that are located near transportation corridors often experience floor vibrations induced by passing trains or traffic, which causes building owners some concern. In this paper, a mathematical, impedance-based (wave propagation) model is presented for predicting train-induced floor vibrations in buildings. The model analytically predicts velocities, velocity ratios, and impedances. The analytical predictions of the model were compared and validated with the measured floor vibrations in a 4-story scale model building constructed by the writers. These predictions closely mimicked the measured responses. Using the results from the method presented indicate that the vibrations on the upper floors can be mitigated by increasing the thickness of a floor at a lower level in the building. This lower-level floor with the increased thickness is called a blocking floor. The scale model building was tested with and without a blocking floor. The predicted and measured responses of the scale model building using floor slabs with various thicknesses on the first floor are compared. It is concluded that the use of a blocking floor can mitigate the transmission of structure-borne vibration to the upper floors.