ASTM E3133-18

5.1 This standard provides a method to measure the level of sound power generated in a room by impacts on a given floor surface within the same room. The test results could be used to compare the relative sound power of tapping machine impact noise on various finished floor surfaces. The resulting data could be used for comparing relative levels of unwanted noise from footfalls and objects accidentally dropped on the floor.

5.2 The spectrum and level of the sound power produced by floor impacts is determined by:

5.3 This test method is based on the use of a standard tapping machine of the type specified in 8.1 placed in specific positions on the floor. This machine produces a continuous series of uniform impacts at a uniform rate on a test floor and generates broadband sound pressure levels that are sufficiently high to make measurements possible with most floor types even in the presence of background noise. The tapping machine itself, however, is not designed to simulate any one type of impact, such as produced by male or female footsteps.

5.4 Because of its portable design, the tapping machine does not simulate the weight of a human walker. The degree of correlation between the results of tapping machine tests in the laboratory and the subjective acceptance of floors under typical conditions of domestic impact excitation is uncertain. The correlation will depend on both the type of floor construction and the nature of the impact excitation in the building.

5.5 This test method is not intended for field tests.

1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of impact sound radiation from floor structures using a standardized tapping machine. While the finished floor surface is usually the primary factor, it must be noted that the floor structure below the finished floor also plays a major role in the level of noise generated in the source room by impacts to the floor surface. As a result, the report must include a full description of the complete floor structure and its support (for example, perimeter support only, multiple point supports, or full continuous support like a slab on grade). It is assumed that the impact sound generated by the tapping machine in the test room is a good approximation to a diffuse sound field.

1.2 Measurements may be conducted on floor structures of all kinds, including those with floating-floor or suspended ceiling elements, or both, and floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of floor-surfacing or floor-covering materials.

1.3 This test method prescribes a uniform procedure for reporting laboratory test data in both one-third-octave-band and overall A-weighted sound power levels generated by the tapping machine impacts on the floor structure (test specimen).

1.4 Laboratory Accreditation—The requirements for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method are given in Annex A2.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.