Acoustic Performance of Floors Made of Composite Panels

Airborne and impact sound insulation of composite panels arranged in different configurations were investigated in this study. The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) in the building industry is growing; however, poor acoustic performance is a critical issue for their general employment in residential buildings. The study aimed to investigate possible methods of improvement. The principal research question involved the development of a composite floor satisfying acoustic expectations in dwellings. The study was based on the results of laboratory measurements. The airborne sound insulation of single panels was too low to meet any requirements. The double structure improved the sound insulation radically at middle and high frequencies but the single number values were still not satisfactory. Finally, the panel equipped with the suspended ceiling and floating screed achieved adequate level of performance. Regarding impact sound insulation, the lightweight floor coverings were ineffective and they even enhanced sound transmission in the middle frequency range. Heavy floating screeds behaved much better but the improvement was too small to satisfy acoustic requirements in residential buildings. The composite floor with a dry floating screed and a suspended ceiling appeared satisfactory with respect to airborne and impact sound insulation; the single number values were R_w (C; C_tr) = 61 (-2; -7) dB, and L_n,w = 49 dB, respectively. The results and conclusions outline directions for further development of an effective floor structure.