Classification of heavy-weight floor impact sounds based on perceptual noise levels and annoyance

Abstract

The current subjective system of classifying floor impact sound levels is insufficient and requires more accurate classification criteria Statements describing floor impact sound are collected and used to create a new statement-based scale using the equal-appearing interval scale method. An auditory experiment was conducted measuring annoyance levels and using the new statement scale to establish a floor impact noise standard in apartment buildings. Floor impact sounds from impact ball were recorded; the impact sound pressure level (SPL) and the temporal decay rate (DR) were analyzed. For the experiment, A-weighted exposure levels of the heavyweight floor impact sounds ranging from 34 to 73 dB were evaluated at 3 dB intervals. Participants used a 7-point verbal scale (annoyance level) and the new 7-pt statement scale. Consequently, a floor impact sound classification based on response statement was proposed.