Dynamic Loads Produced by Occupants of Public Assembly Structures

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The purpose of the proposed research is to define the dynamic loads generated by in-situ occupant movements. The work will focus on the coherence of motion (i.e., the group effect) associated with public assembly occupancies. The investigation will be conducted through three goal-oriented tasks devoted to: a) analytically modeling the group effect by spatially and temporally extrapolating loads produced by individuals; b) experimentally measuring the group effect on a prototypical floor system; and c) using the analytical models developed to produce structural load criteria. The work begun under a former grant wherein periodic, transient, and random dynamic loads produced by individuals were studied will be extended. Data from an existing force platform will be utilized for a limited population to mathematically model group loads in both the time and frequency domains. Approximate design envelopes for both load amplitude and frequency will be produced and test sample sizes will be determined for the third task. The group load models will be verified with a full-scale floor system constructed from lightweight components. Design guidelines will be formulated using an improved road-measuring platform. Anticipated results and suggested design models will entail load-versus-frequency spectra for either static or dynamic analyses of structures. Because of the nature of the problem, special attention will be given to developing channels of communication for the continual exchange of information and ideas with researchers, as well as those directly involved in design practice. Special attention will also be given to the widest possible dissemination of the end results of the program on the local, national and international levels.