Vibration Testing of an All-Steel Modular Floor Assembly

The objective of this chapter is to summarize the results of experimental modal testing performed on all-steel modular floor assemblies in a laboratory environment. An assembly is a prototype system that is 10 ft. × 40 ft. on the plan and consists of three W-section beams and an attached top plate. Two assemblies have been tested as isolated floor specimens at West Virginia University. The research team conducted experimental modal testing on bare steel conditions of the specimens to determine the dynamic characteristics of the specimens such as modal frequencies, modal damping ratios, and mode shapes. The tests after the installation of raised access floor (RAF) units are ongoing and will be compared to the bare steel conditions once complete. Based on the findings of the experimental work in conjunction with further analytical work, a larger system of 30 ft. × 40 ft. will be designed, intended for a typical bay of commercial building structures. The proposed system intends to increase the speed of construction by eliminating the placing of a concrete deck and thus reduce the time from conception to occupancy for steel building structures.