When you need a floating floor BULLETIN

to dramatically Increase your ACS-102-4

Sound Transmission Class and
Impact Noise Rating

MASON
Why not use the

JACK-UP
FLOOR SLAB
SYSTEM and eliminate the cost and need for:
• Combustible, rot prone plywood forms.
• A myriad of transmission paths through
closely spaced supports.
• Moisture retaining fiberglass infill that plugs
sub-drains and encourages vermin.

while gaining:
• An easier, lower frequency isolation method.
• A positive air gap.
• A floor supported by Mason Low Dynamic
Stiffness Rubber– the time tested, low
frequency, exposure-proof and truly
structural material, at lower cost.

Our Riverbank Test Data demonstrates that a four-inch

thick concrete floor floating on neoprene mounts improves
the STC by 25 if raised two inches and that the INR goes
up by 44... Tests using our lower frequency LDS mounts
would add to these tremendous improvements.
Remember, the air gap is the isolator, the jack-screw
lifts the floor to achieve it, and the resilient LDS element
supports the weight while working in parallel with the air.

Mason Industries
originated this
system in 1965.
1” to 4”
Why not work with Air Gap
the company that
created the idea
and has thousands
of successful
installations?

MASON INDUSTRIES, Inc.

International Manufacturers of Shock, Seismic and Vibration
Control Products, Acoustical Floor Systems, Building Isolation,
Rubber Expansion Joints for Piping and Stainless Steel Hoses

Business Card
Logo
 To the Architect:
We have been floating floors, resiliently suspending ceilings and isolating walls for close
to 45 years. The need for this acoustical reinforcement has been well established in
textbooks, sales literature and acoustical engineering recommendations. Therefore, we
thought it would be helpful to offer a handbook of specific methods and suggested speci-
fications rather than just print another interesting but rather general brochure.
1. There are basically two methods of reducing airborne sound transmission. The first
is to increase the mass of the walls, floors or ceilings and the second is to introduce an air
gap between relatively airtight constructions.
2. When dealing with a monolithic building component such as a solid concrete floor
doubling the mass raises the STC by a maximum of 5. Actual test results are shown graphi-
cally on page 3. Because of this it becomes impractical to rely on mass alone as a 6” solid
concrete floor has an STC of 54. Doubling to 12” raises the STC to 59. Doubling again to
an unacceptable 24” raises the STC to only 64.
3. Once you decide on the maximum practical weight for the construction the next acous-
tical step is to split this mass into two components sandwiching an air gap. This air gap
triggers a tremendous improvement in STC as shown by the Riverbank Tests of a floating
floor with flanking protection. (Test Two, page 3.) Notice that the addition of a 4” concrete
pour on the original 6” raised the STC from 54 to only 57. The introduction of a 2” air gap
between these sections raised the STC to 79 for a dramatic improvement of 22. Increasing
the air gap to 4” raised the STC to 82. Doubling the air gap raises the STC a theoretical 5,
but the actual result is more like 3 because of resonances.
4. The introduction of lightweight fiberglas in the air space between massive structural
elements such as concrete floors or walls is expensive and unimportant. The experimental
inclusion in a 2” void increased the STC by 3 beyond the original 79. (Test Two, page 3.)
This is meaningless at these levels as the 79 is all but unattainable in a commercial structure
because of flanking. Fiberglas is an important addition over suspended ceilings, however,
where the mass is light and the contribution noticeable.
5. The air gap is the isolator. The purpose of the vibration mounting is to provide structural
support without voiding the air gap. Since each mount is a potential transmission path, it is
logical that the fewer mounts or support points, the better the chance of protecting and not
bypassing the air gap.
6. Specifications should be written by the professional for the protection of the client and
not the protection of the vendor. Specifications should emphasize performance characteris-
tics, physical properties and construction rather than manufacturing techniques. In describ-
ing a steel spring it would be unimportant whether the steel was produced by the Bessemer
or Open Hearth method. The molder need not be told the proper curing temperature or
carbon black particle size and certainly, the glass people know the specific technique for
manufacturing fiberglas. It would be important in specifying steel springs to keep the oper-
ating stresses well within the elastic limit; to describe rubber mounts in terms of tensile
strength, permanent set, elongation, compression set, etc. A proper dialogue regarding
fiberglas would similarly cover permanent set, dynamic frequency and most importantly
waterproofing tests of this sensitive material that fails when wet.
7. All vendors tend to favor their own products rather than those of their competitors. As
opposed to this, an acoustical expert studies all of the available materials and recommends
what in his unbiased judgment is best for the application. If there is no such person within
your own organization, we continue to suggest that you retain an outside acoustical consul-
tant to help you in this most critical field of client sensitivity.
We would appreciate your comments as to subjects not covered, our method of presenting
this information or any other suggestions to make this booklet more valuable to yourselves
and other people in the architectural and acoustical disciplines.

Very truly yours, MASON INDUSTRIES, INC.

Letter to the Architect 2

Table of Contents
Technical Information & Tests 3 Spring Jack-Up Specifications 12 & 13 Isolated Ceiling Discussion 22
Concrete Floating Floor Discussion 4&5 LDS Form-Work Specifications 14 – 18 Isolated Ceiling Specifications 23
Replacing Neoprene with LDS 6 Isolated Wall Discussion 19 Wooden Floating Floor
LDS Jack-up Specifications 7 – 12 Isolated Wall Specifications 20 & 21 Discussion & Specification 24
2
 Mason 4” Thick FSN Floating Floor Tests conducted at the
Chicago Riverbank Acoustical Laboratory
Effects of 0, 1”, 2”, 3” and 4” Air Gaps on STC & INR.
Business Card Dynamic Stiffness - MASS/STC
Logo
FIRST TEST SECOND TEST
Flanking Paths With Minimized
Through Walls Flanking
and Ceiling
INNER WALL
6” CONCRETE BLOCK
FLANKING
PATHS
W30N HANGERS
5/8” GYPSUM BOARD
TOP & BOTTOM

SOURCE
ROOM NOISE
SOURCE
FLOOR SOUND
TEST SEAL SOURCE
ONLY ROOM
FSN
JACK UP 2” AIR
MOUNT GAP
1” FIBERGLASS DETAIL
& CAULKING FLANKING
PROTECTED
FSN FLOOR TEST
JACK UP
MOUNTS
FIBERGLASS
PERIMETER
2” POURED
4” FLOATING FSN
CONC TOPPING
CONCRETE JACK UP
FLOOR MOUNTS
4” FLOATING
CONCRETE
14” T-SECTIONS MIKE FLOOR
RECEIVING RECEIVING
ROOM ROOM

FIRST TEST MARCH 1971 OF A FLOATING FLOOR ONLY. SECOND TEST JUNE 1971 OF SAME FLOATING FLOOR WITH
DISAPPOINTING RESULTS BECAUSE OF ISOLATED WALLS AND CEILING TO PREVENT FLANKING.
FLANKING PROBLEMS DOWN THE WALLS. BASICALLY ROOM WITHIN A ROOM CONSTRUCTION.

