On the use of a small-sized acoustic chamber for the analysis of impact sound reduction by floor coverings

The use of new technical solutions to minimize the impact noise generated in dwellings is progressively becoming more frequent and in some countries mandatory due to current regulations. EN ISO 140-8 proposes an objective methodology for characterization of impact noise reduction, but it requires that adequate large scale laboratory facilities are available, fulfilling the requirements of the EN ISO 140 standards. However, in the development of new solutions in the research stage or for direct comparison among technical solutions, alternative evaluation methods may be used, avoiding the full cost of large-scale tests in traditional acoustic chambers. In this work, the authors address the use of a reduced size acoustic chamber to study the impact noise reduction provided by different types of floor treatments, assessing its limitations and applicability. With this aim, a small concrete chamber has been built, characterized and used to test a number of floor treatments. Final results provided by the proposed system are compared with in-situ measurements obtained for the same types of treatments, indicating a very similar behavior for both the test facilities.