The effect of laminate stacking sequence and fiber orientation on the dynamic response of FRP composite slabs

In this paper, different stacking sequences (0 / ± 45/90°) of laminated FRP slab under human-induced loads using finite element techniques are investigated to assess the dynamic characteristics of a composite floor and corresponding human comfort problems. Four layers of FRP, with different angles comprising 256 cases, are modeled using ANSYS software. Load models with variable parameters are applied as pattern loads. Material properties and damping ratio are calculated separately for each case with the aid of MATLAB software and considered as input to ANSYS for obtaining the maximum responses in terms of deflection and acceleration from the walking load of people. Then the results are compared with the limiting values proposed by the design standards. A comparison of the two results reveals that 54 cases of investigated FRP laminate seem to be ideal for practical use in satisfying both the acceleration and displacement requirements. This study was carried out to provide a more realistic evaluation of this type of structure when subjected to vibration due to human walking.