MASON LOW DYNAMIC STIFFNESS (LDS)

BRIDGE BEARING NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS.
FLANKING PROBLEM TEST DATA, ROOM WITHIN A ROOM TEST DATA DYNAMIC NATURAL FREQUENCY/DEFLECTION CHART
30
TRANSMISSION LOSS (dB) COMPARISON
Tested Dynamic Stiffness
Freq. Basic T Air gaps without 2” air gap Duro- Dynamic
(Hertz) sections fiberglass infill with 75% 20
DYNAMIC NATURAL FREQUENCY (Hertz)

meter Compound Stiffness Test

(cps) and 2” fiberglass 60 A-24071-6F 1.30 WIA61797
cover 0” 1” 2” 3” 4” infill 50 A-24071-6B 1.28 WIA4495
100 39 38 38 43 50 42 56 45 59 46 56 57 40 A-24070-5 1.17 WIA4495
125 39 47 47 44 57 44 60 47 62 47 63 59 10
160 40 46 46 45 55 45 58 47 59 47 61 61
8
200 42 49 49 46 63 45 65 46 67 46 66 68
250 45 51 51 47 67 48 69 50 72 50 72 73 6
315 49 52 52 54 73 54 75 55 77 54 78 79
400 47 50 50 56 73 56 74 57 74 57 77 78
500 50 55 55 58 78 59 80 60 80 60 82 83 4 60
630 52 54 54 61 83 62 85 62 86 62 87 86 50
40
3 Design
800 51 52 52 63 85 63 86 64 87 65 86 88 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 Curves
1000 52 55 55 68 88 68 88 69 88 69 87 89 STATIC DEFLECTION (inches)
1250 55 58 58 72 93 72 93 72 92 73 91 95
1600 58 61 61 74 97 73 96 74 95 75 93 97
2000 60 63 63 75 97 75101 76 99 77 97 97 STANDARD MASS/STC LIMP MASS LAW
2500 62 65 65 80101 79104 79101 80101 100 PREDICTION AND TEST DATA
70
3150 65 67 67 82104 84105 85107 86103 104
AVERAGE STC per ASTM E90 & RM14-2

4000 68 71 71 87105 90106 92105 91104 106

5000 70 72 74 91102 93101 100 99 97 99 103 60 N IT
TIO LIM
STC 54 57 57 61 76 61 79 63 80 63 82 82* DIC
UPP
ER
PRE IMIT
INR ­-27 -27 17 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 50 LAW ER
L
IIC -24 -24 68 68 68 68 68 68 69 69 ASS LOW
PM
LIM NTS
Riverbank TL-71-152 March 71 Riverbank TL-71-247 June 71 ME
40 URE
MEAS
*While the use of infill raises the STC an additional 3 in a 2” air gap, it UAL
is overkill as field flanking will prevent achieving the higher laboratory ACT
value. The floating floor @79 STC is already the most sound resistant 30
Data based on tests conducted by
path. Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories
20

10
2 4 6 8 10 20 40 60 80 100
FLOOR, WALL or CEILING WEIGHT (lb/ft2)

3
 SPRINCONCRETE FLOATING FLOORS discussion

Business Concrete
Card floating floors are used for many purposes. We have limited this bulletin to the following areas
Logoof Vibration, Sound and Impact Isolation.
1. VIBRATION ISOLATION
Buildings are unavoidably near busy streets, trains and subways even though they contain space that
must be vibration free and have very low NC levels. Examples include television studios and theatres
and in some cases sound test rooms located in the center of factories.
The frequency of the isolator supporting these floors is normally determined by the architect or an
acoustical consultant depending on the input frequencies. Within our range of experience we recom-
mend LDS mountings with a dynamic frequency not exceeding 10 Hz for input no lower than 20 Hz
providing frequencies below 30 Hz are limited in amplitude. Steel spring isolators come into their own
when the input is more severe or below 20 Hz. The required deflection of the springs is dependent
on the input frequency, but most spring floating floor work is done with deflections between 0.5” and
0.75” to provide frequencies in the 4.5 to 3.6 Hz range. When heavy impact is a major factor, springs
are always required.
We have provided LDS isolators to reduce subway vibration at grade. They were very effective
as the lowest input frequency was measured at 20 Hz and the ground amplitudes were small. In
another application, however, television studios were located on the third floor of an old building. Spring
mountings were specified by the same acoustical consultant as the upper floor amplitudes were high
and frequencies low, not only because of motor truck traffic outside the building, but the passage of
heavy scenery wagons in halls between studios.
VIBRATION 2. SOUND ISOLATION
Typical of these applications are the introduction of floating floors in very noisy equipment rooms
located over prime office space or floating roofs as a protection against aircraft noises.
Since we are dealing with the prevention of airborne noise transmission only, LDS mountings are
always the choice. The lowest audible frequency is about 25 Hz so there is no need for mountings of
greater deflection. Spring mountings manufactured with LDS materials in series with the springs would
work equally well in this application, but they are needlessly expensive. Since the floating floor’s fre-
quency is too high to isolate machinery, the only function is the prevention of airborne sound transmis-
sion. Machinery supported on the floating floor must have steel or air spring isolators.
3. IMPACT ISOLATION
Examples of straight impact isolation would normally include kitchens, weight rooms or bowling
alleys. A commercial kitchen in an office building generates structurally transmitted noise. The noise
level within the kitchen itself might not be very high, but the rolling of carts, the dropping of dishes,
the rattling of cutlery on steel tables, the placing of pots on stoves, etc., all represent impact and
mechanically transmitted sound. LDS isolators have been effective in most of these applications but
springs are better.
Where gym floors are the problem and we must deal with running, jumping and bouncing balls, LDS
would be effective over a very rigid substructure, but once again springs are the safer approach.

SOUND JACK-UP (Lift-Slab) SYSTEM

We believe that the most fool-proof and safest way to establish the air gap is the jack-up or lift-slab
method. Plastic sheeting is placed on the sub-floor as a breaker layer, isolators are placed on the
plastic sheeting, reinforcing steel or mesh rests on the isolator housings, and the concrete floor is
poured. After the concrete has cured, the slab is lifted to elevation by turning adjustment bolts above
each isolator to any specified air gap between 1” and 4”.
FORM-WORK SYSTEM
The alternate, almost obsolete, method is one whereby a continuous layer of the isolation media is
used as a pouring surface. More commonly, individual isolators, the thickness of the air gap are placed
in position in the field and covered with plywood or factory attached to plywood before delivery. The
upper surface is covered with a plastic layer and then the reinforcing is placed on top of the plywood
forms and the concrete poured at finished elevation.
MACHINERY SUPPORT
In our older publications we advocated the support of heavy machinery on full sized structurally sup-
ported pedestals or individual structurally supported pedestals as shown in the illustrations on page 5.
While the performance of systems installed that way was excellent, it proved to be a major coordination
problem because the pedestals had to be located, poured and anchored to the sub-floor before the
system could go ahead. There was very little saving in cost as we provided isolators around the edges
of these pedestals so there was no saving in the number of isolators. There was the additional labor of
IMPACT installing perimeter board and caulking. We gradually modified our approach to using this method for
only the heaviest of machinery such as chillers, but based on our continued experience we are now
suggesting continuous floating floors with all the housekeeping pads and equipment on top.
JACK-UP VERSUS FORM-WORK METHOD
1” to 4” When the form-work method is used, the spacing of the mountings is a function of the stiffness of the
Air Gap forms which support the wet concrete. In using half inch plywood, which is the most common form,
we have tested 12”, 16” and 24” spacing. We have found 24” spacing to be highly satisfactory. Closer
spacing merely means more fussing with light capacity mountings and in comparing 12” with 24” spac-
ing the introduction of four times as many transmission points.
Our development of the lift-slab method accelerated in 1962 when we isolated some 30,000 square
feet of television studios for CBS using jack-up spring mountings. The mountings were designed to the
performance specifications of an acoustical consultant. This new method was an immediate success.
When using the lift-slab technique, the spacing of the isolators is determined by the thickness of the
floating floor and the reinforcement. When 4” slabs are used, a spacing of 54” in both directions is
well within design limitations. Thus we have 1/20 the number of transmission pads offered by a form
JACK-UP FLOOR work or panel system using 12” spacing. Thicker slabs allow for wider spacing and 60” or more is
Recommended Spacing 54” not unusual.

