REDUCTION IN IMPACT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (ΔL) (ISO 10140-3 AND 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 opportunity to determine the reduction in impact sound pressure level ΔLw for all types of floor coverings under laboratory conditions. ΔLw indicates how much the floor covering reduces the impact sound level Ln,w of an uncovered bare floor slab.

Suitable Floor Coverings

The method is intended for all types of floor coverings:

  • Carpets
  • Parquet and laminate with underlay
  • Floating floors
  • Raised access floors
  • Solid layers
  • Coatings

Measurement Method

The measurement is conducted according to ISO 10140-3, and the determination of the reduction is performed according to ISO 717-2. During the test, the floor covering is installed on a reference slab, and the improvement provided by the covering is determined by measuring the impact sound pressure level first on the bare reference slab and then on the covered reference slab. The reduction ΔL is obtained as the difference between these two measurements. The sound source used is a tapping machine that produces uniform hammer impacts on the floor. Figure 1 illustrates the determination method.

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

The reduction ΔL of the floor covering is primarily determined on a reinforced concrete slab. However, the result does not necessarily apply to timber intermediate floors. Any other lightweight intermediate floor not listed can also be constructed in measurement opening C.

Figure 1. Determination of ΔLw for a floor covering.

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 insulations are measured in openings C and D

The floor covering for a concrete slab is installed in opening D (Figure 3 left). The maximum dimensions of the specimen installed on the concrete slab are 4030 x 2430 mm

The floor covering intended for a timber joist floor is installed in opening C (Figure 3 right). The maximum dimensions of the specimen installed on the timber floor are 4030 x 2430 mm.

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.