Low frequency impact noise floors insulation by source of impact noise

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the sound pressure level generated by different types of impact noise sources in buildings at frequencies between 80 - 400 Hz using different floor combinations and resilient materials for the flooring system. Measurements were conducted using two sources of impact noise, a tapping machine modified according to international standards and a non-standard 5 kg punching bag. Three types of floor (bare slab, ceramic flooring and laminated flooring) and two resilient materials (glass wool and EVA) were used. Impact noise sources were placed in four different positions. Data were collected at 16 microphone positions in the receiving room, and analyses were performed for 4, 12 and 16 microphone positions. It was concluded that the impact sound pressure level (LnT) present in the receiving room under excitation with the modified tapping machine varies according to the type of resilient material used, while for the non-standard impact noise source the results in terms of maximum impact sound pressure level (Li, max) vary largely according to the different types of flooring used, especially in the 80 Hz band. In this case, the resilient material also influences the sound pressure levels, but not as much as it influences the pressure levels of the standard source.