4
 SPRINCONCRETE FLOATING FLOORS discussion

Business
Structural tests run in 1974 indicate that Card
48” spacing using 6x6x10 gauge mesh 1” from the bottom
Logo
is a very safe system for live loads of 150 Lbs. per square foot, or rolling loads of 350 Lbs. per lineal
foot. Rolling loads must be considered when rigging machines into place. These allowable loadings
were derived from destruction tests, and based on a 3 to 1 safety factor. The full certified Jones Test
Report is available on request. Extremely heavy concentrated loads are accommodated by isolators
directly under the loads or by using heavier local reinforcing to carry the load to mountings paralleling
the equipment. Heavier reinforcement allows greater spacing.
The most advantageous way of using the jack-up system is to roll the heavy equipment into position
before the floor is raised, so there is no danger of cracking the areas of lighter capacity as the machin-
ery rolls by. The floors are raised with the machinery in place. When it is done this way, all mountings
have the most uniform deflection. While this is the ideal way, the concrete people usually want to be 1” to 4”
off the job and the machinery is placed after the floor is raised. This is no problem either, as a lifted Air Gap
floor is no different than a floor poured at elevation.
In thinking about longevity it seems to be a contradiction to use plywood as the form in series with the
isolator. If moisture is present, even exterior plywood will eventually rot. Plywood between floors is a FORM-WORK FLOOR
fire hazard that violates many state codes and fireproof plywood is very expensive. Why worry about Maximum Spacing 24”
these problems when the plywood can be omitted with the jack-up system?
When deformed metallic forms are specified, many of these objections no longer exist as in one direc-
tion the support mountings can be moved out to the larger centers. Fire and rotting is similarly no longer
a problem. However, very few floors are installed this way as steel forms are expensive and difficult to
install, particularly in odd shaped rooms.
We have omitted the use of lightweight fiberglas infill in all of our recommendations, because the
acoustical improvement is negligible as shown in paragraph 4 of the opening letter on page 2. When
water is present between floors, the breakdown of the lightweight fiberglas tends to clog drains and to
hold and carry moisture up to the plywood. This accelerates rotting whether the drains are introduced
in the sub-floor or not.
The jack-up system is easier to install since there is no need to fit unusual contours. The mountings are
placed in position along the edges and the concrete flows to or around the odd shapes. Any air gap up
to 4” can be used at no increase in cost. Perhaps the most important point is that there is no possibil-
ity of short circuiting of the air gap by concrete spills between plywood panels. When these accidents HOUSEKEEPING PAD
happen, there is no way to tell until the floor does not perform properly. In effecting repairs you must ON FLOATING FLOOR
first locate the short circuit, break or cut out that area of the floor, somehow re-establish the reinforcing
by welding or tying to the stubs that are left and then repouring the patch. This can never happen with
a lift-slab system as the floors are lifted after the concrete has hardened so the air gap must be clear.
When using the jack-up system, the isolator is within the cast iron housing, so the thickness of the
isolator remains 2”, even if the floor is only elevated 1”. If you try to save height with a plywood system,
the thickness of the isolator must be reduced with a loss in efficiency because the isolator frequency
increases. We have installed floors that are 3” thick with a 1” lift for a total height of 4”. A plywood
system with the same isolator frequency would have to be 51/2” high minimum. The 11/2” height sav-
ing can be important.
While we prefer the lift-slab system, we have also included specifications using plywood forms as there
is the occasional application where the forms are practical or for reasons of your own you prefer this
older technique.
EXTREME TRANSIENT LOAD CONDITIONS LIFTING
BUSHING
Floating floors are sometimes subject to extremely high
transient loads that would deflect the floor beyond struc- STOP
tural limits and result in floor failure. Typical of these are SCREW
stage floors, floating streets, convention exhibit centers LDS CONCENTRATED
and major production TV studios. Temporary loadings PRIMARY LOAD TESTS
are buses, trailer trucks or lift trucks with concentrated ISOLATOR
loads as high as 10,000 lbs. in any location. These
STOP
problems are handled with stop screw isolator designs. SCREW
The main adjustment bolt is enlarged to a threaded CLEARANCE
brass bushing with a centered steel bolt set to a prede-
termined clearance above a secondary base isolation LDS
plate and isolation pad. Let us discuss these specialized STRUCTURAL SLAB OVERLOAD
PAD
applications with you as each problem is different.
STOP SCREW FSN
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS Also available for FS (spring)
In seismic zones the peripheral walls or curbs must be studied and designed to withstand horizontal
floating floor displacement at the maximum acceleration in the area. Typically a 5,000 square foot floor
would weigh 250,000 Lbs. and the weight of any equipment attached to the floor would have to be UNIFORM
added to that. If the system were in a 0.5g zone, the lateral force would be 125,000 Lbs. Assuming the LOAD TEST
dimensions were 50 ft. x 100 ft., the 50 ft direction would be most critical and the curb or perimeter wall
designed to resist 2500 Lbs. per linear foot.
Another potentially serious problem is the curling and failure of the concrete floor from the forces intro-
duced by the machinery restraints that must be anchored to the floating floor. The problem becomes
apparent when you visualize a tall, narrow chiller. Acceleration at the center of gravity creates an
overturning moment that pulls on the floor on one side and depresses it on the other. A 4” concrete
floor has little inherent resistance to this type of bending and we have addressed this problem with a
double acting resilient floor snubber type SFFS as illustrated on page 8 and 14.
The snubber is anchored to the sub-floor and the housing cast into the floating floor. The up and down
clearances are adjusted after the floor has been raised. The floor restraints are grouped near the points
of tension and compression or on either side of the housekeeping pads. The inclusion of these snub-
bers keeps the floor captive and prevents damage. The generous clearances prevent short circuiting.
We believe we are the first, if not the only company, to offer this engineering development. DEFORMED
METALLIC FORMS

5
 IMPROVED PERFORMANCE BY REPLACING NEOPRENE
WITH LDS (Low Dynamic Stiffness) RUBBER
Business Card
We started Mason Industries
Logo in 1958. Our revolutionary much more sophisticated. It is a forced frequency test for
designs of high deflection free standing spring isolators, as resonance at specific frequencies of 5, 10 and 15 Hz. We
opposed to housed mountings, and our literature with down to were dismayed to find that rather than 1.5 to 1.63, the new
earth information made its mark. This generated phone calls results ranged from an average of 1.8 for 54 durometer to 2.4
from acoustical consultants asking us to get into the floating for 64. Using the same test techniques, our new LDS rubber
floor business. We asked why. In addition to wanting more compounds are below 1.3 in 50 durometer and 1.35 in 60.
than one source, the implication was that some competitive This meant the continued use of Neoprene represented too
information was unreliable and they would rather work with us. great a sacrifice in performance.
In those wonderful days we were doubling our volume every LDS stands for Low Dynamic Stiffness. In addition to exceed-
year and keeping up with demand and continued development ing all AASHO Bridge Bearing structural requirements, we had
of our mechanical systems, led us to answer, we simply were worked for years to develop compounds with extremely Low
not ready to enter the floating floor market. Dynamic Stiffness characteristics even in 60 and 70 durom-
eter as published. Using these compounds lowers frequency
In 1965 one of our representatives ordered Bridge Bearing response for a given deflection to improve both vibration isola-
Neoprene Pads. While we had been molding rubber for years, tion and reduce sound transmission. Other than oil resistance,
we were not familiar with this specification. Mason LDS compounds are far superior to Neoprene in physi-
DuPont manufactures Neoprene, and they were a great help. cal characteristics as well. Building Support Pads can have a
In addition to the Bridge Bearing formulations, they provided lower profile than Neoprene for the same frequency. This is
publications and back up information on Neoprene’s excellent true of floating floor mounts too, but mounting heights are often
aging characteristics. maintained to achieve a specified air gap.

