Evaluation of human-induced vibration of ferrocement in lightweight constructive systems

This study investigates ferrocement slabs’ dynamic response to human-induced vibrations in lightweight construction systems. Ferrocement is a sustainable and cost-effective material valued for its durability and versatility, yet its performance under serviceability criteria related to occupant comfort remains underexplored in the
literature. To address this gap, ferrocement slabs’ vibration-damping and structural behavior were evaluated
through laboratory and in-situ tests, including heel impact, sandbag drop, and walking testing. The results
consistently demonstrate that the slabs meet the serviceability thresholds defined by the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) and the ISO guidelines for perceived acceleration. The in-situ slabs exhibited natural frequencies and damping ratios within acceptable limits, confirming their effectiveness in reducing vibrationinduced discomfort. These findings support the use of ferrocement slabs in residential and office floor systems
with spans of <4 m (13 ft), where controlling human-induced vibrations is critical to ensuring comfort and
safety