This paper presents an experimental study carried out on the vibrational performance of full-scale timber floors constructed with metal-web joists, with focus on modal frequencies, modal shapes, modal damping and unit point load deflection. The effects of floor configurations, including spacing of joists, type, size, number and location of strongback, ceiling, etc., were examined. In general, joist spacing, strongback bracings and ceiling did not significantly influence the fundamental frequency and the corresponding damping ratio, but they influenced the frequencies for higher modes. The measured damping ratio for the fundamental mode was 0.86% on average. Joist spacing, strongback bracings and ceiling significantly influenced the mid-span displacement of metal web joist floors under unit point load. The decrease in joist spacing, the increase in number and size of strongback bracings, and the use of ceiling all largely reduced the mid-span displacement of the floors.
Keywords: Timber floors, Metal web joists, Frequency, Damping, Deflection
Authors
Zhang B.
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
Kermani A.
School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
Fillingham T.
MiTek Industries Ltd, Dudley, West Midlands, UK
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