After this exposure to Neoprene, we realized we had a proper In Europe, virtually all isolation work was and is done with
floating floor material. If Neoprene could survive in outdoor Natural Rubber. In this country, specifications for bridge
applications, exposed to sunlight, temperature extremes, snow bearing rubber supports allow the use of Neoprene or Natural
and rain, it would certainly last for the life of the structure when Rubber. The very great majority of bearings, if not all, are
located in the dark, cozy, moderate temperature environment, Natural Rubber. However, there is no requirement for a
under a floating floor. We immediately phoned the acoustical low dynamic stiffness, so the compounds are made less
consultants, and asked what frequency they needed expensive by using more fillers and are considerably less
efficient than our designs acoustically. In supporting bridges,
We were told they wanted an isolation frequency of 8 Hz in a this is unimportant as bearings are used in shear to accommo-
2” air gap. Since the lowest audible frequency is 25 Hz. 25/8 date expansion and contraction and not for vibration isolation.
provided an acoustical ratio of 3/1, similar to minimum vibra-
tion isolation, and at the higher frequencies, sound loss would There is a mechanical aspect too. Most engineers and
improve dramatically. architects are in the habit of pouring concrete on forms with
the bearings directly underneath or erecting steel directly on
We learned that rubber materials are often deflected 10% the bearings. In this first stage, the loadings are very low so
of the rubber thickness, and many publications refer to 15% the bearings hardly deflect. As the building progresses, the
deformation as a good conservative compression limit. That bearings deflect in response to the added weight, which is not
is why our 2” thick isolators have published deflections of 0.2” always uniform. The more deflection required to achieve a fre-
and a maximum of 0.3”. quency, the greater the complication of uneven deflections that
Dynamic Stiffness is simply defined as the ratio between the may distort the structure or induce cracks. LDS compounds
spring rate in vibratory motion and the static spring rate. minimize that problem, because deflections are minimal for
the same frequency.
When working with steel springs, the ratio is 1, as spring steel
is a completely resilient material. Rubber materials are quite The use of Natural Rubber has been guided by the Malaysian
different. Dynamic stiffness increases with hardness and in Rubber Institute, and just as DuPont has been promoting
broad terms, the filler ratio of the materials to the rubber con- Neoprene and other excellent special purpose polymers, the
tent as well as the type of carbon black reinforcement, plasti- Natural Rubber industry has been working with the chemical
cizers, etc. It is also very sensitive to the polymer. people to perfect the antiozonants and antioxidants. Other
additives reduce sunlight damage. The new Natural Rubber
We ran our Kodaris Neoprene Dynamic Stiffness test in 1972. materials have become completely reliable in long term aging
The corrected data showed that at 0.2” deflection, the poor- tests, so there is no longer any reason to continue with the
est situation using 60 duro with a dynamic stiffness of 1.63 Neoprene. We have always improved our offerings, and hope-
increased the frequency to 9 Hz at 0.2” and 7.3 Hz at 0.3” as fully, our learning curve will continue.
compared to a steel spring where 0.2” deflection would be 7
Hz and 0.3” 5.7 Hz. Based on these conclusions, all acoustical isolation materi-
als, including the mounts used in Jack-up systems, the EAFM
In negotiating a recent building support project, we convinced series, or bearings to support and isolate structures will be
the client that Neoprene should be used in place of Natural made of LDS materials. (Low Dynamic Stiffness.) Hanger
Rubber. We were not concerned that the specification required elements and hanger cups are included as well.
a new dynamic stiffness test, because we believed the Kodaris
test data showing our 50 durometer Neoprene compound had While the danger of oil contamination is minimal, all floor
a dynamic stiffness of 1.50 and 60 durometer 1.63. However, mounted pads under spring isolators, spring holders, etc., will
the dynamic stiffness tests run today are very different, and continue as commercial grade Neoprene.

Norm Mason
6
 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM
beginning of specifications
Business Card
Logo FLOATING FLOOR
CONSTRUCTION
REINFORCING
FSN SEQUENCE
CASTINGS
POLYETHYLENE
SHEETING
ISO
LA
TIO
N

PLACEMENT
OF ISOLATION
MATERIALS

STRUCTURAL
FLOOR
ISOLATED
FLOOR DRAIN

POURED
CONCRETE ISOLATOR
RUBBER PLUGS

POURING OF
CONCRETE

METER
CAULKED PERI D
CAULK ISOLATION BOAR
EQUIPMENT
HOUSEKEEPING PAD
GROUT TOPS (must be mechanically
OF ISOLATORS secured to floating floor
in seismic zones.) JACKED UP
FLOATING
FLOOR

SPECIFIED
AIR GAP

The following floor specifications are all written in the format of the
“United States Construction Specifications Institute”. All specifica-
tions are available upon request on CD Rom.

LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS

WITH MACHINERY SUPPORTED BY THE FLOATING FLOOR.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 Description
A Scope of Work
1. Isolate floating floors from building structure by means of jack-up
Type CFDA4 x 4 LDS isolators and perimeter isolation in each of the mechanical
FLOOR DRAIN equipment rooms as shown on the drawings.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors.
B. Substitution of Materials
Type FSN 1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod-
LDS JACK-UP MOUNT
7
 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM
specification continued
Business
ucts which are listed CardSpecifications. Submit samples and
in these 10. In seismic zones adjust the double acting snubbers after machin-
test reports by an independent
Logo laboratory for consideration on this ery is in place to provide a maximum up and down clearance of
project. 0.125”(3mm).
D. Submittals
1.02 Design
1. Detailed product drawings and Load/Deflection curves of all isola-
A. Intent tors, double acting floor snubbers and/or other snubbing restraints
1. The floating floor system shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick concrete when required.
slab isolated from and supported 2”(50mm) above the waterproofed
structural slab by resilient LDS isolators within cast iron housings 2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
designed to jack up the floor after pouring on the sub-floor. accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: 3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory at
5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
 Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block
(Barrier wall construction can be changed when writing specifica- 3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection.
tion) shall rest on the floating floor with a 31/2” air gap to the struc- 4. 
Acoustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a
tural walls. (31/2”(90mm) may be reduced to 2”(50mm) if no sway minimum STC of 79 and a minimum INR of 17 using a 4”(100mm)
braces are needed.) concrete floating floor, a 6”(152mm) structural floor and a 2”(50mm)
2. The floating floor slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls, col- air gap.
umns and curbs by means of perimeter isolation. 5. A drawing or drawings showing:
3. Any floor drains, piping, conduit and duct penetrations must not a. Dead, live and concentrated loads.
short circuit the isolation system.
b. 
Isolator sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations and in
4. Any equipment within these rooms shall be mounted on housekeep- seismic zones, locations of seismic snubbers.
ing pads or directly on the floating floor as shown on the drawings.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following to b:
5. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by
curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces. 
Wall sway brace and isolated angle iron brace sizes, locations
Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between and frequencies.
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum c. Any drain and penetration locations.
deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis-
mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system. d. Size, type, elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement.
6. In seismic zones 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent Av, the floor shall be e. Caulking details.
protected by embedded double acting resilient floor snubbers set in
opposition to the overturning moments at the equipment snubbers f. Floor or floor and wall construction procedure.
in all locations where the center of gravity of major equipment is
high. 1.03 Quality Assurance
B. Performance Requirements A. Floating floor system components shall be designed and fabricated
by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hundred
1. The floating floor system shall have a minimum rating of STC-79 similar installations.
and INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
B. 
The floating floor isolation materials shall be installed and the floor
C. Floor System Construction Procedure raised by or under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.
1. The setting of all isolation materials and raising of the floor shall be
performed by or under the supervision of the isolation manufacturer. 1.04 Site Conditions
2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the
waterproofing specifications. installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola-
3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc. tion manufacturer. The sub-floor must have the same pitch as the
3a. 
In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge top of the floating floor or special provisions made for isolator hous-
bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation or ings of different height.
bolt to the sub-floor.
1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
4. Cover entire floor area with 6 mil (0.15mm) plastic sheeting and
carry sheeting up perimeter isolation. Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the
construction supervisor to minimize delays.
5. Place bell-shaped castings on a maximum of 54”(1370mm) cen-
ters in the general areas in strict accordance with the approved
drawings prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Spacing can be PART 2 - PRODUCTS
increased to straddle machinery locations. Additional reinforce-
ment must be detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when 2.01 Isolators
required. A. Bell shaped castings with integral lugs to locate reinforcing, shroud-
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: ing 2”(50mm) thick LDS isolators molded to the following and all
other AASHTO bridge bearing specifications. All housings shall
 Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in have 3/4”(20mm) minimum diameter jackscrews. Deflections shall
addition to the perimeter of the floating floor. not exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 9 Hz. Isolators shall be
5a. In seismic zones attach double acting resilient seismic snubbers to Mason Industries type FSN.
the structural slab on either side of high center of gravity equipment Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
to withstand the overturning moment generated by the machinery
snubbers and prevent failure of the floating floor. ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
6. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono- Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
CREEP
lithically. D-395 ISO8013
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air
7. Raise floor 2”(50mm) by means of the jack-screws. (If construction meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F
sequence dictates raising the floor before placing machinery, heavy Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
planking must be used to protect floor while machinery is being 40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
rolled into position). 50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
8. Caulk perimeter isolation in all locations and grout jack-screw holes. 70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
9. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar Numbers are Mason standard.
does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats
against the structural wall as a precaution. Provide sway braces B. In seismic zones double acting resilient cast in floating floor snub-
and isolated angle iron wall braces at the top of the walls. Caulk bers shall consist of a ductile iron housing locked into the floating
angle iron braces. floor. The housing shall have a removable cover plate to provide
access to the adjustment of clearances in both the up and down
directions of the resilient stops. Resilient stops shall be attached to
a restraining bolt attached to the structural floor with an approved
anchor. Double acting snubbers shall be Mason Industries Type
8 SFFS.
 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM
specification concluded
Business
If sound barrier walls are Card
used, add the following: surrounding the upper section as a between floors sound seal.
C. 
Wall Sway Braces: Double Logoacting LDS sway braces with a fail safe
Weep holes are required to drain the structural floor. Floor drains
shall have water proofing membrane clamps. Floor drains shall be
feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket for Mason Industries Type CFD-18591.
bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in the
masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of 10Hz
based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiff- PART 3 - EXECUTION
ness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal. Sway Braces shall be
Mason Industries Type DNSB. 3.01 Installation
D. 
Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with Install the floating floor systems according to the installation and adjust-
provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
3/8”(9mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. Angle Brackets and approved by the architect.
shall be Mason Industries AB-716.

