[Let's Run Again K Construction] Tackling Interfloor Noise with Korea's First '5-Layer Floor Structure' Technology

Comparison of Existing Floor Structure and 5-Layer Floor Structure Cross-Section for Reducing Interfloor Noise (Data provided by GS Construction)

[Asia Economy Reporter Tae-min Ryu] GS Engineering & Construction has successfully developed a series of cutting-edge technologies related to inter-floor noise, achieving the highest standards in South Korea. As inter-floor noise increasingly determines the quality of life in residential environments, the company is set to lead the industry by introducing technologies that address structural issues.

Recently, GS Engineering & Construction developed a ‘5-layer floor structure’ that goes beyond the existing 4-layer floor structure to drastically reduce apartment inter-floor noise. This is the first 5-layer floor technology in South Korea to apply three wet processes?base layer, intermediate layer, and finishing layer?in the floor finishing of individual apartment units. This marks a significant step toward securing noise reduction technology that meets the strengthened inter-floor noise regulations announced by the government last August.

The newly developed 5-layer floor structure increases the floor finishing thickness above the concrete slab from the existing 110?120 mm to approximately 140 mm. Additionally, by using a high-elasticity cushioning material and applying a total of five floor layers, inter-floor noise has been dramatically improved.

This method involves constructing the base layer on the slab using a wet process, installing the high-elasticity cushioning material, processing the intermediate layer with a heavier wet process than conventional foam concrete, and then applying a cement mortar finishing layer to create a total of five floor layers. Notably, by adding the base layer, floor flatness is secured, improving the construction quality of subsequent processes. At the same time, the thickness of the cushioning material, intermediate layer, and finishing layer is maintained without reduction, maximizing weight to achieve optimal inter-floor noise reduction.

GS Engineering & Construction had already received test results of 37 dB for both lightweight and heavyweight impact noise from the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL) in January using its self-developed 4-layer floor structure. This corresponds to a first-grade rating under the strengthened standards (lightweight and heavyweight impact noise of 37 dB or less) implemented this August. The 5-layer floor structure upgrades this by adding an additional layer to further reduce inter-floor noise.

There are two key factors in the competitive development of inter-floor noise technologies among construction companies: whether the performance achieved in the laboratory can be realized in actual apartment construction, and whether uniform floor quality can be maintained across all apartments. The 5-layer floor structure developed by GS Engineering & Construction applies the base layer uniformly and does not differ significantly from existing construction methods, making it applicable to large-scale apartment projects. It is also designed to maintain consistent floor quality at any site, addressing both aspects effectively.

In addition, GS Engineering & Construction has completed the development of a method to reduce inter-floor noise by installing a shock-absorbing device called a ‘vibration isolation mount’ under the floor and has secured a patent for it. This technology applies vibration isolation mounts, typically used on machine room floors, to apartment floors to significantly reduce inter-floor noise. By adjusting the height and spacing of the vibration isolation mounts, vibration isolation design can be tailored to impact characteristics, effectively controlling inter-floor noise. Notably, the mounts for shock absorption use materials that ensure long-term durability instead of conventional rubber materials.

A GS Engineering & Construction representative stated, "The developed inter-floor noise reduction method has completed the demonstration phase at apartment sites and is currently undergoing performance improvement work. Once certified, it will be sequentially applied to new apartment construction sites."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.