Finite-Element Modeling and Parametric Study of Glulam Beam-and-Deck Floors
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 9
Abstract
Small-amplitude cyclic vertical motions of timber floors perceived as unacceptable by humans are commonly the result of walking impact forces. Contemporary vibration serviceability guidelines mainly require prediction of static displacement and modal frequencies of floors. This study used an advanced finite-element (FE) analysis approach to model glulam beam-and-deck floor systems. This permits prediction of static displacement and modal response characteristics that closely match values determined by testing full-scale floor. The verified modeling method is used to show how variations in floor details such as span and floor width affect the vibration behaviors of these floors. This shows that changing the floor width has little effect on the fundamental frequency and midspan deflection of a floor, but higher-order modal frequencies are strongly affected. Although fundamental frequency of floors is not highly sensitive to the flexural rigidities of decking layers, higher-order modes are strongly affected. The broad conclusion is that reliable prediction of parameters engineers used to predict vibration serviceability of such floors depends on the use of appropriate models. Appropriate models are ones that incorporate deep system effects on motions stemming from the layered nature of beam-and-deck element floors and depths of glulam elements used as the beams.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support for this work was provided by the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the University of Ottawa.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 9 • September 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 3, 2016
Accepted: Mar 15, 2017
Published online: Jun 8, 2017
Published in print: Sep 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Nov 8, 2017
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