Hard floor impact testing is required to verify that flooring systems in apartments and multi-residential buildings comply with acoustic performance requirements.
A hard floor impact test (LnT,w) measures the transmission of impact sound between floors, ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and AAAC guidance for field testing.
AACG delivers hard floor impact testing Australia-wide, providing compliant, repeatable testing for strata, body corporate, builders, and property owners, aligned with project approval and building requirements.
When You Need This
Hard floor impact testing is typically required when:
- Installing timber, tile, or hybrid flooring in apartments
- Strata or body corporate by-laws, approvals, or compliance requirements require verification
- Development consent or building approval requires acoustic testing
- New builds require post-construction compliance testing
- Existing flooring is being replaced or upgraded
Testing is commonly required before or after installation to confirm compliance with LnT,w performance criteria.
Applicable Standards / Requirements
Hard floor impact testing is governed by national construction requirements and industry standards.
National Construction Code (NCC)
- Defines minimum acoustic performance requirements for floor systems
- Establishes acceptable impact sound transmission levels
Australian Standards
- AS ISO 16283.2 — Field measurement of impact sound insulation
- AS/NZS ISO 717.2 — Rating of impact sound insulation (LnT,w)
Industry Guidance
- Association of Australasian Acoustical Consultants
Key criteria:
- LnT,w rating (weighted standardised impact sound pressure level)
- Compliance with project-specific or building requirements
- Repeatable, standardised field testing methodology
Assessment Methodology
AACG conducts hard floor impact testing using a structured, standard-compliant approach:
1. Site Preparation
- Identification of test locations
- Confirmation of floor and ceiling configurations
- Setup of measurement equipment
2. Impact Testing
- Use of a standard tapping machine
- Measurement of impact sound levels in receiving rooms below
- Multiple test positions to ensure accuracy
3. Data Analysis
- Calculation of LnT,w ratings
- Adjustment for room acoustics
- Verification against compliance criteria
4. Reporting
- Clear documentation of results
- Identification of compliance or non-compliance
Compliance / Outcomes
A compliant hard floor impact test will:
- Demonstrate that flooring meets required LnT,w criteria
- Confirm suitability of installed floor system
- Provide evidence for strata, body corporate, council, or building compliance
- Reduce risk of future disputes or rectification
Testing ensures flooring systems meet both regulatory and project-specific acoustic requirements.
Mitigation / Design
Where non-compliance is identified, AACG provides practical guidance:
- Underlay selection and performance improvement
- Floor system upgrades
- Ceiling treatment recommendations
- Installation adjustments
Mitigation strategies are focused on achieving compliance without unnecessary cost.
Our Reports
AACG provides:
- Hard floor impact testing reports
- LnT,w compliance certification
- Strata and body corporate compliance reports
- Pre- and post-installation testing documentation
Each report is structured to meet NCC, AAAC, and project requirements.
Our Process
- Project review and scope confirmation
- Site inspection and test setup
- Impact sound testing
- Data analysis and compliance assessment
- Delivery of formal report
Our Quality
- Testing conducted in accordance with Australian Standards
- Engineering-led acoustic assessments
- Consistent, repeatable methodology
- Clear, defensible reporting
AACG delivers testing that meets industry and regulatory expectations.
Our Commercial Approach
AACG focuses on efficient and reliable testing:
- Fast scheduling to meet project timelines
- Clear communication with strata managers, body corporate managers, builders, and project teams
- Practical outcomes aligned with compliance requirements
We deliver testing that supports approvals and project completion without delay.
Our Guarantees
- Testing aligned with NCC and relevant standards
- Accurate and repeatable results
- Clear compliance determination
- Professional, submission-ready reports
If your project requires hard floor impact testing, AACG provides structured, compliant testing services across Australia.
Contact us to arrange testing and ensure your flooring meets required acoustic standards.
