Lichtenstein Distinguished Lecture - Thomas M. Murray

Human Response to Floor and Footbridge Vibrations

Floor vibrations are probably the most critical serviceability issue for steel framed buildings. Today’s more efficient floor systems together with sparse office-fit out require designers to carefully consider vibration concerns due to all types of human activity. In particular, office fit-out has dramatically changed in the last decade resulting in many floor vibration problems because of the lack of mass and damping. Rhythmic activities in office buildings, such as aerobics in health clubs, have also generated significant problems in the form of complaints from occupants elsewhere in the buildings. Equally important is the vibration, both vertical and lateral, of footbridges. Recent lateral vibration problems with footbridges in the United Kingdom and New Zealand have caused closure and required extensive retrofitting. A general overview of human response to floor and footbridge vibrations, including recommended design procedures, will be presented. Criteria in the AISC/CISC Design Guide 11 Floor Vibrations due to Human Activity and that from recently completed research will be discussed.

Speaker: Thomas M. Murray, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tom Murray is Emeritus Professor of Structural Steel Design at Virginia Tech and the principal author of the AISC/CISC Design Guide 11, “Floor Vibrations due to Human Activity”. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from University of Kansas in 1970, has authored nearly 200 papers, and made over 250 presentations to structural engineering groups worldwide. He has received excellence in teaching awards from the University of Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2002 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and in 2009 received the ASCE Ernest E. Howard Award.

Host: Hojjat Adeli (phone: 614-292-7929)