IMPACT SOUND INSULATION OF A FLOOR STRUCTURE (ISO 10140-3, ISO 717-2)
Why
In Finland, regulations concerning the impact sound insulation of floors are comparatively strict by international standards. These requirements are presented in the Ministry of the Environment’s decree on sound environments and the supporting guideline. Bare floors alone do not meet the requirements for residential construction, but with appropriate floor coverings, compliance can be achieved.
Turku UAS offers building product manufacturers the possibility to determine the impact sound insulation of floor structures (including impact sound insulation ratings Ln,w and Ln,w+ CI,50-2500) under laboratory conditions.
Airborne sound insulation can also be determined at the same time.
Products and structures to be tested
- Timber roofs and floors
- Steel roofs and floors
- Roofs and floors constructed on the reference slab available in the laboratory
The floor structure is built in place in the laboratory. The floor rests on steel support beams. The load-bearing capacity is max. 825 kg/m², including live load.
Reference Slab Options:
- Reinforced concrete 160 mm, opening D
- CLT 140 mm (timber), opening C
- CLT 260 mm (timber), opening C
- Open box slab 372 mm (timber), opening C
Measurement method
The measurement is conducted according to ISO 10140-3, and the determination of the impact sound insulation according to ISO 717-2. The sound source used is a standard tapping machine, which produces uniform hammer impacts on the floor surface. If necessary, the measurement can also be performed using a rubber ball (impact ball), which is an alternative impact sound source defined in the ISO standard. Figure 1 illustrates the determination method when using the tapping machine.
Figure 1. Impact sound pressure level at different frequencies f and impact sound insulation ratings according to ISO 717-2 for a specific floor structure.
FINAS Accreditation
The laboratory is FINAS accredited for this test method.
The full scope of the laboratory’s FINAS accreditation is described here: https://akustiikka.turkuamk.fi/en/accreditation/
Note: FINAS accreditation applies only to results provided in the form of a signed test report
Dimensions of the Test Specimen
Figure 2 shows the laboratory floor plans. Impact sound insulation is measured in openings C and D.
A lightweight floor structure is built in opening C (Figure 3 right). The maximum dimensions of the structural component installed on top of the timber slab are 4030 x 2430 mm. The maximum dimensions of the structure installed below the timber slab are 4100 x 2505 mm.
The 160 mm reinforced concrete reference slab is permanently fixed in opening D (Figure 3 left). The maximum dimensions of the structure installed on top of the concrete slab are 4030 x 2430 mm. The maximum dimensions of the structure installed below the concrete slab are 4100 x 2507 mm.
All dimensions must be verified during the design of the structures.
Figure 2. Laboratory floor plans.
Figure 3. Sections of openings D and C. Specimen dimensions are verified with the client during the quotation phase.
Delivery and Location
The laboratory is located at Joukahaisenkatu 7, 20520 Turku. Instructions for deliveries can be found here.