Floor system comprising a floating screed with separators

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor system comprising a floating screed and separators arranged beneath said floating screed. The floor system comprises a floating screed and separators arranged beneath said floating screed. The separators are in point contact and / or line contact with the surface of an underlying element that can be used as a support for the floor system and with the surface of an overlying layer arranged between said floating screed and said separators.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor system comprising a floating screed and separators arranged under said floating screed.

[0002] The acoustic properties of floors play an important role in the indoor sound comfort of buildings. A falling object, the footsteps of people moving around, or the movement of an object on a floor with poor acoustic properties in an adjacent room can be a significant source of noise pollution for the activities taking place there. Such a floor can also reflect the sound waves emitted during these activities and cause reverberation, degrading the acoustic comfort necessary for their smooth running. Libraries, museums, schools, train station halls, restaurant dining rooms, and event halls are all examples of places where a reduction in noise pollution is often sought. Similarly, in residential premises and buildings, a reduction in impact noise on floors is generally desired to ensure the peace and quiet of residents.

[0003] For this purpose, floor systems comprising functional elements that attenuate the propagation of sound or acoustic waves are used as floor coverings. These functional elements are generally in the form of an insulation layer that reduces the intensity of the mechanical coupling between the structural element supporting the floor and the upper part of the floor on which it is possible to walk.

[0004] For example, patent KR101704909 B1 discloses an insulation layer comprising cells into which hollow capsules can be inserted to absorb shock waves. Utility model CN201486105 U and application JPH04293857 disclose insulation layers formed by separating pads arranged between a structural element and the upper part of a floor. In addition, documents DE3503529A, KR20100086226A and KR20110130910A show floor systems comprising a floating screed.

[0005] The present invention improves the acoustic performance of existing floating screed floor systems.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention provides a floor system according to claim 1, as well as a kit for manufacturing such a floor system according to claim 12 or 13, and a method for manufacturing such a floor system according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] It relates to a floor system comprising a floating screed and separators arranged under said floating screed, in which the separators are in point and / or linear contact with the surface of an underlying element capable of serving as a support for the floor system and with the surface of an overlying layer arranged between said floating screed and said separators, and in which the overlying layer is based on resilient material. According to the invention, the separators separate the underlying element and the overlying layer in such a way that they are not in contact with each other and form a network of hollow cavities between the underlying element and the overlying layer, the separators are not based on resilient material, the Young's modulus of the overlying layer is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C, and the Young's modulus of the separators is greater than 20 GPa at 20°C.

[0008] For the purposes of the invention, the function of the separators is to separate the underlying element and the overlying layer so that they are not in contact with each other. In particular, the separators may assist in the formation of a hollow cavity and / or a network of hollow cavities between the underlying element and the overlying layer. The separators may be solid or hollow.

[0009] For the purposes of the invention, point and / or linear contact is understood to mean a point and / or linear contact of Hertzian type, generally without friction. Two bodies are said to be in point and / or linear contact of Hertzian type when the contact surfaces between two bodies result solely from the elastic and / or plastic deformation of one or both bodies when they are subjected to a compressive load, without these two bodies having had a common contact surface before any deformation. On the contrary, a contact between two bodies is said to be surface when the two bodies are in contact with each other by a surface existing prior to any elastic and / or plastic deformation of one or both bodies when they are subjected to a compressive load.

[0010] For the purposes of the invention, the term "screed" has a broader definition than that of standard EN 13318:2000. It is defined as a layer or set of layers of material placed on a support or on a set of intermediate layers, possibly insulating, in order, for example, to reach a given level, to receive another floor covering and / or to serve as a finished floor. It covers so-called "wet" screeds and so-called "dry" screeds.

[0011] Wet screeds generally refer to screeds that are in liquid or paste form when placed on the substrate intended to receive them and then harden after setting and drying. Examples of wet screeds are screeds based on cement, synthetic resin, calcium sulfate, magnesia and / or bitumen emulsion. The most common wet screeds are cement mortar screeds.

