Experimental Evaluation of Static and Vibration Performance of Three Timber Floor Systems with and without Bonded Topping Layers

This study explores the structural and serviceability characteristics of various timber floor systems under different loading and excitation conditions. To evaluate their performance, tests were conducted under static loads, walking excitation, and heel drop. Key parameters such as stiffness, dynamic response, and damping behavior were analyzed to better understand their vibration performance. The investigation focuses on three primary timber floor types: open-web joists, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and rib panel systems. Anhydrite and gypsum-based bonded topping was applied across half of the floor systems. The study utilizes floor specimens with approximate dimensions of 120-cm width and 600-cm span length. The results show that topping layers significantly improved both stiffness and vibration performance across all floor types while decreasing the damping. Among the systems, rib panel floors with topping achieved the lowest acceleration levels, open-web joists provided the most favorable balance between stiffness gain and weight increase, and CLT floors demonstrated the largest relative improvement in stiffness after topping but showed the highest variability in damping. Finally, the measured vibration responses were evaluated against American and European design codes and guidelines. Overall compliance was observed, although some of the more stringent European design limits were exceeded.