Part E Flanking sound Subject No: 6 Subject: Flanking sound - separating floors Introducing Officer: R Braid (Bournemouth BC) Date: 12/11/1998 Approved Document E indicates that walls adjoining a separating floor should have a mass of at least 120 kg/m² (including finish) unless the wall is external and has openings of at least 20% of its area in each room. It became evident from discussions within Technical Committee that a variety of approaches is being adopted to achieve a mass of 120 kg/m², namely changes in block material, block thickness and the application of thick render coats. It was apparent that not all in the industry may be fully aware of the implications of this requirement. POLICY STATEMENT It must be ensured that, unless test results are produce that are directly comparable with the situation under consideration, the provisions of Approved Document E are adopted i.e. External walls with openings of less that 20% of their area should have a minimum mass of 120 kg/m². This can mean a change of block type or thickness or the application of a thick cement:sand render coat to achieve the mass for some walls - particularly gables. 2001 update; The proposed changes to Approved Document E may require the use of 120 kg/m² blocks (excluding finish) for all loadbearing elements in flats.

[ Home ]

© 1999, 2000 Dorset Technical Committee. All rights reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this web site is correct, Dorset Technical Committee cannot accept responsibility for any error or omission which may occur. Site Design and Maintenance: East Dorset District Council