Laboratory Sound Insulation Measurements of Improved Timber Floor Constructions: A Parametric Survey

Abstract

An extensive measurement survey of timber floor constructions has been carried out by the acoustics laboratory of the Belgian Building Research Institute [1]. The basis of this study was the airborne and structure-borne sound insulation measured on a bare joist floor with OSB (Oriented Strand Board) sub floor. By adding different floor toppings and gypsum board ceilings to the basic floor construction, gradual improvements were recorded. A large number of floors are evaluated in the laboratory and formed a database for parametric studies. Improvements due to cavity absorption, floating floors and suspended ceilings were quantified and ranked by effectiveness. Measurement results revealed remarkable differences between floating floor systems. In addition, sound insulation measurements have been performed on joist floors with concrete toppings. The so-called mixed concrete-timber floors provide a higher mechanical resistance. The effect of the bonding and topping type on the airborne and structure borne sound insulation has been examined in the laboratory. The results of this additional research are briefly compared to traditional floor systems and compared with the (future) Belgian standard values. An overall evaluation of the acoustic relevance of timber floor partitions in and between dwellings is also made.