[0012] Dry screeds generally refer to slabs in the general sense, boards or rigid panels that can be placed side by side. Examples are plasterboard or cement-based boards. They can optionally be reinforced with cellulose fibers or glass fibers.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the "floating screed", also called a raised screed or a detached screed, designates, in accordance with the practices in the field of construction, a screed with little or no adhesion to the support on which it is laid. It is also little or not integral with the other structural elements.

[0014] The underlying element that can serve as support for the floor system can be any structural element suitable for the installation of a floor system. In general, it is a flat structure or a surface that appears horizontal. For example, it can be a concrete or mortar slab, bare or possibly covered with one or more surface coverings formed from juxtaposable manufactured elements such as ceramic, stone, resin, thermoplastic or wood tiles or slabs. It can also be a concrete, wood or metal floor. It can also include a sound and / or thermal insulation covering.

[0015] For the purposes of the invention, the term "resilient", used to describe a material, designates a material capable of absorbing energy when it is elastically deformed and of restoring it all or in part when the deformation stress is removed. Examples of resilient materials are elastic materials such as rubber, cork, expanded polystyrene, viscoelastic materials such as polyurethane, silicone, polyacrylate, or mineral wools such as rock wool or glass wool.

[0016] The main advantage of the floor system according to the invention is a gain of 25 to 110% in the reduction of the weighted impact noise level compared to a floor system according to the state of the art.

[0017] The reduction in the weighted impact noise level, ΔL w , of a floor system according to the invention compared to a reference floor is generally between 18 and 30 dB. The reference floor is defined by the same standards NF EN ISO 10140:2013 and NF EN ISO 717-2:2013. It is a concrete slab with a thickness of 140 mm.

[0018] A second advantage is that it can be used on existing floors and / or floors, for example in the case of renovation, as long as these floors and floors are suitable for supporting another floor covering.

[0019] A third advantage is that, in the case where the floating screed is a wet screed, the screed in liquid or paste form can be poured directly onto the overlying layer.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the separators are convex-shaped particles. A convex shape ensures point and / or linear contact of the separators with the surface of the underlying element likely to serve as support for the floor system and with the surface of the overlying layer. The higher the degree of convexity of the outer surface of the particles, the smaller the area of the contact surface and the higher the noise reduction level of the floor system becomes.

[0021] The separators can have regular or irregular geometry. Preferably, they are spherical or cylindrical particles. These types of shapes generally minimize the area of the point and / or linear contact surfaces of the separators with the underlying element and the overlying layer.

[0022] To qualify the size of a separator, it is possible to use the Feret diameter. The Feret diameter is the maximum distance between two parallel lines between which the separator can geometrically fit.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the Féret diameter of the separators is between 1 and 100mm, preferably between 3 and 70mm. These particle sizes make it possible to avoid excessively raising the level of the upper surface of the floor system relative to the surrounding structure in which it is installed.

[0024] The distribution density of the separators between the underlying element and the overlying layer may vary, in particular depending on the size of the separators and the condition of the surface of the underlying element likely to serve as support for the floor system. In particular, the distribution density of the separators is between 10 and 2500 separators per square meter, preferably between 100 and 2500 separators per square meter. This density range is optimal for a homogeneous distribution of the separators on the surface of the underlying element and the formation of a hollow cavity and / or a network of hollow cavities.

[0025] It is also possible to distribute the separators regularly over the surface of the underlying element so as to form regularly spaced point and / or linear contact points between the separators and the surfaces of the overlying layer and the underlying element. This promotes better distribution of mechanical stresses when the floor system is stressed and homogeneous acoustic performance. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the separators are distributed over the underlying element in a regular geometric pattern. A regular geometric pattern corresponds to any type of pattern formed by periodic tiling of a symmetrical or asymmetrical regular sub-pattern. Examples of patterns are squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, alone or in combination.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment of the floor system of the invention, the separators are cords forming a mesh. The cords may be in the form of a grid with a woven or non-woven mesh. The cords may be solid or hollow. The distance between two cords of the mesh may be between 1 mm and 30 cm.

