Vibration of Floors Supported by Open Web Steel Joists: Overview & Recent Innovations

This session will cover AISC Design Guide 11 and SJI Technical Digest 5 guidance for evaluating vibration serviceability for floors supported by open web steel joists (OWSJ). Differences between OWSJ floors and floors supported by hot rolled steel framing, recent innovations, and practical design tools will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Refresh knowledge of AISC Design Guide 11 and SJI Technical Digest 5 methods for evaluating steel joist floors.
• Become aware of flush frame connections and their benefits.
• Recognize key improvements to the vibration evaluation methods for steel joist floor systems.
• Become familiar with the vibration of hybrid steel joist/mass timber floors.

Presented: 2025
Presenter: Brad Davis, Ph.D., S.E., P.E.