A.

1 EXAMPLE: Walking Excitation - Pedestrian Footbridge (Steel Structure)

Source: Example 4.1 from AISC Steel Design Guide Series 11.
Purpose: To verify the AISC equation 4.1 for walking excitation using 2D SAP2000 modelling.
Description:

Ij (comp)
wj
(damping)

2388 x10 mm
12.1 kN/m
1%

SAP2000 Modeling:
File Name: Exp 1 Pedestrian Bridge

Figure 1.1 Extruded view of I Beam

6

Ij = 2388 x10 mm
(I.e. IW530x66 x 6.82 prop modifier)
Modeling Input:
Figures 1.2 and 1.3 illustrate the beam line information. Figure 1.2 shows the beam section, and the
moment of inertia property modifier used to account for composite stiffness. Figure 1.3 shows the line
load information. Table 1.1 summarizes the first three modal frequencies of the system.
Figure 1.2
Line Information Assignments

Figure 1.3
Line Information Loads

Table 1.1
Modal Frequencies
Mode Frequency
(Hz)
1
6.51
2
23.3
3
45.2

Figure 1.4 Time History Sine Function Definition

After performing the modal analysis, the first
fundamental period and frequency are extracted to
form the Sine loading function definition (i.e. walking
excitation function). Figure 1.4 illustrates the
function input. Five cycles of continuous excitation is
chosen with 20 steps per cycle. The amplitude is
calculated as per the numerator of equation 4.1 from
AISC guideline 11, and assuming a unit point load P.
st

1 Period: 1/ 6.51 sec

(-035 x 6.51)

0.41 x e

x1000 N

Figure 1.5 Linear Modal History

Figure 1.5 summarizes the linear
modal history. A unit point load P
is applied at the point of maximum
deflection corresponding to the
fundamental mode. Load P is then
combined in resonance with the
Sine Function defined in Figure 1.4
to simulate walking excitation.
Periodic motion type is chosen to
observe the steady state
behaviour. Modal damping is also
defined here. The number of
output time steps is the product of
no. of cycles x no. of steps/cycle
from Figure 1.4. Output time step
size is the quotient of period
divided by no. of steps/cycle from
Figure 1.4.
No. steps/ cycle x No. of cycles
Modeling Output:

Period/ No. steps per cycle

Figure 1.6 Plot Function Traces

In SAP, the plot function traces can be
extracted from the menu bar: Display/
Show Plot Functions. Define plot function
as joint disp/ forces and select UZ
acceleration.
In Etabs, the equivalent plot function traces
are under the menu: Display/ Show Time
History Traces.

Results:
Table 1.2 summarizes the modal response and acceleration from the AISC Publication and SAP model.
Table 1.2 System Modal Response and Accelerations
Po
Period Frequency Joist j
AISC
SAP2000

s
0.147
0.154

Hz
6.81
6.50

mm
6.84
7.43

kN
0.41
0.41

apeak
2
m/s
0.0294
0.0282

apeak
%g
3.0
2.9

Discussion:
Maximum accelerations are similar in both cases. The higher midspan deflection in the SAP2000 model
may be attributed to the contribution of shear deflection. As a result, a lower frequency contributes to a
lower stiffness. Overall, the AISC method and SAP2000 modeling give good comparative results.

A.2 EXAMPLE: Walking Excitation Office Floor (Steel Structure)

Source: Riverside South, Canary Wharf, London England.
Purpose: To demonstrate walking excitation analysis using 3D Etabs Finite Element modeling (concrete
on metal deck application).
Description:
Riverside South consists of a three building office complex situated in Canary Wharf. RS1 is a 40+ storey
office tower with concrete on metal deck slab construction, reinforced concrete core walls, and column
free floor area between the faade and core wall. The floor plate is approximately 75m long x 45m wide,
while the core is 43m x 17m. The North and South tongues of the typical trading floor are under review
for floor vibrations.
Table 2.1 summarizes the typical trading floor loading - strength design and vibrations probable loads.
The probable percentage of design load is project specific, based on judgement, and by no means is the
norm. It is important not to overestimate the actual/ probable loads that will be imposed. In general, an
increase in mass will decrease the floor frequency and reduce the floor accelerations.
Table 2.1 Typical Trading Floor Loading
Strength
Vibrations
Design Load Probable Load
Live load
6 kPa
0.25 KPa
SDL
1.2 KPa
0.6 KPa
Cladding
1.5 KPa
0.75 KPa
Slab SW
2.04 KPa
2.04 KPa
Steel SW
in Etabs

