Dynamic behaviour of timber-concrete composite flooring systems

Floors are almost always designed against the action of static loads, despite everyday evidence that dynamic loads are also of great importance and therefore there is a growing need for measurement of dynamic parameters like natural frequencies, and damping ratio of the floors. Timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors have been found to resolve vibration susceptibility and low impact insulation issues concerned with full timber floors; however, the composite behaviour of TCC floors depends primarily upon the efficiency of the connection system used. The dynamic parameters of the flooring system can be used to assess the efficiency of the connection system. This paper presents a comprehensive review on dynamic parameters of TCC flooring systems and tests to determine these parameters. Serviceability requirements for TCC floors to control vibration are also discussed. Brief description of ongoing dynamic tests using instrumented hammer test on TCC beams are finally presented.