Estimation and mitigation of vibrations in reinforced concrete solid slabs

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Sports stadiums, gymnasiums, aerobic dance studios, discotheques, shopping malls and airport terminal corridors are all subjected to significant dynamic loads (human-induced vibration) produced by occupants either while remaining in one location or traversing the structure. Also, structures located near surface trains and subways are subjected to surface train and subway-induced vibrations. Despite these facts, available design codes and standards are primarily concerned with avoiding structural failure by satisfying strength requirements, while they deal with excessive vibrations by satisfying a limited degree of serviceability requirements. Thus serviceability problems arises which require costly remodeling or revision of building regulations. An efficient vibration mitigation system is needed to reduce vibrations in buildings' floors to acceptable levels. The current study will involve collaboration between researchers at Western University (UWO) and engineers from the consulting firm Valcoustics Canada Ltd. (VCL). The main objective of the study is to develop a numerical model to simulate reinforced concrete solid slabs under different sources of vibration excitation and to assess the effect of different geometric parameters (e.g. thickness, in-plane dimensions) and properties of the isolation system on the vibration performance of the slab. The numerical model will be validated with other commercial software and with field measurements that will be provided by the firm VCL. This study will assist VCL to expand in the structural vibration field and to introduce alternative systems and strategies to mitigate vibration in a wide range of newly built structures including hospitals, schools, retail areas, and dance studios.