Abstract:
The sound isolation efficiencies of structural materials in reinforced concrete structures, in which floor impact noise was considered as the major source of residents’ complaints were investigated. Floor, walls and ceiling were selectively treated, and the floor impact noise was measured using standard noise sources such as the bang machine and the tapping machine. Auditory experiments were also undertaken to determine the appropriate sound isolation treatment. Physical noise measurement data revealed that the isolation of retaining walls along with the floating floors minimized both the floor impact noise and its subjective loudness and annoyance. The reduction of floor impact noise level was maximized when the floor, walls and ceiling are all insulated.