Vibration in timber floors to Eurocode 5

TRADA image

The sensitivity of human beings to vibration is quantified in the form of base curves in BS 6472:2008 and ISO 2631-2. These standards clarify that the human perception of vibration is dependent on the frequency of vibration under consideration, are highly subjective to each individual and are subject to a number of factors.

Despite the individuality of each case, vibration is identified as one of the four main criteria groups for consideration under Serviceability Limit States (SLS) design, with a emphasis being placed on vibration in floors.

Vibration in timber floors (Eurocode 5)
addresses the design of timber floors under the vibration aspects of Serviceability Limit State Design presented in Eurocode 5 (BS EN 1995-1-1:2004 and the relevant UK National Annex).
This document details the fundamental background of vibration and identifies vibration sources, structural responses and human perception levels. Also included is a design example illustration how the EC5 method might be applied to UK timber floors and a glossary of vibration terms found in EC1 and EC5.


Contents:

  • Serviceability Limit States (SLS)
  • The mechanics of vibration
  • Vibration mechanics as applied to floors
  • Vibration in buildings
  • Vibration sources
  • Structural response to vibration
  • Acceptable levels of floor vibration
  • Effect of aspects of floor construction
  • Design methods
  • A modified EC5 method based on recent research work
  • Design example
  • Glossary of vibration terms found in EC1 and EC5

Suggested Reading

Introduction to Eurocode 5navigation-arrow

The Eurocodes are a series of standards that establish common rules across the European Economic Area (EEA) for structural design using any material. They allow a designer to prove compliance with the requirements of the European Construction Product Regulation and national Building Regulations.

BS EN 1995, more commonly...

27/02/2017 |  Wood Information Sheet  

Eurocode 5: the supply chain perspectivenavigation-arrow

Senior structural engineer, TRADA Technology Ltd, Dr Keerthi Ranasinghe urges timber and wood suppliers to consider CE marking or third-party certification to take advantage of the way Eurocode 5 has changed the approach to designing in timber.

The key aim of the Eurocodes has been to create a common...

01/01/2011 |  Magazine Article  

GD 5 How to calculate deformations in timber structures using Eurocodesnavigation-arrow

Explains the principles of serviceability limit states set out in Eurocode 0 and shows how to apply them to structural timber members, assemblies and built-up components. Explains timber-specific rules given in Eurocode 5 relating to creep and joint slip. Recommends some deflection limits and provides simple worked examples.

Contents:

...

01/01/2006 |  Other Technical Guidance