Effects of frequent sub-perceptible wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings on work performance, health and well-being of occupants

Tall buildings vibrate when subjected to wind. Current design guidelines including ISO 10137 assess the vibration serviceability of buildings based on human perception threshold. This paper presents statistically significant experimental evidence that sub-perceptible horizontal vibrations, frequently experienced by tall building occupants, can negatively affect their work performance, health and well-being. It argues that ‘perception threshold’ is not an appropriate basis for vibration serviceability assessment and different aspects of human experience of the vibration need to be assessed within the context of environment, usage and activity.