Optimization of the usage noise of a shower tray in timber construction

The usage noise of the shower tray is a key factor in the quality of sound insulation in showers. In Switzerland, these usage noises are limited in the SIA 181 standard Sound insulation in building construction . A structure-borne sound source, the so-called EMPA drop hammer, is used to verify these requirements for utilisation noise. In the next room requiring protection, in this case the bathroom below, the sound levels must comply with a requirement of less than or equal to 39 dB(A).The manufacturers of shower trays do provide test certificates for the noise levels in use, but only for solid constructions. For this reason, the usage noise of a shower base was tested in a timber construction. It was found that the shower base alone does not fulfil the requirements of SIA 181. A number of measures were therefore taken, to reduce the utilisation noise accordingly.With these measures, the usage noise could be reduced by up to 17+/-2.5 dB, so that the requirements for the usage noise of the shower base in the neighbouring room could be met.The measures taken and their effect on the usage noise are presented in the form of the measurement results.