Field measurements of airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms, one on top of the other, with beam and pot floor structures

Airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms are two relevant quantities in evaluating the acoustic performance of buildings. In this study we report the measurements of the apparent sound reduction index R' and normalized impact sound pressure level L-n' between rooms, one on top of the other. In the tests carried out, the horizontal separating element between the two spaces was formed by the ceiling (plaster layer), a beam and pot floor construction and floor covering (terrazzo floor or parquet), with no floating floor. Based on field measurement results, a mass law was obtained for the apparent weighted sound reduction index R-w' and for the weighted normalized impact sound pressure level L-n,L-w' for this type of separating floors between flats. A link can be seen between R' and L-n' versus frequency, and the sum of R-w' and L-n,L-w'. These results were then compared with those proposed in standards EN 12354. Parts 1 and 2 and the differences were analysed.