Prediction of Heavy Weight Impact Sound in Apartment with Floating Floor Structure using Finite Element Analysis Method

In this study, a method for determining a floating floor that can optimally represent heavy-weight-impact sound insulation performance in an apartment was proposed using the finite element analysis method. The differences between the analytical and measured results for the floating floor structure were compared, and the results are as follows. After evaluating the A-weighted floor impact sound level using a rubber ball, PU foam showed a sound insulation of 45.4 dB by analysis and 46.5 dB by measurement, representing a deviation of 1.1 dB. On the other hand, EVA+EPS showed a sound insulation of 40.6 dB by analysis and 40.1 dB by measurement, representing a difference of 0.5 dB. The floor impact sound was predicted using the EVA+EPS model, and the optimal cross-sectional structure of the floating floor was determined through the prediction of the floor impact sound according to the dynamic stiffness. This research method can provide an optimal cross-section design process for floating floors in apartments with a completed plan design.