Background to research
Tate has proudly sponsored the below detailed research project with an interest in understanding the effects that access floors can have on the measured and perceived floor vibration and potential for improvements in building acoustic compliance also.
This research seeks to generate greater understanding on the actual measured performance of mass timber floor systems including, but not limited to, the use of finishing elements installed on top of the core floor component, such as access floor systems.
There is a strong suggestion that the use of access floors can positively influence the measured and perceived floor performance with respect to occupant induced vibrations and acoustics. However, clear, scientific measured data to support this is not as readily available.
This research is led by Griffith University with A/Prof Hassan Karampour, Dr Ian Underhill and Mr Adam Faircloth at the School of Engineering and Built Environment. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries is also a major supporting research partner. The project is funded through the Advance Timber Hub with the Australian Research Council.
Testing Procedure
The test setup features a mirrored mass-timber floor, with the Tate ConCore access floor system installed on one half. This enables direct comparison between with and without scenarios under identical conditions.
Accelerometers were positioned across the surface (both above and below the access floor) to capture accurate data across all tests. The research consisted of three major stages:
1. Experimental Model Analysis (EMA)
EMA was conducted to identify the floor’s natural frequencies and damping characteristics — both essential to understanding how the structure vibrates and how quickly those vibrations dissipate.
2. Footfall-Induced Vibration Testing
Walking, pacing, and running trials were performed on both the access floor and the exposed CLT floor. Accelerations were recorded to evaluate the comfort and stability experienced by occupants.
3. Acoustic Impact Assesment
Noise events were simulated through walking, jumping, and object drops. The aim was to quantify the difference in acoustic response between the bare subfloor, the access floor, and the access floor combined with insulation.
Walking Experiments
Two identical walking paths were tested — one on the access floor and one on the bare subfloor — with walking durations of 5 to 15 seconds depending on speed.
Using the CCIP design guide method, response factors were calculated to represent how “lively” the floor feels. Lower response factors = better occupant comfort.
Key finding:
Access floors reduced measured response factors by 16–22%, indicating a noticeably less lively and more stable walking experience.
Impact Experiments
Impact tests were carried out across an 81-point grid within a 1 × 1 m area, repeated across the full 9 × 9 m floor surface.
Key findings:
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The slight decrease in natural frequency with the access floor is attributed to added mass compared to the lighter CLT panel.
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Damping increased by approximately 25% when the access floor was installed — a significant improvement that reduces vibration duration and enhances comfort.
Acoustic Performance Experiments
Object-drop acoustic experiments compared the performance of:
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the bare subfloor
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the access floor
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the access floor with added insulation
Key findings:
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Access floors showed a clear improvement in acoustic response.
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Adding insulation provided further benefit, though the most significant gains came simply from installing the access floor itself.
The access floor system (and especially when paired with insulation) significantly improves acoustic performance by reducing transmitted impact noise.
Summary
Early results from this ongoing research strongly indicate that access floors deliver measurable performance benefits for mass-timber buildings:
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~25% improvement in vibration damping
Reduces how long the floor vibrates, improving comfort and stability. -
16–22% reduction in walking-related response factors
Floors feel less lively and more comfortable underfoot. -
Enhanced acoustic response
Noticeable reduction in impact noise, with added gains when paired with insulation.
These findings reinforce that access floors are more than a functional solution for services and flexibility — they can meaningfully improve vibration and acoustic performance in modern timber construction