[0027] In addition to the effect of point and / or linear contact of the separators with the surface of an underlying element and the surface of an overlying layer, an additional synergistic effect between the separators and the overlying layer has been observed. Depending on whether the overlying layer is, on the one hand, based on resilient material or not, the use of separators based on resilient or non-resilient material allows for unexpected acoustic and mechanical performances to be obtained. The thickness or density of the overlying layer can also influence these performances.

[0028] In a first embodiment, which is not in accordance with the invention, the overlying layer is based on a resilient material. Preferably, the Young's modulus of the overlying layer is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C. In this embodiment, unlike the invention, the separators are based on a resilient material. The Young's modulus of the separators is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C.

[0029] In a second embodiment, which is in accordance with the invention, the overlying layer is based on a resilient material. The Young's modulus of the overlying layer is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C. The separators are not based on a resilient material. The Young's modulus of the separators is greater than 20 GPa at 20°C.

[0030] For example, the overlying layer may be based on a material selected from expanded polystyrene, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, mineral wool, woven or non-woven glass fibers or a combination thereof.

[0031] The thickness of the overlying layer may advantageously be between 10 and 200 mm, preferably between 20 and 80 mm.

[0032] Separators can be made of wood, thermosetting resin, mineral material or organic material. Examples of mineral material are glass, ceramic, concrete, mortar, granular composites.

[0033] In a third embodiment, which is not in accordance with the invention, the overlying layer is not based on a resilient material. The Young's modulus of the overlying layer may in particular be greater than 1 GPa at 20°C. In this embodiment, the separators are based on a resilient material. The Young's modulus of the separators is preferably less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C.

[0034] The overlying layer may be based on a material selected from plaster, cork, wood or a combination thereof and / or the separators may be based on a material selected from expanded polystyrene, latex, silicone elastomer, polyurethane, rubber, mineral fibers, organic fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0035] The thickness of the overlying layer may advantageously be between 0.5 and 50 mm, preferably between 2 and 30 mm.

[0036] In these first and third embodiments, the viscoelastic damping rate of the separators may advantageously be equal to or greater than 5% at 20°C. This damping rate may be measured by dynamic mechanical analysis, also dynamic mechanical spectrometry, in which the material of the separators is subjected to oscillatory mechanical stress. It generally corresponds to the ratio of the loss modulus to the storage modulus.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a floor system according to claim 14. The method comprises the following steps: a. the dispersion of separators on an underlying element capable of serving as a support for the floor system, b. the installation of an overlying layer above the separators so that the separators are in point and / or linear contact with the surface of said overlying layer, c. the implementation of a floating screed above said overlying layer.

[0038] In order to facilitate the manufacture of a floor system according to the invention on site, it may be advantageous to have a manufacturing kit available. Such a kit comprises a floating screed preparation, an overlying layer and a set of separators.

[0039] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the separators can be fixed to the surface of the overlying layer. This fixing is prior to the manufacture of the floor system. This embodiment has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the floor system since the step of dispersing the separators on the underlying element is no longer necessary.

[0040] It also has the advantage of allowing the overlying layer / separator assembly to be packaged in transportable formats suitable for construction sites. It can, for example, be packaged in the form of a ready-to-use roll, which can be unrolled onto an underlying element that can serve as a support for the floor system before installing a floating screed above the said overlying layer.

[0041] The quantity and distribution of the separators fixed on the surface of the overlying layer is such that no contact is formed between the overlying layer and the underlying element likely to serve as support for the floor system when the floating screed is installed on the overlying layer.

[0042] The fixing of the separators on the surface of the overlying layer can be carried out by any suitable fixing means, in particular by gluing.

[0043] According to a variant of the embodiment, the overlying layer may be a deformable film or fabric. It may advantageously be a waterproof film in order to reduce the possibility of water infiltration towards the separators and the underlying element when a wet floating screed is implemented on the overlying element.

