Dynamic Properties of Tall Buildings in Korea

The design of tall buildings is often influenced by wind-induced vibration, such as accelerations in the occupant’s comportment. Consequently, vibration frequency and damping becomes important parameters in the determination of such motions. This paper is concerned with the natural frequency and damping ratios of steel and reinforced concrete buildings. It describes the vibration measurement methods employed for testing buildings and presents reliable methods of assessing the natural period and damping ratio. It also describes findings from the full-scale measurement of the micro-tremor vibration of 21 high-rise steel buildings and 17 wall type reinforced concrete buildings in Korea. Regression formulas of natural frequency and damping ratios for steel-framed tall buildings are suggested. Finally, the obtained natural periods are compared with empirical expressions of structural standards and eigenvalue analysis.