Floor impact noise—The history and future of ASTM E3133

Abstract

The fundamental purpose of ASTM E3133 is to provide a test method for rating the relative noisiness of floor impacts (e.g., footfalls, dropped objects, and rolling carts) on a variety of finished flooring products. Unlike previous impact noise standards which only address the impact noise radiated to other nearby spaces, the focus of this test method is to evaluate the noise radiating into the source room where the floor impacts occur. Health care facilities and performing arts venues are an obvious application, but data of this type may also be important in other facility types including schools, churches, and courtrooms. Major flooring product manufacturers have been asking for this type of standardized test data for many years. This presentation will highlight the work conducted over the last decade in the development of this standard, culminating in the adoption of the standard in 2018, its recent withdrawal, and plans for a future revision.