Malcolm Hudson - Research Student

Telephone: 25727
Room: F111A

email : m.j.hudson@sheffield.ac.uk

Research Group

Research Project

Implementing Active Vibration Control in Floor Structures

In recent years, the problem of excessive floor vibrations causing annoyance and disturbance has been noted in a wide range of newly built structures, including offices, shops, classrooms and multi-purpose blocks. Structural modification is frequently used to reduce the response of these structures to dynamic loads. However, this is expensive and very intrusive during the corrective phase.

Active vibration control aims to improve the vibration response of the structure by applying a force in response to the movement of the structure. This is a very promising technique that could permit more slender structures to perform acceptably from a vibration serviceability perspective. If this idea were incorporated from the design stage of a building then significant material savings could be realised. However, further research is required before this can be achieved.

This project aims to address these issues by: 1) developing design guidance for engineers, indicating potential reductions in vibration and how the active control system should be configured; and 2) investigating the economic and environmental impacts of installing an active control system over the life of the building.