ISO 6897-1984 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 6897:1984 — Guidelines for the evaluation of the response of occupants of fixed structures, especially buildings and off‑shore structures, to low‑frequency horizontal motion (0,063 to 1 Hz). The document gives recommendations on typical occupant responses, categorizes guidance by use and type of activity, and includes annex guidance on satisfactory magnitudes of vibration for specific situations; it does not address physical injury from structural vibration.

Abstract

This international guideline describes how to evaluate human response (comfort and annoyance) to low‑frequency horizontal motions in fixed structures. It classifies recommended response criteria according to the nature of the activity being carried out by occupants and provides normative/non‑normative guidance (including an annex) on acceptable vibration magnitudes for given situations. It expressly excludes assessment of injury caused by structural vibration.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed in ISO five‑year review cycle; confirmation recorded in 2025).
• Publication date: August 1984.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.160 (Vibration and shock with respect to human beings).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1984).
• Number of pages: 8 pages (short technical guideline).

Scope

ISO 6897:1984 applies to the evaluation of occupants' responses to low‑frequency horizontal motion in fixed structures (typical frequency band specified: 0.063 Hz to 1 Hz). The standard is intended to guide designers, engineers and evaluators on acceptable amplitudes and response categorization for comfort/annoyance and functional performance of occupants; it is not intended for assessing injury risk from vibration. Annex material gives example guidance values for specific situations.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the frequency band of interest for low‑frequency horizontal motion (0.063–1 Hz).
• Classification of occupant response criteria according to activity and use of the space (e.g., working, resting, precision tasks).
• Recommended guidance values (satisfactory magnitudes) for vibration in defined situations (presented in an annex).
• Measurement and evaluation guidance for assessing horizontal motion in buildings and offshore fixed structures.
• Clarification that the standard addresses comfort/response and does not cover injury criteria.

Typical use and users

Used by structural and building engineers, offshore platform designers, vibration and acoustics consultants, occupational health and safety professionals, facilities managers and researchers concerned with human response and comfort in buildings and fixed offshore structures. Typical applications include design checks, post‑construction vibration assessments, occupant comfort studies and guidance for mitigation/acceptability of low‑frequency horizontal motion.

Related standards

ISO 6897 sits in the human‑response/vibration family and is commonly used alongside the ISO 2631 series (Mechanical vibration and shock — evaluation of human exposure to whole‑body vibration, including guidance for buildings and whole‑body exposure) and instrumentation standards such as ISO 8041 (Human response to vibration — measuring instrumentation). These related documents cover complementary frequency bands, measurement methods and evaluation criteria for whole‑body vibration and instrumentation.

Keywords

low‑frequency horizontal motion; vibration; human response; occupant comfort; buildings; offshore structures; ISO 6897; frequency 0.063–1 Hz; evaluation guidelines; vibration criteria.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6897:1984 is an international guideline that provides recommendations for evaluating how occupants of fixed structures (buildings and offshore structures) respond to low‑frequency horizontal motion (0.063–1 Hz), focusing on comfort and functional response rather than injury.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of occupant response by activity, guidance values (in an annex) for acceptable vibration magnitudes in specific situations, and measurement/evaluation guidance for low‑frequency horizontal motions. It does not assess injury from vibration.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural and building engineers, offshore designers, vibration consultants, occupational health and safety professionals, facilities managers and researchers assessing occupant comfort and functionality in environments affected by low‑frequency horizontal motion.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original publication date is August 1984 (Edition 1). According to ISO lifecycle records the document has been reviewed and confirmed within ISO’s review process (confirmation recorded in 2025), and it remains the published version of ISO 6897. Users should check national/members' bodies or ISO for any later amendments or national adoptions before relying on the text for regulatory decisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 6897 is part of the broader body of ISO work on human response to vibration (ICS 13.160) and is typically used together with other ISO standards such as the ISO 2631 series (evaluation of whole‑body vibration in buildings and other contexts) and measurement/instrumentation standards like ISO 8041.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑frequency horizontal motion, human response, occupant comfort, vibration criteria, buildings, offshore structures, ISO 6897, 0.063–1 Hz.