[0044] In order to facilitate the manufacture of a floor system according to the invention in which the separators are fixed to the surface of the overlying layer, it may be advantageous to have a kit comprising a floating screed preparation and an overlying layer on the surface of which separators are fixed.

[0045] Several methods may be used for attaching the separators to the surface of the overlying layer to form an overlying layer / separator assembly which may then be used in a flooring system according to the invention.

[0046] According to a first method, an overlying layer, for example, a film, a veil or a fabric, is set in motion in a first direction using a conveyor. A plurality of nozzles arranged on a fixed ramp, arranged above the moving overlying layer, deposits, at regular or irregular intervals, glue dots or beads on which the separators are then deposited in a subsequent step. Alternatively, instead of glue, the nozzles can directly deposit glue-coated separators or separators having at least on their surface a non-crosslinked or non-polymerized state allowing their attachment to the overlying layer by subsequent crosslinking or polymerization.

[0047] According to a second method, an overlying layer, for example, a film, a veil or a fabric, is set in motion in a first direction using a conveyor. A roller is in contact with the upper surface of the overlying layer. It is driven by a rotational movement in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. It is provided with at least one given negative relief, such as an asperity, a cavity or a concavity of a given shape. A reservoir, filled with glue, is arranged above and in contact with the roller. With each rotation, the negative relief fills with a quantity of glue, which then unwinds onto the upper surface of the overlying layer to form a spot or bead of glue when it comes into contact with said surface during the rotation. The size of the relief, the number of reliefs and the rotation speed determine the quantity and distribution of the spots or beads of glue.The separators are placed on the pads or beads of glue in a later step.

[0048] Alternatively, instead of glue, it is possible to use a crosslinkable or polymerizable material. The relief or negative reliefs of the roller can then be molds adapted directly to the in-situ formation and dynamic deposition of the separators on the overlying layer moving on the conveyor. The further crosslinking or polymerization of the separator material on the surface of the overlying layer ensures their fixation on said surface. The advantage of this alternative is that it requires only a single step.

[0049] An advantage of the first and second methods is that they allow for the continuous manufacture of an overlying layer / separator assembly.

[0050] In a third method, a first step is to deposit glue on the surface of an overlying layer using a screen printing method. The screen printing screen has a number and distribution of holes corresponding to the desired number and distribution of separators in contact with the surface of the overlying layer. The separators are arranged on the glue pads or beads in a subsequent step, once the latter have been deposited using the screen printing screen.

[0051] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are illustrated by the figures and examples described below. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the cross-section of a floor system according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a floor system according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3is a graphical representation of the evolution of the noise level reduction at impact as a function of frequency for examples 1 to 3 and 6, and counterexamples 1 and 2. Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the evolution of the noise level reduction at impact as a function of frequency for examples 4 and 5, and for counter-examples 3.

[0052] There figure 1schematically represents a first embodiment of a floor system 1000 according to the invention. It comprises a floating screed 1001 and separators 1003 arranged under said floating screed 1001. The separators 1003 are in point and / or linear contact with the surface of an underlying element 1004 capable of serving as a support for the floor system and with the surface of an overlying layer 1002 arranged between said floating screed 1001 and said separators 1003. In the present figure, the separators 1003 separate the underlying element 1004 and the overlying layer 1002 so that they are not in contact with each other and to form a network of hollow cavities 1005 between the underlying element 1004 and the overlying layer 1002.

[0053] There figure 2schematically represents a second embodiment of a floor system 2000 according to the invention. It comprises a floating screed 1001 and separators 2001 arranged under said floating screed, characterized in that the separators 2001 are in point and / or linear contact with the surface of an underlying element 1004 capable of serving as a support for the floor system and with the surface of an overlying layer 1002 arranged between said floating screed 1001 and said separators 2001. In the present figure, the separators 2001 are cords forming a mesh. They separate the underlying element 1004 and the overlying layer 1002 so that they are not in contact with each other and to form a network of hollow cavities 1005 between the underlying element 1004 and the overlying layer 1002. For reasons of clarity of illustration and in order to illustrate the mesh of the separators, the separators the floor system 2000 of the figure 2are not shown in contact with the overlying layer 1002.

