The impact of CrossFit training—Weight drops on floating floors

Abstract

CrossFit training is a popular fitness training method. Some facilities install lightweight plywood floating floor systems as a quick, inexpensive method to mitigate impact generated noise and vibration into adjoining spaces. Part of the CrossFit training regimen involves lifting significant weight overhead, and then dropping the weight on the floor. The energy transferred to the floor system can cause severe damage to floor surfaces and structures; and, when using a lightweight floating floor system, even the isolators can be damaged. This paper describes a spreadsheet based analytical model being used to study the effects of such impacts on various floor systems. This study is a prelude to experiments that will be performed on a full scale model test floor. The results of those experiments will be used to verify the model so that it can be used as a design tool for recommending solutions for mitigating the noise and vibration in adjoining spaces due to floor impact problems. Also discussed in this paper are the qualitative results of some preliminary tests performed in order to better understand the mechanics of impacts on floating floor assemblies.