New system for measuring impact vibration on floor decking sheets.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Acoustics
• Structural Engineering

Background:

• Limited materials are currently available for attenuating impact noise and building vibrations.
• Existing methods for determining material properties like elastic modulus and acoustic insulation are complex and expensive.
• Elastic materials used in construction require very low elastic modulus values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified and economical alternative system for evaluating impact noise and vibration attenuation.
• To establish a relationship between material properties and acoustic performance according to Spanish standards.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel system utilizing a predefined striking device and a capacitive sensor.
• Measurement of energy absorbed by a plate through its deformation following an impact.
• Analysis of the relationship between plate deformation, absorbed energy, and acoustic insulation.

Main Results:

• The proposed system offers a more accessible and economical approach to material evaluation.
• It allows for the determination of energy absorption based on plate deformation.
• Potential for defining optimal plate geometries for desired acoustic performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed system provides a practical method for assessing materials used in impact noise and vibration control.
• This approach can simplify the process of selecting and designing materials for acoustic insulation in buildings.
• Further research will correlate measured values with acoustic requirements set by Spanish standards.