In modern construction, the challenge of creating functional and tranquil environments within compact spaces is more pressing than ever. Noise and vibration from mechanical systems, fitness centres, or external sources like traffic and trains can disrupt operations and experiences.
Imagine designing a hotel with a ballroom, fitness centre, and yoga studio placed in close proximity. Each space must operate independently without noise or vibration leakage. Or consider urban environments where live performance venues are adjacent to quiet offices or recording spaces. Additionally, rooftop installations of chillers and FAHUs require isolation to prevent vibration from impacting the floors below.
According to this article on how a concrete floating floor can reduce vibration and noise, the team at Oakwhite highlights that a concrete floating floor, which moves independently to the main floor and ceiling, can provide the ideal solution provided that the floor can take the weight, reiterating that floating floors indeed provide a sophisticated solution to noise and vibration by isolating spaces effectively, ensuring that each area of the establishment functions as intended without interference from its surroundings.
RIM Floating Floor is an easy-to-install, high-performance noise control system. The rolls of RIM use acoustic batting to prespace isolation pads, which form an airspace—an essential component for noise control.
This premier rollout system easily creates an airspace of 1 to 4 inches and incorporates a high-performance resilient decoupler. The isolation material with Model KIP isolators selected and spaced according to design criteria offers major advantages over other systems, as represented in Figure B below.
Installation labour is substantially reduced, as it is easier to roll out batting with pre-spaced isolators versus measuring for and placing individual isolation mounts. This feature also ensures that the system will reach the high levels of expected performance. This system is designed to meet requirements for: load capacity, natural frequency/pad deflection, and acoustical performance.
At the core of RIM’s acoustic performance is the KIP Pad. (image c) Uniquely permanent and dynamically predictable, this isolation medium provides freedom of design due to its stable natural frequency across a wide range of variable loading situations. The pads are available in different sizes and densities, and the spacing can be adjusted in the roll of RIM.
Installation is efficient and straightforward. Each roll of RIM is designed so the pads line up seamlessly with the adjacent unrolled material. Once all the material is laid out, it is either covered with a concrete pouring form or structural concrete panels.
For structures that cannot support the weight of concrete, alternative solutions are available, such as replacing concrete with a wood composite.
Wood Floating Floor
RIM System wood floated floors are ideally suited for dance studios, loft-style condominiums, recording studios, and other applications where high-performance noise control is required in conjunction with a lower profile, light weight assembly. A RIM System floated wood floor surpasses the performance of continuous underlayment due to the airspace and lower natural frequency created by the KIP pads spaced at 12-, 16-, or 24-inches on center.
RIM systems can be supplied to fit any load condition. In the cases of free weight drops like those seen in fitness centres, please consider that lightweight composite floors can prove insufficient standing up to shock loads. Damage to the lightweight floor and isolators can occur depending on the impact/shock loads. Contact Kinetics for guidance when designing these projects.
Benefits
- Can be designed for any load range
- Easy to create 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch airspaces
- Fast, simple, inexpensive installation
- Optional channels or nailers can be used for stiffness and increased airspace.
These options ensure that the RIM system remains versatile and adaptable to varying structural requirements. These innovative features make RIM the go-to solution for diverse noise and vibration challenges.
At Kinetics Group, we understand that creating spaces isolated from noise and vibration is a critical challenge for modern designers. Our floating floor systems are engineered to meet the most demanding requirements, offering a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for noise insulation and impact noise reduction.
In the last quarter alone, Kinetics installed over 4,000 sqm of floating floors, solidifying our position as industry leaders and the go-to experts for floating floor installations.
Watch this video from the Kinetics group showing a full installation of a concrete floating floor.
With a proven track record of excellence, Kinetics Group is your partner in designing spaces that are as serene as they are functional. Discover the possibilities of Kinetics floating floor systems for your next project. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve unparalleled noise and vibration isolation.
References;
https://www.oakwhite.com/how-a-concrete-floating-floor-can-reduce-vibration-and-noise/
https://kineticsgroup.ae/product/kip-fibreglass-pads-1/
https://kineticsnoise.com/rim/wood/rollout-isolation-material