Vibration Response on MiNT-SRC Building due to Ground Borne Vibrations from Humans Using Finite Element Modeling

Abstract

Building structure is naturally exposed to the vibration phenomenon. Vibration in high amplitude may causes big damages to the building structure, while the lower amplitude of vibrations is not causes big effect to the building but it may produce low vibration response to floor structure that can disturbance people comfort and equipment workability. In this study, the vibration response is focusing on low amplitude of vibrations from the ground which due to human activity like footstep or walking. Human activity such as walking will produce low vibration amplitude that can affect the sensitivity of sensitive equipment inside the research or laboratories facilities. Microelectronic and Nanotechnology-Shamsuddin Research Center (MiNT-SRC) building at UTHM is selected to be a location for ground borne vibration measurement due to human activities. The research center is chosen due to sensitivity equipment in the building that prone to vibration effect. Finite element modelling is the method been used to analysed the vibration response distribution to overall building. Vibration data input from field measurement is analysed in ANSYS software based on finite element method, and then further analysis in MATLAB software. A ModalV analysis program in MATLAB is used to produce one third octave velocity spectra and vibration criterion curve for the studied floor. The study shows that the vibration criterion for MiNT-SRC building is classified as VC-E at ground floor and VC-B at the first floor. Thus, based on the result analysis, the sensitive equipment is most suitable to locate at the ground floor of MiNT-SRC building.