SIST EN ISO 10140-3:2021 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 10140-3:2021 - "Acoustics - Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements - Part 3: Measurement of impact sound insulation" - specifies laboratory procedures for measuring the impact sound insulation of floor assemblies. The standard defines how to simulate impact sources (e.g., human footsteps) in a controlled test facility where flanking paths are suppressed, so results can be used to compare and classify floor constructions and to inform product design and performance estimation.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to all floor types (heavyweight and lightweight) and all floor coverings. Methods are strictly for laboratory measurements.
• Impact sources: Uses the standard tapping machine (see ISO 10140-5:2021, Annex E) to simulate shoe-borne footsteps; alternative methods (modified tapping machine or heavy/soft impact source - ISO 10140-5:2021, Annex F) are specified for sources with strong low-frequency content (bare feet, jumping).
• Test environment: Measurements are carried out in qualified laboratory facilities in which flanking transmission is suppressed. The standard details facility and equipment requirements referenced across ISO 10140 series.
• Measurement procedure: Covers generation of the sound field, data acquisition, data processing, and correction for airborne sound transmission where relevant.
• Results and reporting: Specifies how to express results, document measurement uncertainty, and prepare the required test report (including mounting/boundary conditions and test arrangement).
• Limitations: Emphasizes that laboratory values are not directly transferable to in situ building performance without accounting for factors such as flanking paths, boundary conditions and laboratory loss factor.

Practical applications and users

EN ISO 10140-3:2021 is used to:

• Compare and classify acoustic performance of floor assemblies and floor coverings.
• Support product development and quality control for flooring systems, resilient layers, ceiling/floor interfaces and isolation products.
• Provide laboratory test evidence for specifications, procurement, and regulatory compliance where laboratory impact sound insulation data are required.
• Estimate in-situ performance when combined with field assessments and corrections for flanking transmission.

Typical users:

• Acoustic consultants and building acousticians
• Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
• Flooring and building-material manufacturers
• Architects, structural and building services engineers
• Regulatory authorities and product specifiers

Related standards

• ISO 10140-1 (application rules for elements/products)
• ISO 10140-2 (airborne sound insulation laboratory measurements)
• ISO 10140-4 (basic measurement techniques and data processing)
• ISO 10140-5 (test facilities and equipment; tapping machine and impact sources)

Keywords: EN ISO 10140-3:2021, impact sound insulation, tapping machine, laboratory measurement, building acoustics, floor assemblies, flanking transmission, measurement uncertainty.