A new measurement method for floor-ceiling assembly performance with improved reproducibility

Abstract

ASTM standards are used to calculate a single number performance rating for floor-ceiling assembly impact noise. A higher number represents better performance, and a lower number represents poor performance. This number is calculated by placing a standard tapping machine on the floor and measuring the radiated sound pressure level (SPL) in the receiving room below. In theory, the performance of an assembly can be represented by just this calculated number. In practice, however, the same assembly tested in the same configuration can lead to a range of single-number ratings, instead of just one number. This variation primarily comes from the SPL measurement, which is highly variable in different parts of the room at low frequencies because of the existence of a non-diffuse sound field. This variation in SPL measurement for the ASTM standards leads to a high non-reproducibility which may cause confusion among the consultants and the clients. In our work, we are proposing a new measurement method with improved reproducibility in low frequencies.