Pre-completion Testing

The requirements are set out in Section 1 of Approved Document E. Guidance on wall and floor constructions which, if correctly built, would meet the necessary performance standards is given in Sections 2 to 6.

Other construction types and materials can also be used, but all elements must be tested on-site (pre-completion) to demonstrate compliance with the performance criteria in Table 01.

The details given here are intended as a guide to designers and acousticians and are not guaranteed of themselves to satisfy the regulations. Designers should bear in mind that the performance of acoustic systems can be adversely affected by poor detailing and workmanship.

The floor construction shown in Figure 03 has the potential to meet the performance criteria for Approved Document E.

The results for airborne and impact sound reduction are shown in Figures 04 and 05.

Flanking transmission (the unwanted passage of sound through adjoining walls, ducts and pipework) can reduce the acoustic performance of the floor. The simplest way to isolate the screed from perimeter walls and other structures is to turn the edge of the QUASH™ EF up the wall to finish above the screed; alternatively, a suitable edge strip may be used. Service pipes and ducts must be isolated from the structural floor and the floating screed and all penetrations adequately sealed. Further guidance on detailing to prevent flanking transmission is given in Approved Document E.