The influence of dry screed floor structures on the impact sound level of solid timber and timber frame ceiling systems

Abstract

Fulfilling the requirements on impact sound insulation in wooden buildings is still a challenge, especially if higher comfort classes are also being considered. In order to meet this challenge, the floor structure is usually designed as a floating cement screed. With regard to avoid the introduction of significant amounts of moisture and accelerating the construction process, the application of floating dry screed versions would be considerably advantageous. In a study, the sound insulation potential of dry screed variants on light weight base floors in timber construction was empirically investigated. The measurements were carried out on a wooden beam bare ceiling (timber frame) and a solid wood bare ceiling (CLT) in a test stand for ceilings according to ISO 10140. The effect and interaction of the dry screed layers, the screed weights, the type and arrangement of the impact sound insulation and the type of filling were compared. The results show how the impact sound insulation potential of the dry screed structures on wooden bare floors can be optimized through a suitable arrangement of the layers and the choice of material. Favourable values can be achieved not only in the classical building acoustics frequency range but for certain variants also in the frequency range below 100 Hz