[0054] There figure 3 represents the evolution of the impact noise reduction level as a function of frequency for examples 1 to 3 and 6, and counterexamples 1 and 2, described below. The impact noise reduction level reduction, ΔL, expressed in dB, is represented on the y-axis. The frequency, F, expressed in Hz, is represented on the x-axis.

[0055] There figure 4 represents the evolution of the impact noise level reduction as a function of frequency for Examples 5 and 4, and Counterexample 3, described below. The impact noise level reduction, ΔL, expressed in dB, is represented on the y-axis. The frequency, F, expressed in Hz, is represented on the x-axis

[0056] Six examples of floor systems are described in Table 1 below. Examples 1 to 3, 5 and 6 are not in accordance with the invention, and Example 4 is in accordance with the invention. In all six examples the floating screed is a 30mm thick cement mortar screed. The underlying element supporting the floor system is a concrete slab.

[0057] In Examples 1 to 3, the overlying layer is based on a non-resilient material and the separators are based on a resilient material. In Examples 1 and 2, the overlying layer is a 10mm thick plasterboard or set of juxtaposed plasterboards. The Young's modulus of the plasterboard(s) is 2GPa at 20°C. In Example 3, it is a 3mm thick wooden board or set of juxtaposed wooden boards. The Young's modulus of the wooden board(s) is 2.7GPa at 20°C. In Example 1, the separators are polyurethane granules with a diameter of 1mm. The Young's modulus of the polyurethane granules is 19MPa at 20°C. In Examples 2 and 3, they are silicone granules with a diameter of 2mm and 6mm respectively. The Young's modulus of the silicone granules is 4MPa at 20°C.

[0058] In Examples 4 to 5, the overlying layer is based on a resilient material and the separators are based on a non-resilient material. In Examples 4 and 5, the overlying layer is a plate or set of juxtaposed expanded polystyrene plates with a thickness of 30 mm. The Young's modulus of the expanded polystyrene plate(s) is 3.5 MPa at 20°C. In Example 4, the separators are glass beads with a diameter of 6 mm. The Young's modulus of the glass beads is 69 GPa at 20°C. In Example 5, they are polyurethane granules with a diameter of 1 mm. The Young's modulus of the polyurethane granules is 19 MPa at 20°C.

[0059] In Example 6, the overlying layer is silicone-based. It is a 3mm thick silicone-based plate or set of juxtaposed plates. The Young's modulus of the silicone plate(s) is 4MPa at 20°C. The separators are rubber cords forming a mesh. The cords are solid cords with a diameter of 2mm. The mesh is a woven grid in which the cords are regularly spaced 5cm apart. The Young's modulus of the rubber used to form the cords is 5MPa at 20°C. [Table 1] Table 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex.6 Floating screed Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar 30mm 30mm 30mm 30mm 30mm 30mm Overlying layer Plasterboard Plasterboard Wooden plaque EPS plate EPS plate Silicone plate 10mm 10mm 3mm 30mm 30mm 3mm Separator PU granule Silicone granules Silicone granules Glass marbles PU granule Rubber woven grid Ø 1mm Ø 2mm Ø 6mm Ø 6mm Ø 1mm Underlying element Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab

[0060] Four counterexamples of a state-of-the-art floor system are described in Table 2. For comparison purposes, in all four counterexamples the floating screed is also a 30mm thick cement mortar screed, and the underlying element supporting the floor system is a concrete slab.

[0061] In counterexamples 1 to 2, the overlying layer and the separators are made of a non-resilient material. In counterexamples 1 and 2, the overlying layer is a 10mm thick plasterboard or set of juxtaposed plasterboards. The Young's modulus of the plasterboard(s) is 2GPa at 20°C. In counterexample 1, the separators are 6mm diameter glass beads. The Young's modulus of the glass beads is 69GPa at 20°C. In counterexample 2, they are 8mm diameter glass fiber granules.

