Vibration Serviceability Performance of an Externally Prestressed Concrete Floor during Daily Use and under Controlled Human Activities

AbstractThe vibration serviceability of an as-built long-span concrete floor was assessed using field measurements taken during the structure’s daily use and under controlled human activities including a group of people walking and jumping at specific frequencies. The floor serves as the waiting hall of a railway station and has a unique external prestressing system. The measured natural frequencies and recorded accelerations were compared with threshold values specified in design guidelines. The fundamental frequency of the floor was estimated to be approximately 2.2 Hz, which does not satisfy the requirements of current Chinese design codes for concrete structures and PCI design guidelines. The recorded vibrations were much lower than the vibration amplitude thresholds specified in several design codes for similar types of structures. This positive result is consistent with interview results from users stating that there have been no complaints from passengers or station staff relating to the floor’s vi...