This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Impact reducing flooring

Footfall noise from adjacent spaces can lead to occupant dissatisfaction. Constructing interiors to accommodate for footfall noise can greatly reduce its negative impact on acoustic comfort. In common spaces, especially corridors in open office environments where there is heavy foot traffic, this feature minimizes disturbances. Footfall noise is characterized by impact insulation class (IIC). IIC of a particular floor assembly is determined from the use of a tapping machine, as described in ASTM Method E492; most flooring products also list the IIC in their specification sheets. The higher the IIC, the greater sound attenuation of impact sound. IIC measurements cover a frequency range of 100-350 Hz; the range corresponds to a general “thumpâ€ù at the lower level, and a sharper “clackâ€ù at the higher end.

This feature promotes the incorporation of sound and vibration absorption techniques for a better interior acoustic environment as well as potentially dampening impact to our joints and ligaments through a more forgiving floor construction.

Part 1: Floor Construction

All floors in the corridors of all regularly occupied spaces have the following:

a) Impact Insulation Class (IIC) value of not less than 50.

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New Construction WELL Interiors
Part 1: Floor Construction - - -
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Retail
Part 1: Floor Construction - O O -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design)
Floor Construction
Architect