Factors influencing complaint behaviour in humans subjected to low frequency random building motion

Exploratory analyses and modelling of parameters influencing occupant behaviour due to low-frequency random building motion

“…Among the variables examined were the comfort level of the seating, temperature, claustrophobia and noise level of the simulator test room. Thorough analyses, as detailed in Michaels (2010), confirmed that these variables did not appear to have affected the response of test subjects. In the first motion simulator experiment, test subjects were asked to rate their comfort level (Comfort) with respect to the simulated motion vibration using five levels: 0-4 representing ''No Motion Perceived'', ''Very Comfortable'', ''Comfortable'', ''Uncomfortable'' and ''Very Uncomfortable'', respectively.…”

“…The order of presentation of different motion conditions was determined using a double Latin square randomization design (Burton, 2006). Immediately following a test session, test subjects exited the motion simulator to complete a multi-lingual questionnaire (Michaels, 2010). The test subjects were not informed of which motion condition they experienced in their test session.…”

“…Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of frequency, acceleration magnitude, duration of vibration (first experiment only) and cultural factors on occupant comfort and complaint behaviour in tall buildings, due to low frequency random building motion. Results and test methodology have been discussed in Kwok et al (2010), and outlined in greater detail in Michaels (2010).…”

“…Research into the effects of motion and mechanical vibration on human comfort has largely been conducted within the aerospace and transport (automotive, ship, bus and train) industries. Characteristics of ship and transport motion is generally expected by passengers, while building motion due to wind is generally less expected by occupants and, therefore, may elicit even greater effects to well being, especially fear, anxiety and alarm (Ashley, 1978;Smith, 1988;Rolnick and Lubow, 1991;Stafford-Smith and Coull, 1991;Bachmann, 1995;Griffin and Brett, 1997;Denoon, 2000;Brazil et al, 2006;Burton, 2006;Michaels, 2010).…”

“…Human perception levels, due to wind-induced building motions in the low frequency range below 1 Hz, are dependent upon various physiological and psychological factors (Irwin, 1975;Chang et al, 1981;Smith, 1988;Michaels, 2010). These influential factors may include societal influences.…”