Evaluation of A "Floating" Aerobics Floor

Type of Document Master's Thesis
Author Favor, Craig M.
URN etd-91432539751141
Title Evaluation of A "Floating" Aerobics Floor
Degree Master of Science
Department Civil Engineering
Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title
Thomas M. Murray Committee Chair
David E. Allen none
Raymond H. Plaut none
Richard M. Barker none
Keywords

* none

Date of Defense 1997-04-11
Availability unrestricted
Abstract

Aerobics dance floors often produce

annoying floor vibrations in adjacent parts of

a building due to the rhythmic impact of the

aerobicists. Various types of shock absorbing

aerobics and dance floors are widely used to

prevent injuries to the participants, but the

floors may not prevent vibrations in adjacent

areas of the building. The purpose of this

investigation is to evaluate a temporary

"floating" concrete aerobics floor designed to

prevent the force and vibrations induced by

rhythmic exercises from being transmitted to

the existing building floor system.

The test floor is a concrete slab mounted on

pressurized air springs. A series of tests was

conducted to determine the vibration

characteristics of the floor and the forces

transferred to the supporting floor system.

Experienced aerobicists compared the

response of the "floating" floor to existing aerobics floors.

Based on the experimental results, vibration

characteristics and a prediction of the force

transmitted to the supporting floor by the

"floating" floor system were determined.

Recommendations are made in terms of the

feasibility of the "floating" floor concept,

additional testing to be performed, and

possible applications.

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