Floor Impact Sound Testing | Strata & Body Corporate Acoustic Compliance

Introduction

AACG provides floor impact sound assessments and testing for residential and mixed-use developments across Australia.

Services cover:

  • Pre-installation design assessment
  • Post-installation acoustic testing
  • Strata acoustic compliance (NSW)
  • Body corporate acoustic compliance (QLD)

We deliver measurable, compliant, and defensible acoustic outcomes aligned with NCC requirements and real-world building performance.

When You Need Impact Sound Assessment or Testing

Impact sound assessment or testing is required where:

  • Multi-residential developments require NCC acoustic compliance
  • Floor systems must be designed to meet impact sound insulation targets
  • A strata acoustic compliance issue has been raised (NSW)
  • A body corporate acoustic complaint requires investigation (QLD)
  • Post-construction verification is required for certification or dispute resolution

This commonly applies to:

  • Apartments and multi-residential buildings
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Refurbishments involving floor finishes

Impact Sound Requirements (NCC)

Impact sound transmission is regulated under the NCC for separating floor systems.

Compliance typically requires:

  • Achieving defined impact sound insulation performance (Ln,w)
  • Limiting transmission of footfall and structure-borne noise
  • Demonstrating compliance through design or field testing

Performance depends on:

  • Floor construction type
  • Floor coverings and underlay systems
  • Ceiling systems below
  • Installation quality

Pre-Installation Assessment (Design Phase)

AACG provides design-phase assessments to define compliant floor systems before construction.

This includes:

  • Review of architectural and structural drawings
  • Assessment of proposed floor-ceiling systems
  • Identification of required acoustic treatments
  • Selection of compliant floor finishes and underlays

Outputs include:

  • Defined floor system build-ups
  • Performance targets
  • Coordination with project documentation

This reduces:

  • Risk of non-compliance
  • Costly redesign
  • Post-construction failures

Post-Installation Testing (Verification)

AACG undertakes field testing to verify installed floor performance.

Testing includes:

  • Measurement of impact sound transmission using standardised methods
  • Determination of Ln,w performance
  • Identification of compliance with NCC requirements

Where issues are identified, AACG provides:

  • Diagnostic assessment of failure causes
  • Recommendations for rectification
  • Support for compliance resolution

Strata Acoustic Compliance (NSW)

AACG provides assessments for strata acoustic compliance in New South Wales.

This includes:

  • Investigation of impact noise complaints between units
  • Verification of floor system performance
  • Assessment of modifications (e.g. hard flooring installations)

Reports are suitable for:

  • Strata managers
  • Owners corporations
  • Legal or dispute resolution processes

Outputs are:

  • Measured performance results
  • Clear compliance position
  • Defendable technical documentation

Body Corporate Acoustic Compliance (QLD)

AACG provides assessments for body corporate acoustic compliance in Queensland.

This includes:

  • Investigation of impact noise transmission between lots
  • Assessment of floor coverings and building systems
  • Verification against applicable acoustic performance expectations

Reports support:

  • Body corporate decision-making
  • Dispute resolution
  • Compliance verification

Testing Methodology

AACG testing is undertaken in accordance with:

  • AS ISO 140.7
  • AS ISO 717.2

Testing involves:

  • Standardised impact sources (tapping machine)
  • Measurement within receiving rooms
  • Analysis of sound transmission characteristics

Results are reported as:

  • Weighted impact sound levels (Ln,w)
  • Compliance against applicable criteria

Common Performance Issues

Impact sound failures commonly result from:

  • Inadequate acoustic underlay systems
  • Incorrect installation of floor finishes
  • Flanking transmission paths
  • Lightweight construction without sufficient treatment

AACG identifies these issues and defines practical solutions.

Our Reports

AACG impact sound reports are:

  • Prepared for NCC compliance and certification
  • Suitable for strata and body corporate use
  • Structured for clear technical interpretation

Each report includes:

  • Site-specific testing or assessment
  • Measured or predicted performance
  • Compliance assessment
  • Practical recommendations

Our Process

AACG applies a structured approach:

  • Review of project or complaint context
  • Identification of applicable compliance requirements
  • Assessment or testing of floor systems
  • Analysis of results
  • Development of clear recommendations

Outputs are:

  • Defendable
  • Practical
  • Suitable for implementation

Our Quality

AACG reports are defined by:

  • Accurate field testing and analysis
  • Alignment with recognised standards
  • Consistent documentation structure
  • Focus on compliance outcomes

Each assessment is controlled and site-specific.

Our Commercial Approach

Impact sound issues can result in:

  • Costly rectification works
  • Project delays
  • Disputes between occupants

AACG ensures:

  • Risks are identified early (design phase)
  • Failures are diagnosed clearly (post-construction)
  • Solutions are practical and targeted

This reduces unnecessary cost and supports resolution.

Our Guarantees

AACG provides:

  • Clear and defendable compliance outcomes
  • Consistent, professional reporting
  • Support for both design and post-construction phases

We also provide:

  • Coordination with builders and consultants
  • Support for strata and body corporate matters
  • Ongoing advice where rectification is required

Request a Floor Impact Sound Assessment or Test

AACG will:

  • Review your project or compliance issue
  • Identify required assessment or testing scope
  • Provide a clear pathway to compliance

Complete an enquiry form to receive a fee proposal, including defined scope of works & lead time.

Fee proposals for smaller projects are typically issued same-day or within 24 hours.

ENQUIRE NOW