Vibrational Response of Solid RC Slab System Under Synchronized Multiperson Walking Excitation

Solid reinforced concrete (RC) floor systems have become susceptible to vibration from walking‐induced excitation due to the lightweight characteristics of concrete. This reduces the serviceability of the building in terms of occupant discomfort, adaptability to dynamic load, durability issues resulting from undesirable cracking, and service life. The present study evaluates the vibrational response of square solid RC slab panels supported on column line beams for synchronized multiperson walking. The study adopts a finite element (FE) methodology using linear modal time history analyses. The FE analyses model used for the study has been developed to replicate the response of a commercial space on an intermediate floor of a multistory building when subjected to synchronized multiperson walking excitation. The adopted methodology has been validated against past experimental results. A justification has also been established behind the walking and data acquisition parameters used for this study. A parametric study has been conducted to evaluate the response of the slab system for varying span lengths, slab thickness, and number of people. Peak acceleration responses obtained were then compared against different design guide limits for minimum slab thickness and allowable peak acceleration levels. The comparison revealed that existing design guide limits for minimum slab thickness might be insufficient to circumvent walking‐induced vibration discomfort. Based on the observations, revised minimum slab thickness was also proposed for different span lengths, which varied from 175 mm at 5 m to 225 mm at 9 m span for commercial spaces and 225 mm at 5 m to 350 mm at 9 m span for residential buildings. These findings will assist engineers in deciding the minimum slab thickness based on the span length, circumventing walking‐induced vibration discomfort.