BS EN ISO 10140-3: 2021

What is ISO 10140-3 about?

ISO 10140-3 is the third part of multiple series that specifies laboratory methods for measuring the impact sound insulation of floor assemblies. The test results can be used to compare the sound insulation properties of building elements, classify elements according to their sound insulation capabilities, help design building products that require certain acoustic properties and estimate the in-situ performance of incomplete buildings.

A test method is specified that uses the standard tapping machine (see ISO 10140‑5:2010, ISO 10140‑5:2021, Annex E) to simulate impact sources like human footsteps when a person is wearing shoes. This part of ISO 10140 is applicable alternative test methods, using a modified tapping machine or a heavy/soft impact source (see ISO 10140‑5:2021, Annex F) to all types of floors simulate impact sources with strong low-frequency components, such as human footsteps (whether heavyweight bare feet) or lightweight) with all types of floors covering children jumping, are also specified. The test method applies only to laboratory measurements.

NOTE - The measurements are performed in laboratory test facilities in which sound transmission via flanking paths is suppressed. The results of measurements made in accordance with this part of ISO 10140-3 are not applied directly to the field situation without accounting for other factors affecting sound insulation, such as flanking transmission, boundary conditions, and loss factor.

The procedures used to determine the energy average sound pressure level corrected for background noise and the reverberation time are specified in ISO 101404:2021.

Who is ISO 10140-3 for? 

ISO 10140-3 on laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements is useful for:

• Testing acoustic laboratory  
• Construction industry 
• Civil engineer 
• Building contractor 
• Manufacturer of industrial production 
• Investigator of acoustic 
• Land surveyor of acoustic 

Why should you use ISO 10140-3? 

Impact sound transmission is typically measured in-situ with a tapping machine that uses steel-faced hammers to strike a test surface and generate sound in an adjacent space which can be recorded or monitored. 

Currently, good insulation means comfortable premises. The constant increase in noise has become a serious problem. Therefore, acoustic insulation needs to be improved continuously so as to achieve relief comfort inside the premises. 

ISO 10140-3 is the prime way to measure the impact sound insulation by the test procedure. It enables to assess the sound insulation. 

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN ISO 10140-3:2021 supersedes BS EN ISO 101403:2010+A1:2015, which is withdrawn.

The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• All references in the text have been updated
• In clause 2, the normative references have been updated
• In clause 3, the terms and definitions have been updated
• In 5.2, the third paragraph has been added