Industrial steel structure with occasional occupancy having a sway 1

[svi]

A structure 40 m high has a sway caused by the vibration of the equipment installed on it. Operational personnel have to visit the various levels on the structure during a day. Personnel have expressed discomfort from a feeling of insecurity from the structural sway of about 10 to 15 mm at the top. Is there any norm that draws a line on such an aspect. The structure is otherwise safe from the point of loading and structure section sizes.

 

[Duwe6]

Nope. OSHA is silent on sway-induced panic/nausea, as long as the structure is 'sound' and is within its fatigue life.

Sway-related issues are a MAJOR problem on high-rise structures, from the inhabitant's comfort and emotionial well-being. First, assure the users that the structure is sound and safe. Then try to negotiate an allowable sway ammount that MOST of the operating personnel can accept. [some folks are so sensitive to lateral motion than ANY sway is unacceptable to them].

Then figure out if stiffining of the structure is required to get most of the operators 'comfortable' enough to work.