Frequency Response of Flat Post-tensioned Concrete Floors: Frequency Coefficient-Root Function Method

Abstract

Vibration is a serviceability limit-state for the design of suspended floor systems in buildings that is not well understood by many structural engineers, and is often ignored. Dynamic response is an important design consideration for slender, two-way floors, particularly for those of post-tensioned concrete construction. At present, there are no reliable design guidelines that deal with this problem. This paper describes a research program, which will enable the development of much needed design guidance on the dynamic behavior of suspended post-tensioned concrete floors. Results from this parametric investigation have led to the preliminary development of new approach for predicting the natural frequency of flat, post-tensioned concrete floor structures. This new method has been named, the Frequency Coefficient-Root Function (FCRF) method. The FCRF method is a revolutionary and convenient tool structural engineers can use to design for the vibration serviceability limit-state
of cast-insitu, post-tensioned concrete floor systems.