Serviceability criteria for design of timber floors

Abstract

This paper summarizes current regulations for comfort assessment of structural vibrations of timber floors in Europe and the main design practices of timber floors in this aspect among European countries. For building design, human activities are the most important internal sources of vibration in timber floors. Daily human activities such as walking, jumping, or running on the floor may lead to an uncomfortable feeling for the users when the magnitudes of the vibration are uncontrolled. Comparisons of vibration serviceability criteria for the design of timber floors among the European countries were conducted and the recommendations on vibration serviceability design of timber floors are proposed.