Acoustics

Limiting the amount of sound that is transmitted between rooms is an  important consideration for the serviceability of buildings especially for residential, educational and health care buildings. For separating  constructions between dwellings, Part E of the Building Regulations requires that both airborne and impact sound transmission is addressed.

Acoustic insulation is often associated with high mass constructions. However, this is constructionally and economically inefficient and inappropriate for dry assembled construction. Acoustic insulation is best provided by a combination of mass, isolation of separate layers and sealing of joints. Furthermore, there is a need for resilient layers to be introduced to deal with the effect of impact sound, even in concrete floors.

All of these attributes are encompassed within the Slimdek system which, combined with appropriate interface details, can easily provide a suitable solution for acoustic insulation as has been proven by numerous acoustic tests conducted both on and off site.

Further information on the acoustic performance of Slimdek structures is given in SCI publication Acoustic Detailing for Steel Structures SCI-P-372.