[0062] In counterexamples 3 and 4, the floor system does not include separators. In counterexample 3, the overlying layer is made of resilient material. It is formed by a 30mm thick expanded polystyrene plate or set of juxtaposed expanded polystyrene plates. The Young's modulus of the expanded polystyrene plate(s) is 3.5MPa at 20°C. In counterexample 4, the overlying layer is a 5mm thick fiberglass mat. In both of these counterexamples, the overlying layer is in direct contact with the concrete slab.

[0063] For comparison purposes, the overlying layer of the floor systems of Examples 1 and 2 and Counterexamples 1 and 2 is identical. It is a juxtaposed plasterboard or set of juxtaposed plasterboards with a thickness of 10 mm. It is also identical in the floor systems of Examples 4 and 5 and Counterexample 3. It is a juxtaposed expanded polystyrene board or set of juxtaposed expanded polystyrene boards with a thickness of 30 mm. Counterexample 4 is an illustrative counterexample. [Table 2] Table 2 CEx. 1 CEx. 2 CEx. 3 CEx. 4 Floating screed Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar 30mm 30mm 30mm 30mm Overlying layer Plasterboard Plasterboard EPS plate Fiberglass mattress 10mm 10mm 30mm 5mm Separator Glass marbles Glass fiber granules - - Ø 6mm Ø 8mm Underlying element Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab Concrete slab

[0064] The floor system of each of the examples and counter-examples was subjected to a measurement of the reduction of the standardized impact noise level, ΔL, as a function of frequency according to the NF EN ISO 10140:2013 and NF EN ISO 717-2:2013 standards for floor coverings. The reference floor is a concrete slab with a thickness of 140 mm.

[0065] The results are represented in the figure 3 for examples 1 to 3 and 6, and counterexamples 1 and 2, the figure 4 for examples 4 and 5 and for counterexample 3.

[0066] There figure 3 shows that from 200Hz the floor systems according to examples 1 to 3 and 6, exhibit a reduction in the impact noise level greater than that of the floor systems according to the state of the art, counter-examples 1 and 2. On average, the reduction is greater by approximately 5 to 20dB between examples 1 to 3, on the one hand, and counter-examples 1 and 2, on the other hand.

[0067] On the figure 3 , the impact noise level reduction for the floor system of Example 6 is shown for comparison with the floor systems of Examples 1 to 3. In this example, the overlying layer is silicone-based and the separators are rubber cords forming a mesh. Such a floor system achieves an impact noise level reduction equivalent to the floor systems of Examples 1 and 2.

[0068] There figure 4 shows that, over the entire frequency range, the floor systems according to Examples 4 and 5 exhibit a greater reduction in impact noise level than the floor systems according to the state of the art, counter-example 3. On average, the reduction is approximately 5dB greater between Examples 4 and 5, on the one hand, and counter-example 3, on the other hand.

[0069] The reduction level of the weighted impact sound level, ΔL w , compared to a reference floor, was also determined for each of the floor systems of the examples and counter-examples according to the same standards NF EN ISO 10140:2013 and NF EN ISO 717-2:2013 for floor coverings. The reference floor is a concrete slab with a thickness of 140mm.

[0070] The results of Examples 1 to 3 and counterexamples 1, 2 and 4, in which the overlying layer of the floor system is rigid, are compared in Table 3. The result of Example 6 is also shown in Table 3.

[0071] The results of Examples 4 and 5, and Counterexamples 3 and 4, in which the overlying layer of the floor system is based on a resilient material, are compared in Table 4.

