Effect of modulation on perceived annoyance of floor impact noise

Abstract

Floor impact noise generation depends on the configuration of multistory building structures. In this study the sound radiation mechanisms between the two different structural configuration are compared through experimentation using laboratory setup of the scaled model. The transfer of vibration energy from external impact source is calculated and compared with the measured results. Parameters affecting the radiated sound energy are determined and evaluated. The in and out-of phase vibrations of the building floors resulted in tonal sound radiation at two-closely located frequencies which resulted in modulated floor impact sound. This modulation increased the perceived annoyance of residents. Eventually, a design method to efficiently reduce the floor impact sound is proposed.