Design criteria for dynamic performance of a suspended structure for competition grade tennis courts

Abstract

The redevelopment of the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre incorporates something not previously seen at the home of a “Grand Slam” tournament – courts on the roof of a carpark building. To determine an appropriate structural design criterion for the suspended slabs, a study was undertaken on how vibrations induced by the players and external sources would be perceived. Following testing on existing courts and undertaking real time studies on forces exerted by tennis players, a series of criteria for acceptable vibrations in the structure was developed. The structure has now been successfully used during the 2013 and 2014 Australian Open tournaments.