Sustainability and sound insulation—Impact sound insulation of lightweight floor constructions on base slabs in timber and lightweight solid construction

Timber construction and lightweight solid elements are sustainable options for modern building design. Lightweight floor constructions are essential for both, with slim, weight-reduced cross-sections enabling material savings and adhering to sustainability principles. In Germany, impact sound insulation requirements are defined in DIN 4109-1 (minimum sound insulation) and DIN 4109-5 (enhanced sound insulation). Floating screeds are necessary for compliance, as soft floor coverings (e.g., carpets) are not allowed in assessments according to the standard. Additional filling materials are required to increase the mass of base slabs to meet insulation standards. Reliable calculation methods for timber ceilings and lightweight solid slabs are lacking, leading to dependence on standardized reference constructions or previous designs. However, real-world building conditions often diverge from these references. This study investigates lightweight floor constructions on timber and lightweight solid slabs through literature reviews and practical measurements. Test setups on 1–2 m² ceiling sections evaluated various constructions, measuring standardized impact sound levels. Results indicate that sustainable timber and lightweight solid base slab constructions, paired with lightweight floor systems, can achieve high-quality impact sound insulation. While initial designs may follow reference models, ongoing research aims to predict performance deviations accurately, reducing reliance on additional testing.