[0072] Comparison of the data in Table 3 shows that a floor system comprising an overlying layer based on a non-resilient material and elastic separators based on a resilient material, Examples 1 to 3, allows a gain of approximately 40 to 110% in the reduction of the weighted impact noise level compared to a floor system according to the state of the art comprising separators based on a non-resilient material, counter-examples 1 and 2. [Table 3] Table 3 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 6 CEx. 1 CEx. 2 ΔL w (dB) 20 20 25 19 12 14

[0073] Comparison of the data in Table 4 shows that a floor system comprising an overlying layer based on a resilient material and separators based on a resilient or non-resilient material, Examples 4 and 5, allows a gain of approximately 25 to 35% in the reduction of the weighted impact noise level compared to a floor system according to the state of the art not comprising separators, counter-examples 3 and 4. [Table 4] Table 4 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 CEx. 3 CEX. 4 ΔL w (dB) 27 25 20 20

[0074] These examples clearly illustrate the advantages of a floor system according to the invention compared to a floor system of the state of the art. The gain in reducing the weighted impact noise level is at least 25% and can reach more than 100%.

Claims

1. Flooring system (1000, 2000) comprising a floating screed (1001) and separators (1003, 2001) arranged beneath said floating screed (1001), the separators (1003, 2001) being in point and / or line contact with the surface of an underlying element (1004) capable of supporting the flooring system (1000) and with the surface of an overlying layer (1002) arranged between said floating screed (1001) and said separators (1003, 2001), the separators (1003, 2001) separating the underlying element (1004) and the overlying layer (1002) so that they are not in contact with one another and so as to form a network of hollow cavities (1005) between the underlying element (1004) and the overlying layer (1002), and characterized in that: - the overlying layer (1002) is made of resilient material, - the separators (1003) are not made of resilient material, - the Young's modulus of the overlying layer (1002) is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C, and - the Young's modulus of the separators (1003, 2001) is greater than 20 GPa at 20°C.

2. Flooring system (1000) according to claim 1, such that the separators (1003) are convex-shaped particles.

3. Flooring system (1000) according to claim 2, such that the particles are spherical or cylindrical in shape.

4. Flooring system (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 3, such that the Feret diameter of the separators (1003) is between 1 and 100 mm, preferably between 3 and 70 mm.

5. Flooring system (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 4, such that the distribution density of the separators (1003) is between 10 and 2500 separators per square meter.

6. Flooring system (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 5, such that the separators (1003) are distributed over the underlying element (1004) in a regular geometric pattern.

7. Flooring system (2000) according to claim 1, such that the separators (2001) are cords forming a mesh.

8. Flooring system (1000, 2000) according to any of claims 1 to 7, such that the overlying layer (1002) is made of a material selected from expanded polystyrene, rubber, silicone, polyurethane or a combination thereof.

9. Flooring system (1000, 2000) according to any of claims 1 to 8, such that the separators (1003, 2001) are attached to the surface of the overlying layer.

10. Flooring system (1000, 2000) according to claim 9, such that the overlying layer (1002) is a deformable film or fabric.

11. Flooring system (1000, 2000) according to claim 10, such that the overlying layer (1002) is a waterproof film.

12. Kit for producing a flooring system (1000, 2000) according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a preparation for floating screed (1001), an overlying layer (1002) and a batch of separators (1003, 2001), characterized in that: - the overlying layer (1002) is made of resilient material, - the separators (1003) are not made of resilient material, - the Young's modulus of the overlying layer (1002) is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C, and - the Young's modulus of the separators (1003, 2001) is greater than 20 GPa at 20°C.

13. Kit for producing a flooring system (1000, 2000) according to any of claims 9 to 11, such that the kit comprises a preparation for floating screed (1001), and an overlying layer (1002) on the surface of which separators (1003, 2001) are attached, characterized in that: - the overlying layer (1002) is made of resilient material, - the separators (1003) are not made of resilient material, - the Young's modulus of the overlying layer (1002) is less than or equal to 1 GPa at 20°C, and - the Young's modulus of the separators (1003, 2001) is greater than 20 GPa at 20°C.

14. Method for producing a flooring system (1000, 2000) according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - providing a kit according to claim 12 or 13, a. dispersing said separators (1003, 2001) on an underlying element (1004) capable of supporting the flooring system (1000, 2000), b. laying said overlying layer (1002) on top of the separators (1003, 2001) so that the separators (1003, 2001) are in point and / or line contact with the surface of said overlying layer (1002), c. placing said floating screed (1001) on top of said overlying layer (1002).

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