The objective and subjective evaluation of Heavy-weight Floor Impact Noise in Box Frame-type Structures

Low frequency heavy-weight impact sound is the most irritating noise in Korean high-rise load bearing wall system reinforced concrete apartment buildings. In order to control low frequency heavy-weight impact noise, floating floors using damping materials or isolation materials such as glass-wool mat and poly-urethane mat and ceiling, wall insulation material were applied. The effect of damping materials and impact isolators were compared in on-site experiment conducted in a high-rise apartment building. In addition, reinforcement of concrete slab using beams and plate was analyzed, using the FEM on the heavy-weight impact vibration acceleration. It was found that one influential factor in floor impact noise transmission is the thickness of the concrete slab. The objective and subjective evaluation of different sound insulation treatments, and acoustical characteristics of these sounds were clarified by using the factors extracted from the autocorrelation and interaural cross-correlation functions.