% of
Design Load
4%
50%
50%
100%
100%

Etabs Modeling:
File Name: Exp 2 RS1 Vibrations Walking
Figure 2.1 illustrates the Etabs floor
plate model. Refer to Appendix A for a
description of the column connection,
beam to beam fixity, beam to core wall
fixity, and other modeling criteria. The
deflected shape shown is that of the
st
fundamental mode (1 mode), which
also corresponds to the floor region of
interest here.

Figure 2.1 3D view of Etabs floor plate

model.

Modeling Input:
Figure 2.2 summaries the slab material properties. The slab composition is 80 mm of lightweight
concrete on 60 mm of composite steel deck and is represented as shell elements. The shell element
thickness, concrete type, and stiffness modifier are shown. The slab thickness refers to the depth of slab
above the flute; the flute stiffness is accounted for in the moment of inertia modifier. The slab self weight
is defined as a separate load case. Table 2.1 summarizes the first three modal frequencies of the system.
Figure 2.2
Slab Material Properties

Table 2.1
Modal Frequencies
Mode Frequency
(Hz)
1
3.17
2
3.53
3
3.97

Figure 2.3 Time History Sine Function Definition

After performing the modal analysis, the
mode shape of interest (location specific)
is defined. Its period and frequency are
extracted to form the Sine loading function
definition (i.e. walking excitation function).
Figure 2.3 illustrates the function input.
Five cycles of continuous excitation is
chosen. The amplitude is calculated as
per the numerator of equation 4.1 from
AISC guideline 11, and assuming a unit
point load P.
st

1 Period: 1/ 3.17 sec

(-035 x 3.17)

0.29 x e

x1000 N

Figure 2.4 Time History

A unit point load P is applied at the point of maximum
deflection corresponding to the mode representing the
area of interest (see Figure 2.1). Load P is then
combined in resonance with the Sine Function from
Figure 2.3 to simulate walking excitation.
Periodic motion type is chosen to view the steady state
behaviour that is of interest. Modal damping is also
defined here. Number of output time steps is the
product of no. of cycles x no. of steps/cycle from Figure
2.3. Output time step size is the quotient of period
divided by no. of steps/cycle from Figure 2.3.

Modeling Output:
Figure 2.5 Time History Function Traces
In Etabs, the plot time history function
traces can be extracted from: Display
menu/ Show Time History Traces. Define
plot function as joint disp/ forces and select
UZ acceleration.

Results:
Table 2.2 summarizes the modal response and accelerations. The load corresponds to the magnitude of
P as per equation 4.1 from AISC guideline 11. The acceleration is displayed as a percentage of gravity for
convention.
Table 2.2 System Modal Response and Accelerations
Mode
1

Period
s
0.315

Frequency
Hz
3.17

Load
N
95.6

apeak
2
m/s
0.059

apeak
%g
0.60

Discussion:
The first modal frequency of this floor is 3.17 Hz, which is greater than the 3 Hz required to prevent rogue
jumping (AISC guideline). Generally, one should avoid having a frequency lower than 3 Hz, unless the
floor beam/ truss is spanning a large distance and is inducing a large portion of the floor plate. For the
latter case, there may be a large enough amount of mass induced in the vibration to make the issue
obsolete.
The peak walking acceleration is 0.6% g. Using linear extrapolation from Figure 2.1 of AISC guideline 11,
the maximum acceptable level of peak acceleration is 0.6% g; therefore, the region of the floor plate in
question is acceptable for vibrations.

A.4 EXAMPLE: Walking Excitation Flat Slab (Concrete Structure)

Source: Hospital Floor Vibration Study: Comparison of Possible Hospital Floor Structures With Respect
To NHS Vibration Criteria. The Concrete Centre.
Purpose: To assess the accuracy of SAP2000 at predicting the natural floor frequency of flat slabs, and
assess floor vibrations due to walking excitation.
Description:
A fixed floor layout of 75mx15m floor plate made up of 7.5x7.5m bays has been considered. For the
reinforced concrete flat slab (I.e. no drop panel) scenario, three slab thicknesses were analyzed - 300
mm, 330 mm, and 350 mm.

