Our experience in noise in high rise buildings shows that the most significant operational noise within a building is impact noise from people walking on or moving objects across a hard floor surface. This noise is a product of the noise source (often children) and the building construction (slab type, thickness and type of ceiling installed). A soft floor covering (eg carpet) is the most effective means to control impact noise. However, timber and the tiled system can still be used if an impact insulation layers are used under the surface. To assist in the understanding of this noise Palmer Acoustics have prepared a details guideline on the issues involved and means to meet BCA compliance (see enclosed). It should be noted that the compliance limits under the BCA do not ensure a good level of amenity and if a floor meets the BCA LnTw + Ci of ≤ 62, often lower residents will complain bitterly about the level of noise. The levels of impact insulation can be tested using a tapping machine (as shown above).
Floor Impact Noise
