scope:

Scope and field of application

This standard defines measurement methods for vibration that affects humans within buildings and the magnitudes of vibration at which humans will perceive and possibly react when inside the buildings. Application of this standard requires consideration of the following factors:

(1) Type of excitation: steady state, intermittent, and impulsive vibration.

(2) Frequency and direction of the vibration (1 to 80 Hz and three directions of motion).

(3) Use made of the occupied space in the building; for example, workshop, office, residential, hospital operation room, or other critical areas.

(4) Time of day.

(5) Vibration acceptability. Acceptable limits of vibration cannot be specified rigidly, and depend on specific circumstances. However, in the frequency range of 1 to 80 Hz, this standard gives guidance on the magnitude of vibration at which adverse human reactions begin to occur. In cases where sensitive equipment or delicate operations impose more stringent criteria than human comfort, the more stringent values should be applied.

(6) The vibration magnitudes recommended in this standard were established with respect to human response. They are not to be confused with those required to produce structural damage to the building itself.