2.02 Bond Breaker Material The following table is a general guide to floor thicknesses and air
gaps. All specifications may be modified to your requirements.
A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting.

2.03 Perimeter Isolation TYPICAL FLOOR CONFIGURATIONS

A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average. Floor Overall
PVC foam shall be Mason Industries P7.
Air Gap Thickness Height
B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height 3”– Minimum
of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to the
same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the FSN mountings 4”­– Most Common
Most
and sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum
earthquake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason Industries Common 5”­– Seldom Air Gap

Type LDS-BBP. 2” Plus
6”– Common
Floor
2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound
Occasionally Thicker Floors or Thickness

A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade. 3” or 4” Fractional Dimensions
Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75.
As Required. We
2.05 Floating Floor Drains have Designed Floating
Floors 12” Thick.
A. Cast iron design. The upper funnel section cast into the float-
ing floor. Lower bucket, built into the structure, shall retain water

PRODUCT DETAILS
FSN LDS Jack-Up Mount EAFM LDS Mount FS Spring Jack-Up Mount
MOUNT
PRIOR TO A Capacity and A
POURING deflections are
controlled by
B diameter and
C C durometer.
A B
1”
MOUNT IN B
RAISED Typical Sizes Max Lowest
POSITION Load Defl Dynamic
Range A B 0.15T Freq (Hz)
(lbs) (in) (in) (in) 60 Duro
1-3 1/2 0.08 15.0 Load Min
Load Range A B Min C Max C 25 - 3500 1-4 1 0.15 11.0 Range Defl A B
(lbs) (in) (in) (in) (in) lbs. per 1.5-4.75 11/2 0.23 9.0 (lbs) (in) (in) (in)
mount 2-5 2 0.30 7.5
500 to 1700 45/8 51/2 3 As Reqd as req’d 3-4.75 3 0.45 6.0 450 to 1000 1 4 4
2500 to 3500 53/8 61/4 3 As Reqd 4-5 4 0.60 5.5 1000 to 2935 1 5 4
Dynamic Frequency not to exceed 7.5 Hertz 450 to 680 2 4 4
Larger sizes can be molded as required or 610 to 1870 2 5 4
@ 0.3” Deflection. (60 Duro) mountings clustered for greater capacity.

P7 P
 VC Foam CFD SFFS
Average Density: 7 lbs/cubic foot Floor 8 3/4” Seismic
Drain Floating
Floor
PVC Snubber

Floor
Height as Thickness
Required Available in + Air Gap
Lengths from
4’ to 20’
3/4” SAB
Nominal Clearance fills Anchor
Thickness Fits 2”, 21/2”, 3” & with water to
4” Threaded Pipe form sound trap

