Natural vegetal fibbers as a new resilient layer for floating floors

Abstract

This paper presents a new use for a product made with low cost natural fibbers from vegetal by-products (coconuts coir) to be used as a resilient layer for floating floors to increase impact sound insulation. The acoustic behaviour was characterized by in situ measurements using concrete floors in accordance with standards EN 140-7 and 717-2. The use of this material in floating floors showed in laboratorial measurements a weighted impact sound improvement index (DLw) of 18 and 22 dB. On site, the improvement of the floating floor regarding the naked structural slab was found to be from 15 to 27 dB. Predictions based on current models were also made for the solution in study. As conclusion, the consequences of real construction applications of this product are commented regarding the reproduction of the now achieved results. Note of some limitations are also given regarding the methodology bias that can be introduced in the final results, particularly when in presence of structures with reduced airborne sound insulation.