Impact Noise Rating of Resilient Floors

The paper embodies a description of the investigation under Indian conditions on the reduction of impact noises by resilient type of floors. The intermediate floor of a double storey impact chamber is covered with different kinds of resilient materials sandwiched between two hard floors. These floors are tested with the ISO hammer to determine the resultant impact noise isolation.

Noises from foot fall and movement of furniture constitute the bulk of impact noises in schools and office buildings. In dwellings however one may find additional sources of impact noises which emanate mostly from the kitchen. The latter have also been covered in this investigation. The character of the impact noises as measured in the receiving room are compared with those from the impact hammer generator. The comparison yields the desired standard curve¹ IS = 0, which provides under Indian situation the basis for rating of floors for isolation of impact noises. The reliability of this curve as a basis for impact noise rating of floors is checked through a correlation curve between the IS rating number and the corresponding loudness level. A linear relationship is observed which confirms the reliability of the derived theoretical curve.

Rating numbers of different types of indigenous resilient materials in sandwich construction are also given according to the FHA and FR (Flat Rating) standards. A comparison of the three correlations of rating numbers with loudness levels reveal that the derived Indian standard curve provides the best correlation. It is thus acceptable for impact noise rating of floors in India.