Finite Element Analysis of the Dynamic Response of Composite Floors Subjected to Walking Induced Vibrations

Abstract

The applications of composite materials have been widely practiced in modern construction. Structural engineers are often urged to consider aesthetic values as well as the financial aspects in their work, which results in structures that have long span, lightweight and low natural frequencies. These structures exhibit excessive vibrations that cause major discomforts to the occupants. The purpose of this study is to establish a methodology using finite element analysis for assessing the dynamic responses of composite floors and determining the corresponding level of comfort. Linear elastic finite element analysis was conducted using more realistic load models with respect to the application of different geometries of concrete slab and fiber reinforced polymer materials. The composite floor investigated included FRP deck, FRP beams, and concrete slabs of various thicknesses. The resulting maximum peak accelerations indicated the need for more realistic load models to generate a time function including space, time and heel impact descriptions. The FRP deck or beam was satisfactory in terms of serviceability and comfort level. There were no significant differences between the results when fiber reinforced polymer materials or common concrete-steel composite floors were used.

Long-Term Assessment of an Innovative Mangrove Rehabilitation Project: Case Study on Carey Island, Malaysia

“…Rigid one-directional approaches cannot fully encapsulate the needs of prediction of coastal systems [ 12 – 15 ]. Therefore, rigid approaches should be coupled with ecological engineering to deal with the consistent loss of ecosystem elements caused by artificialization.…”

Life Cycle Modeling of Structural Defects via Computational Geometry and Time Series Forecasting

“…Using state-of-the-art NDE methods, crack can be identified and located using vibrationbased methods [10][11][12], also large cracks and voids in concrete as well as corrosion and cracks in steel can be identified and located using ultrasonic tests [13][14][15]. Acoustic wave techniques can also be used to identify and locate imperfections such as the initiation of crack and the growth rate of fatigue cracks and corrosion [16], to classify crack modes in concrete [17][18][19] and to quantify the severity of damage [20,21]. Furthermore, it is possible to detect and locate hidden and subsurface defects using radiographic tests [22,23] and electromechanical method such as ground penetration radar [24].…”

Feasibility Study on Evaluating Surface Opening Cracks in Concrete by Multi-Channel Instrumented Surface Rayleigh Wave Propagation

“…The properties of concrete used for this study were: First and Second Lame constants λ = 11.1 GPa and µ = 16.6GPa, respectively, density ρ = 2300.0 kg/m 3 which were referred from previous experimental work (Aggelis 2009). In order to reproduce the waveforms which have equivalent attenuation characteristics to the ones from experimental measurement, the damping of elastic waves in concrete model was appropriately predefined (Chai et al 2011, Behnia et al 2013. The corresponding yielded P-wave and R-wave velocities are 4280 m/s and 2400 sm/s, respectively, which can be considered within the range of typical value for homogenous concrete of normal strength (Moser et al 1999).…”