Floor vibration damping – reduces vibrations
Limit structure-borne noise and vibrations via the floor construction in restaurant environments
In restaurant environments, vibrations often occur that are transmitted through the floor rather than through the air. Kitchen equipment, refrigeration units, dishwashers, pumps, and other technical installations create mechanical movements that are transmitted through the floor construction. These vibrations can be perceived as a dull hum, shaking, or disturbing structure-borne noise in the dining room, bar, or adjacent premises. Floor vibration damping aims to reduce this spread and create a more stable and pleasant sound environment.
What does floor vibration damping involve?
Floor vibration damping involves reducing how mechanical movements are transmitted from a source to the building's frame via the floor. Unlike sound insulation, which stops airborne sound between rooms, and sound absorption, which reduces echo and reverberation in the room, vibration damping focuses on limiting the movement in the structure itself. The measure is directed at contact points where vibrations are transmitted from machines and installations.
Common problems with vibrations in restaurant floors
In restaurants, vibrations often come from dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, ventilation equipment, and other kitchen equipment that stands directly on the floor. Bar equipment and technical installations in serving areas can also contribute to recurring vibrations. The problems are often noticed as low-frequency noise or shaking that spreads to the dining room or staff areas.
How do vibrations spread through the floor?
When a machine vibrates, the movement is transferred to the floor surface and on to the joists, walls, and ceiling. The floor thus acts as an effective transmission surface for vibrations in the building. This means that the disturbance is not always experienced where the equipment is located, but in completely different parts of the restaurant.
Machines placed directly on the floor
Kitchen and bar equipment in continuous operation creates vibrations that are easily transmitted through the structure.
Recurring loads
Movements and operating cycles can cause vibrations that are transmitted through the frame and joists.
Relationship to sound absorption in restaurants
Vibration damping of floors should not be confused with sound absorption. Sound-absorbing solutions on walls, ceilings, curtains, or room dividers are used to reduce echo and reverberation in dining rooms and serving areas. Vibration damping, on the other hand, is needed when sound is generated through mechanical transmission in the building. In restaurant environments, these measures are often combined to create both good acoustics and low noise levels.
Why choose vibration damping for floors in restaurant environments?
Vibration damping of floors contributes to a calmer and more controlled restaurant environment by reducing low-frequency disturbances and structure-borne noise. This measure is particularly important in premises where the kitchen, bar, and dining room are close to each other or above each other. Reducing vibrations improves both the guest experience and the working environment.
Well-considered advice for best results
For the best effect, the source of the vibration should be identified and addressed where it comes into contact with the floor. A common mistake is to try to dampen the sound in the dining room, even though the problem originates in the kitchen or technical room. By breaking the vibration transmission at the floor construction, a more long-term stable and pleasant restaurant environment is created.
Vibration damping of floors is therefore a key measure for reducing vibrations and structure-borne noise in restaurant environments.