Figure 4.1 Floor plate dimensions of a

typical hospital floor setting.

Table 4.1 Loading Summary and Floor Properties

Strength
Vibrations
Design Load Probable Load
Live load
4.0 kPa
Services and
Finishes
1.0 KPa
Partition
1.0 KPa
Vibration Mass
Considered
1.0 kPa
Slab SW
Steel SW
(damping)
Column Size
fc

% of
Design Load

variable
in SAP2000

16% of
above
100%
100%

3.0%
300x300 mm square
32 MPa for slab; 40 MPa for column

Calculation of Cracked Concrete Stiffness:

The vibration performance of reinforced concrete slabs is affected significantly by the stiffness assumed.
The cracked concrete stiffness depends on several factors such as reinforcement ratio, construction load,
and environmental exposure. A comprehensive side study was undertaken using SAFE (FE analysis and
design for slabs). In general, 50% crack stiffness best represented the slab deflections (see Appendix B).
Combined with a dynamic loading factor of 1.2 for reinforced concrete slabs used for vibrations analysis,
the slab stiffness should be reduced to 60% (I.e. 50% x 1.2).

SAP2000 Modeling:
File: Flat Slab
Figure 4.1 illustrates the SAP2000 floor plate model. Although the source article suggested that the edge
of slab to be restraint by the faade, the author has taken the conservative approach to leave the edge of
slab free to rotate and deflect.

Figure 4.1 3D view of SAP2000 floor

plate model.

Modeling Input:
Figures 4.2 and 4.3 summarize the slab material properties for the 330 mm slab thickness example. Note
the 60% slab stiffness reduction in the stiffness modification table. Table 4.2 summarizes the first three
modal frequencies of the system.
Figure 4.2
Shell Properties and Stiffness Modification Factors

Table 4.2
Modal Frequencies
Mode Frequency
(Hz)
1
7.27
2
7.30
3
7.46

Figure 4.2 Slab Material Properties

Results:
The analysis procedure is similar to that of Example 2. The results are summarized in Table 4.3 below.
Table 4.3 System Modal Response and Accelerations
Slab Thickness
Journal
SAP2000
(mm)
Frequency apeak
apeak Frequency
2
(Hz)
m/s
%g
(Hz)
300
5.24 Hz
0.0197 0.20 6.70 Hz
330
7.43 Hz
0.0095 0.10 7.27 Hz
350
8.97 Hz
0.0066 0.07 7.64 Hz

apeak
2
m/s
0.0200
0.0100
0.0093

apeak
%g
0.20
0.10
0.10

Discussion:
The modeling procedure of 60% cracked and free edge condition yielded reasonable results compared to
the journal findings. Although not summarized in Table 4.3, pinning the edge of the slab produced similar
frequencies; however, the accelerations were much lower and erroneous for this case.

APPENDIX: Finite Element Modeling Procedures and Techniques

Modeling Criterion

Modeling Procedure/ Technique

Concrete on metal deck

Model as continuous shell elements, with Inertia

stiffness modified to account for greater concrete
depth in the flute direction.

Steel beam to beam connection

Model as per strength design. Beam to column

connections can be assumed rigid.

Beam elevation

Shift beam down from slab centerline using insertion

point option under Assign menu/
Frame/Cable/Tendon.

Reinforced concrete slab

Model as continuous shell elements. Assume 50%

cracked properties (m11, m22, m12 = 0.5).

Column support

Model columns with rigid connections to the slab,

and pinned at the infections points above and below
the slab (assumed at column mid height).

Cladding support at slab edge

Slab edge is assumed free to deflect and rotate.

Core wall connection

Beams and slabs connected to core wall are

assumed rigid.

Note: SAP2000 is preferred over Etabs for vibration analysis. SAP2000 has a more rigorous FE engine
suitable for sensitive floor deflections, but Etabs is still acceptable.