Investigating Objective Approaches for Assessing Impact Sound Insulation in Ceiling Systems Under Heavy/Soft Impact Excitation

Abstract

Objective evaluations of ceiling constructions are becoming increasingly significant due to advancements in the construction industry and rising resident complaints, particularly those concerning disturbances from low-frequency noise (<100 Hz). It is important to determine the required values for the maximum impact noise level in residential buildings. While the standard outlines a procedure for determining this level, there are no specific requirements for ceiling constructions related to heavy excitation sources. This study compares four different approaches for rating noise levels in the frequency range of 50 to 630Hz based on LA,Fmax. Through a numerical case study, the research reveals a linear deviation in the ISO-defined procedures based on a room’s volume and reverberation time, while also highlighting the differences in the outcomes of the evaluation between the four methods due to their distinct reference curve approaches. The findings indicate that no single evaluation procedure has emerged as definitively more reliable, thereby emphasizing the need for further investigation into the perception of impact noise and the establishment of standardized requirements.