Translation between existing impact sound insulation descriptors, based on a large set of in situ measurements

The need for revision and harmonization of sound insulation descriptors is generally accepted among most building acoustics specialists. Undoubtedly, if all countries used the same descriptors, it would be a great advantage to all the sectors related to the building construction industry, legislators and final users. Concerning sound insulation regulations, the most common impact sound insulation descriptors used are L’nT,w and L’n,w. In some countries, the spectral adaptation term CI is also considered, including different frequency ranges, which widens the choices for impact sound insulation descriptors used in regulations. The purpose of this paper is to determine, based on a large set of in situ measurements, how existing impact sound insulation descriptors relate to new proposed ones, in order to be able to make empirical translations of descriptors. The effect of the spectral adaptation term CI and the effect of the building system (heavyweight/lightweight floors) are also analyzed. Based on the tra...