Implementation considerations for active vibration control in the design of floor structures

An increase in the number of complaints arising from annoying human-induced vibrations in new floor structures has been observed over recent years. The main reasons for this are improvements in design methods that have permitted more slender structural designs and an increase in the use of open plan layouts. The incorporation of active vibration control (AVC) into the design of these new structures has the potential to enable them to satisfy vibration serviceability limits. However, a number of factors are presently limiting the uptake of this idea by industry. This paper provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of AVC for human-induced vibrations in floor structures. The current vibration design guides are examined for potential solutions to the current lack of guidance for structural engineers to incorporate AVC in a new structure. A range of active control laws are also discussed and the suitability of these for the mitigation of human-induced vibrations in floors is considered in detail. Further, this work investigates the potential for an environmental and economic assessment into the overall impact of incorporating AVC so early on in the building life cycle. This review provides the basis for future research in this area so that the benefits of AVC may be fully realised.