9
 TV STUDIOS, THEATRES, etc. LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM
beginning of specification
Business Card 8. Caulk perimeter isolation in all locations and grout jack-screw
TYPICAL FLOOR WITHOUT MACHINERY
Logo holes.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
9. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar
does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats
against the structural wall as a precaution. Provide sway braces
and isolated angle iron wall braces at the top of the walls. Caulk
LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM FOR TV Studios, Theatres, Bowling Alleys, angle iron braces.
Kitchens, Squash Courts, Exercise Rooms, etc. D. Submittals
1. Detailed product drawings and Load/Deflection curves of all isola-
PART 1 - GENERAL tors.
1.01 Description 2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used.
We have left the blank below for you to fill in the name of the area, i.e.
Auditorium, TV Studio, etc. Please specify floor finish such as hardwood 3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory
or tile as you normally do in another section. at 5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
A. Scope of Work 3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection.
1. Isolate floating floors from building structure by means of jack-up 4. A
 coustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a mini-
LDS isolators and perimeter isolation in each of the (fill in name of mum STC of 79 and a minimum INR of 17 using a 4”(100mm) concrete
area) _____________________. floating floor, a 6”(150mm) structural floor and a 2”(50mm) air gap.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: 5. A drawing or drawings showing:
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors. a. Dead, live and concentrated loads.
B. Substitution of Materials b. Isolator sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations.
1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod- If sound barrier walls are used, add:
ucts which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples and
test reports by an independent laboratory for consideration on this  wall sway brace and isolated angle iron brace sizes, locations
project. and frequencies.
c. Any drains or other penetrations.
1.02 Design
d. Size, type, elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement.
A. Intent
e. Caulking details.
1.  The floating floor system shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick
concrete slab isolated from and supported 2”(50mm) above the f. Floating floor and wall construction procedure.
structural slab by resilient LDS isolators within cast iron housings
designed to jack up the floor after pouring on the sub-floor. Sub 1.03 Quality Assurance
floors shall be waterproofed under kitchens. A. Floating floor system components shall be designed and fabricated
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hun-
dred similar installations.
Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block
(Barrier wall construction can be changed when writing specifica- B. The floating floor isolation materials shall be installed and the floor
tion) shall rest on the floating floor with a 31/2”(90mm) air gap to raised by or under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.
the structural walls. (31/2”(90mm) may be reduced to 2”(50mm) if
no sway braces are needed.) 1.04 Site Conditions
2. The floating floor slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls, col- A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the
umns and curbs by means of perimeter isolation. installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola-
3. Any floor drains, piping, conduit and duct penetrations must not tion manufacturer. The sub-floor must have the same pitch as the
short circuit the isolation system. top of the floating floor or special provisions made for isolator hous-
4. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by ings of different height.
curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces.
Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between 1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the
deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis- construction supervisor to minimize delays.
mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system.
B. Performance Requirements PART 2 - PRODUCTS
1. The floating floor system shall have a minimum rating of STC-79 2.01 Isolators
and INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
A. Bell shaped castings with integral lugs to locate reinforcing,
C. Floor System Construction Procedure shrouding 2”(50mm) thick LDS isolators molded to the following
1. The setting of all isolation materials and raising of the floor shall be AASHTO bridge bearing specifications. All housings shall have
performed by or under the supervision of the isolation manufacturer. 3/4”(20mm) minimum diameter jackscrews. Deflections shall not
exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 10Hz. Isolators shall be
2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with Mason Industries type FSN.
waterproofing specifications.
3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc. Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
3a. In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation. CREEP
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
4. Cover entire floor area with 6 mil (0.15mm) plastic sheeting and Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013
carry sheeting up perimeter isolation. meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F
5. Place bell-shaped castings on maximum 54”(1370mm) centers in Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
the general areas in strict accordance with the approved drawings 40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Additional reinforcement 50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
must be detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when 60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
required.
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: Numbers are Mason standard.
 Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
addition to the perimeter of the floating floor.
B.  Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail
6. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono- safe feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a
lithically. bracket for bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for
7. Raise floor 2”(50mm) by means of the jack-screws. insertion in the masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not
10
 TV STUDIOS, THEATRES, etc. LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM specification concluded
LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM for ROOFS beginning of specification
Business
in excess of 10HzCard
based on the weight of the wall area per brace and 5. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by
Logo not in excess of 50% of the horizontal. Sway braces
a vertical stiffness curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces.
shall be Mason Industries Type DNSB. Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between
C. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum
provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis-
3/8”(9mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. Angle Brackets shall mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system.
be Mason Industries AB-716. 6. In seismic zones 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent Av, the roof shall be pro-
tected by embedded double acting resilient floor snubbers set in
2.02 Bond Breaker Material opposition to the overturning moments at the equipment snubbers in
all locations where the center of gravity of major equipment is high.
A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting.
B. Performance Requirements
2.03 Perimeter Isolation 1. The floating roof system shall have a minimum rating of STC-79
A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average. PVC and INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
foam shall be Mason Industries P7. C. Roof System Construction Procedure
B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with 1. The setting of all isolation materials and raising of the roof shall be
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height
performed by or under the supervision of the isolation manufac-
of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to the turer.
same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the FSN mountings and
sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum earth- 2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with
quake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason Industries Type waterproofing specifications.
LDS-BBP. 3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc.
2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound 3a. In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge
bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation.
A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade.
Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75. 4. Cover entire floor area with 6 mil (0.15mm) plastic sheeting and
carry sheeting up perimeter isolation.
2.05 Floating Floor Drains 5. Place bell-shaped castings on maximum 54”(1370mm) centers in
A. Cast iron design. The upper funnel section cast into the floating the general areas in strict accordance with the approved drawings
floor. Lower bucket, built into the structure, shall retain water sur- prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Spacing can be increased
rounding the upper section as a between floors sound seal. Weep to straddle machinery locations. Additional reinforcement must be
holes are required to drain the structural floor. Floor drains shall detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when required.
have water proofing membrane clamps. Floor drains shall be Mason If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
Industries Type CFD-18591.
 Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in
addition to the perimeter of the floating roof.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
5a. In seismic zones attach double acting resilient seismic snubbers to
3.01 Installation the structural slab on either side of high center of gravity equipment
to withstand the overturning moment generated by the machinery
Install the floating floor systems according to the installation and adjust- snubbers and prevent failure of the floating roof.
ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
and approved by the architect. 6. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour roof mono-
lithically.
––––––––––––––––––– End of Specification ––––––––––––––––––
7. Raise roof 2”(50mm) by means of the jack-screws. (If constructions
sequence dictates raising the roof before placing machinery, heavy
planking must be used to protect the roof if machinery is rolled into
LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM FOR ROOFS. position).
8. Caulk perimeter isolation in all locations and grout jack-screw holes.
PART 1 - GENERAL If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
1.01 Description 9. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar
does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats
A. Scope of Work against the structural wall as a precaution. Provide sway braces
1. Isolate floating roofs from the building structure by means of jack- and isolated angle iron wall braces at the top of the walls. Caulk
up LDS isolators and perimeter isolation in each of the roof areas angle iron braces.
shown on the drawings. 10. In seismic zones adjust the double acting snubbers after machin-
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: ery is in place to provide a maximum up and down clearance of
0.125”(3mm).
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors.
11. Install waterproofing and flashing.
B. Substitution of Materials
D. Submittals
1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the products
which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples and test 1. Detailed product drawings and Load/Deflection curves of all isola-
reports by an independent laboratory for consideration on this project. tors and in seismic zones double acting floor snubbers.
2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
1.02 Design accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used.
A. Intent 3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory at
1. The floating roof system shall consist of a 4”(100mm) waterproofed 5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
concrete slab isolated and supported 2”(50mm) above the water- 3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection.
proofed structural slab by resilient LDS isolators within cast iron
housings designed to jack up the roof after pouring on the sub-roof. 4. 
Acoustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a
minimum STC of 79 and a minimum INR of 17 using a 4”(100mm)
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: concrete floating floor, a 6”(150mm) structural floor and a 2”(50mm)
 Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block air gap.
(Barrier wall construction can be changed when writing specifica- 5. A drawing or drawings showing:
tion) shall rest on the floating floor.
a. Dead, live and concentrated loads.
2. The floating roof slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls, col-
umns, and curbs by means of perimeter isolation. b.  Isolator sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations and in
seismic zones, locations of seismic snubbers.
3. Any equipment mounted directly on the floating roof shall be
installed so as not to damage the roof’s waterproofing. c. Any drains or other penetrations.
4. Flashing and waterproofing shall be completed after the roof is d. Size, type, elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement.
raised. Perimeter flashing shall allow for downward movement of e. Caulking details.
0.5”(12mm).
f. Roof system construction procedure.
11
 LDS JACK-UP SYSTEM for ROOFS specification concluded
SPRING JACK-UP SYSTEM beginning of specification
1.03 Quality Assurance Business Card
TYPICAL SPRING CROSS SECTION
A. Floating roof system components
Logo shall be designed and fabricated
by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hundred
similar floor or roof installations.
B. The floating roof isolation materials shall be installed and the roof
raised by or under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.

1.04 Site Conditions

A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the
installation of the floating roof, the work will not proceed until the
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola- Cover Key for Spanner Wrench
tion manufacturer. The sub-roof must have the same pitch as the
top of the floating roof or special provisions made for isolator hous-
ings of different height.
1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling Ferrous
Housing
Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the Cast into
construction supervisor to minimize delays. Floor
System
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01 Isolators
A. 
Bell shaped castings with integral lugs to locate reinforcing,
shrouding 2”(50mm) thick LDS isolators molded to the following
AASHTO bridge bearing specifications. All housings shall have
3/4”(20mm) minimum diameter jackscrews. Deflections shall not
exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 10Hz. Isolator shall be Steel
Type FS Washer
Mason Industries type FSN.
SPRING
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene JACK-UP RIS Replaceable
Element Interchangeable Subpad
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG MOUNT with Spring Assembly
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
CREEP Type RIS RIS Seat Centers RIS
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013 RUBBER-IN-SHEAR Element. Bonded Steel
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F Washer Distributes Load
FLOOR DAMPER on Subpad and Reduces
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
Turning Friction
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) The damping provided by the air under spring supported floors is
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) normally adequate to limit motion. Occasionally, particularly in small
aerobic rooms, rhythmic exercises amplify floor motion so additional
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications. damping is desirable. The RIS (rubber-in-shear) element solves this
Numbers are Mason standard. problem. Elements are interchangeable with FS springs and can be
B. In seismic zones double acting resilient cast in floating floor snub- installed in existing housings if needed or included in the design stage
bers shall consist of a ductile iron housing locked into the floating in supplementary locations. Damping rate is controlled by hardness,
floor. The housing shall have a removable cover plate to provide material and number of dampers.
access to the adjustment of clearances in both the up and down
directions of the resilient stops. Resilient stops shall be attached to SPRING JACK-UP SYSTEM FOR TV STUDIOS, THEATRES,
a restraining bolt attached to the structural floor with an approved BOWLING ALLEYS, KITCHENS, SQUASH COURTS, EXERCISE
anchor. Double acting snubbers shall be Mason Industries Type ROOMS, ETC.
SFFS.
PART 1 - GENERAL
2.02 Bond Breaker Material
A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting. 1.01 Description
A. Scope of Work
2.03 Perimeter Isolation
1. 
Isolate floating floors from the building structure by means of
A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average. jack-up spring isolators and perimeter isolation in each of the
PVC foam shall be Mason Industries P7. ______________ rooms as shown on the drawings. (Architect to
B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with fill in name of room.)
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to the
same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the FSN mountings 2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors.
and sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum B. Substitution of Materials
earthquake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason Industries
Type LDS-BBP. 1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod-
ucts which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples for
2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound consideration on this project.
A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade.
Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75. 1.02 Design
A. Intent
2.05 Floating Roof Drains
1. 
The floating floor system shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick
A. Use standard roof drains cast into the floating roof. The structural concrete slab isolated from and supported 2”(50mm) above the
floor shall have openings large enough to access pipe connections structural slab by resilient spring isolators within cast iron housings
to the drains. Drain piping shall be suspended from combination designed to jack up the floor after pouring on the sub-floor.
spring and LDS hangers with a minimum of 1”(25mm) static deflec-
tion for 40 feet(12 meters) from the attachment point as shown on If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
the drawings.

Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block
B. Roof drains shall be (Architects Preference) (Barrier wall construction may be changed by the architect
when writing specification) shall rest on the floating floor with a
PART 3 - EXECUTION 31/2”(90mm) air gap to the structural walls. (3”(90mm) may be
reduced to 2”(50mm) if no sway braces are needed.)
3.01 Installation
2. The floating floor slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls and
Install the floating roof systems according to the installation and adjust- curbs by means of perimeter isolation.
ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
12 and approved by the architect.
 SPRING JACK-UP SYSTEM specification concluded

Business
3. Any floor drains, piping, Card
conduit and duct penetrations must not 1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
Logo
short circuit the isolation system.
Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the
4. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by construction supervisor to minimize delays.
curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces.
Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between PART 2 - PRODUCTS
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum
deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis- 2.01 Isolators
mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system.
A. Casting or weldments consisting of an internally threaded outer
B. Performance Requirements housing complete with lugs to support the reinforcing system. The
1. All spring isolators shall have the minimum specified deflection. inner inverted cup shaped housing shall be externally threaded. The
springs are compressed and the floor lifted by turns of the internal
C. Floor System Construction Procedure housing. Springs shall be seated in neoprene cups and housings
1. The setting of all isolation materials and raising of the floor shall shall have removable cover plates. Spring diameters shall be no
be performed by or under the supervision of the isolation manufac- less than 0.8 of the compressed height of the spring at rated load.
turer. Springs shall have a minimum additional travel to solid equal to
50% of the rated deflection. Spring deflections shall be a minimum
2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with of 0.75”(20mm). (Note to architect: Deflections may be changed as
waterproofing specifications. required.) Isolators shall be Mason Industries Type FS.
3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc. If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
3a. 
In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge B. Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe
bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation. feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket for
bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in the
4. Cover entire floor area with 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of 10Hz
and carry sheeting up perimeter isolation. based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiff-
5. 
Place spring isolator castings on a maximum of 54”(1370mm) ness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal. Sway Braces shall be
centers in the general areas in strict accordance with the approved Mason Industries Type DNSB.
drawings prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Additional rein- C. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with
forcement such as in wall locations must be detailed on isolation provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of
manufacturer’s drawings when required. 3/8”(9mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. Angle Brackets
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: shall be Mason Industries Type AB-716.


Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in 2.02 Bond Breaker Material
addition to the perimeter of the floating floor. A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting.
6. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono-
lithically. 2.03 Perimeter Isolation
7. Raise floor 2”(50mm) by means of the isolator threaded sleeves A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average.
and replace covers. PVC foam shall be Mason Industries P7.
8. Caulk perimeter isolation in all locations. B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to
AASHTO specifications, as shown and sized for a maximum deflec-
9. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar tion of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum earthquake forces. Interspersed
does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats pads shall be Mason Industries Type LDS-BBP.
against the structural wall as a precaution. Readjust perimeter iso-
lators as required to compensate for wall weight as the wall is built. Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
Provide sway braces and isolated angle iron wall braces at the top ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
of the walls. Caulk angle iron braces. PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
CREEP
D. Submittals Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013
1. Detailed product drawings including Load/Deflection curves of all meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F
isolators. Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
2. Drawing or drawings showing: 40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
a. Dead, live and concentrated loads. 60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
b. Isolator sizes, deflections and locations. NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following to b: Numbers are Mason standard.
Wall sway brace and isolated angle iron brace locations. 2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound
c. Any drain and penetration locations. A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade.
Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75.
d. Size, type, elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement.
e. Caulking details. 2.05 Floating Floor Drains
f. Floating floor and wall construction procedure. A. Cast iron design. The upper funnel section cast into the float-
ing floor. Lower bucket, built into the structure, shall retain water
1.03 Quality Assurance surrounding the upper section as a between floors sound seal.
Weep holes are required to drain the structural floor. Floor drains
A. Floating floor system components shall be designed and fabricated shall have water proofing membrane clamps. Floor drains shall be
by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hun- Mason Industries Type CFD-18591.
dred similar installations.
B. 
The floating floor isolation materials shall be installed and the floor PART 3 - EXECUTION
raised by or under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.
3.01 Installation
1.04 Site Conditions Install the floating floor systems according to the installation and adjust-
ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the and approved by the architect.
installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola-
tion manufacturer. The sub-floor must have the same pitch as the Note to Architect: When theatres have sharply sloped floors, FSN or FS
top of the floating floor or special provisions made for isolator hous- mountings must be furnished with round cast iron or neoprene wedges
ings of different height. at each FSN or FS location so mountings are installed level. In extreme
cases a restraining curb is needed at the base of the slope or the end of
the straight section adjoining the slope.
13
 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM
beginning of specification
Business Card
Logo EAFM
FLOATING
REINFORCING
POL FLOOR
SH YETH
HOUSEKEEPING EE YLE
TIN NE
METER PAD G PL
CAULKED PERI D WOY-
ISOLATION BOAR OD
ISO
LA
TIO
N

AIR
GAP EAFM LDS
MOUNTS
FLOOR
DRAIN

2. The floating floor slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls and
curbs by means of perimeter isolation.
3. Any floor drains, piping, conduit and duct penetrations must not
short circuit the isolation system.
4. Any equipment within these rooms shall be mounted on house-
keeping pads or directly on the floating floor as shown on the draw-
ings.
5. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by
curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces.
Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum
deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis-
Type CFDA4 x 4 mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system.
FLOOR DRAIN 6. In seismic zones 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent Av, the floor shall be
protected by embedded double acting resilient floor snubbers set in
opposition to the overturning moments at the equipment snubbers
in all locations where the center of gravity of major equipment is
high.
Type EAFM
LDS FLOOR MOUNT B. Performance Requirements
1. The floating floor system shall have a minimum rating of STC-79
and INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT C. Floor System Construction Procedure
ROOMS WITH MACHINERY SUPPORTED BY THE FLOATING 1. The setting of all isolation materials shall be performed by or under
FLOOR. the supervision of the isolation manufacturer.
PART 1 - GENERAL 2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with
waterproofing specifications.
1.01 Description 3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc.
A. Scope of Work 3a. 
In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge
1. Isolate floating floors from building structure by means of LDS bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation.
isolators under plywood panels and perimeter isolation in mechani- 4. Place individual LDS isolators on the sub-floor at a maximum spac-
cal equipment rooms as shown on the drawings. ing of 24”(600mm) in strict accordance with the approved drawings
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Additional reinforcement
must be detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors. required.
B. Substitution of Materials If sound barrier isolation walls are used, add the following:
1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod-  Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in
ucts which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples and addition to the perimeter of the floating floor.
test reports by an independent laboratory for consideration on this 5. In seismic zones provide anchorage for the double acting resilient
project. vertical snubbers to the structural slab. Snubber anchor bolts
must be in close proximity to the mechanical snubbers restraining
1.02 Design any high center of gravity equipment to withstand the overturning
A. Intent moments generated by the machinery snubbers and prevent failure
of the floating floor.
1. The floating floor shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick concrete slab
isolated from and supported 21/2”(62mm) above the waterproofed 6. Cover isolators with 1/2”(12mm) AC plywood. Isolators shall be
structural slab by resilient LDS isolators covered by 1/2” (12mm) located under joints and joints staggered. Connect plywood at abut-
plywood panels that form the pouring surface. ting edges and corners with 16 gauge steel junction plates.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: 7. Cover the plywood with 6 mil (0.15mm) plastic sheeting and carry it
up the walls past the perimeter isolation.
 Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block
(Barrier wall construction may be changed by architect when writ- 8. Place seismic snubber housings on the anchor bolts that protrude
ing specification) shall rest on the floating floor with a 31/2”(90mm) from the structural floor and through the plywood.
air gap to the structural walls. (31/2”(90mm) may be reduced to 9. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono-
2”(50mm) if no sway braces are needed.) lithically.
14
 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOM LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM
specification concluded
Business
10. After the concrete Card caulk all perimeter isolation.
has hardened, restraining bolt attached to the structural floor with an approved
If sound barrier wallsLogo
anchor. Double acting snubbers shall be Mason Industries Type
are used, add the following: SFFS.

Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats
against the structural wall as a precaution. Provide sway braces and C.  Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe
isolated angle iron wall braces at the top of the walls. Caulk angle feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket for
iron braces. bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in the
masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of 10Hz
11. In seismic zones adjust the double acting snubbers after machin- based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiff-
ery is in place to provide a maximum up and down clearance of ness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal. Sway Braces shall be
0.125”(3mm). Mason Industries Type DNSB.
D. Submittals D. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with
1. Detailed product drawings and Load/Deflection curves of all isola- provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of
tors. In seismic zones details of double acting floor snubbers. 3/8”(9mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. Angle Brackets
shall be Mason Industries Type AB-716.
2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used. 2.02 Plywood Covering Material
3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory at A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting.
5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection. 2.03 Perimeter Isolation
4. Acoustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a mini- A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average.
mum STC-79 and a minimum INR+17 using a 4”(100mm) concrete PVC foam shall be Mason Industries P7.
floating floor, a 6”(150mm) structural floor and 2”(50mm) air gap. B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with
5. A drawing or drawings showing: 3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height
of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to the
a. Dead, live and concentrated loads. same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the EAFM mountings
b. Isolators sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations. In seismic and sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum
zones add: “Locations and details of seismic snubbers”. earthquake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason Industries
Type LDS-BBP.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:

Wall sway brace and isolator, angle iron brace sizes, locations and 2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound
frequencies. A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade.
c. Any drain and penetration locations. Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75.
d. Size type elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement. 2.05 Floating Floor Drains
e. Caulking details. A. Cast iron design. The upper funnel section cast into the float-
f. Floating floor and wall construction procedure. ing floor. Lower bucket, built into the structure, shall retain water
surrounding the upper section as a between floors sound seal.
1.03 Quality Assurance Weep holes are required to drain the structural floor. Floor drains
shall have water proofing membrane clamps. Floor drains shall be
A. Floating floor system components shall be designed and fabricated Mason Industries Type CFD-18591.
by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hundred
similar installations. 2.06 Plywood
B. The floating floor isolation materials and panel board forms shall be A. Type AC exterior grade 1/2”(12mm) thick.
installed under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
1.04 Site Conditions
A. 
If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the 3.01 Installation
installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isolation Install the floating floor systems according to the installation and adjust-
manufacturer. ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
and approved by the architect.
1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the
construction supervisor to minimize delays. APPLICATION OF SEISMIC FLOATING FLOOR SNUBBERS

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 Isolators CONDENSER

A. 
Cylindrical LDS mountings with a diameter no less than 0.9 of
the 2”(50mm) height. Isolators are molded to the following LDS
AASHTO bridge bearing specification. Maximum durometer 60.
Deflections shall not exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 10Hz.
Isolators shall be Mason Industries Type EAFM.
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
COOLER
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG SEISMIC
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM SNUBBER
CREEP
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM SFFS
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013 FLOATING
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F FLOOR
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs SNUBBER
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
Numbers are Mason standard.
B. In seismic zones double acting resilient cast in floating floor snub-
bers shall consist of a ductile iron housing locked into the floating
floor. The housing shall have a removable cover plate to provide SNUBBER SHOWN WITH EAFM PANEL SYSTEM
access to the adjustment of resilient stop clearances in both the Equally suitable for FSN Jack-Up Floors
up and down directions. Resilient stops shall be attached to a
15
 TV STUDIOS, THEATRES, etc. LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM
beginning of specification
Business Card
TYPICAL SLOPED THEATRE FLOOR 5. 
Cover isolators with 1/2”(12mm) AC plywood. Isolators shall be
Logo located under joints and joints staggered. Connect plywood at abut-
ting edges with plywood junction plates.
6. Cover the plywood with polyethylene sheeting and carry it up the
walls past the perimeter isolation.
7. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono-
lithically.
8. After the concrete has hardened, caulk all perimeter isolation.
If sound barrier walls are used, add 9.
9. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar
LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM FOR TV STUDIOS, THEATRES, does not drop behind the walls. Place 2”(50mm) fiberglass bats
BOWLING ALLEYS, KITCHEN, SQUASH COURTS, EXERCISE against the structural wall as a precaution. Provide sway braces
ROOMS, ETC. and isolated angle iron wall braces at the top of the walls. Caulk
angle iron braces.
PART 1 - GENERAL D. Submittals
1.01 Description 1. Detailed product drawings and load /deflection curves of all isola-
tors.
A. Scope of Work
2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
1. Isolate floating floors from building structure by means of LDS accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used.
isolators under plywood panels and perimeter isolation in mechani-
cal equipment rooms as shown on the drawings. 3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory at
5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection.
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors.
4. Acoustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a mini-
B. Substitution of Materials mum STC-79 and a minimum INR+17 using a 4”(100mm) concrete
1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod- floating floor, a 6”(150mm) structural floor and 2”(50mm) air gap.
ucts which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples and
test reports by an independent laboratory for consideration on this 5. A drawing or drawings showing:
project. a. Dead, live and concentrated loads.
1.02 Design b. Isolators sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations.
A. Intent If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
1. The floating floor shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick concrete slab 
Wall sway brace and isolator, angle iron brace sizes, locations
isolated from and supported 21/2”(62mm) above the waterproofed and frequencies.
structural slab by resilient LDS isolators covered by plywood c. Any drain and penetration locations.
panels that form the pouring surface.
d. Size type elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
e. Caulking details.
Sound barrier walls consisting of 6” (150mm) filled concrete block
(Barrier wall construction may be changed by architect when writ- f. Floating floor and wall construction procedure.
ing specification) shall rest on the floating floor with a 31/2”(90mm)
air gap to the structural walls. (31/2”(90mm) may be reduced to 1.03 Quality Assurance
2”(50mm) if no sway braces are needed.) A. Floating floor system components shall be designed and fabricated
2. The floating floor slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls and by a manufacturer with at least ten years experience in one hun-
curbs by means of perimeter isolation. dred similar installations.
3. Any floor drains, piping, conduit and duct penetrations must not B. The floating floor isolation materials and panel board forms shall be
short circuit the isolation system. installed under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer.
4. Any equipment within these rooms shall be mounted on house- 1.04 Site Conditions
keeping pads or directly on the floating floor as shown on the draw-
ings. A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the
installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the
5. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola-
curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces. tion manufacturer.
Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum 1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis-
mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system. Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the
construction supervisor to minimize delays.
B. Performance Requirements
1. The floating floor system shall have a minimum rating of STC-79 PART 2 - PRODUCTS
and INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
2.01 Isolators
C. Floor System Construction Procedure
A. 
Cylindrical LDS mountings with a diameter no less than 0.9 of
1. The setting of all isolation materials shall be performed by or under the 2”(50mm) height. Isolators are molded to the following LDS
the supervision of the isolation manufacturer. AASHTO bridge bearing specification. Maximum durometer 60.
2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with Deflections shall not exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 10Hz.
waterproofing specifications. Isolators shall be Mason Industries Type EAFM.
3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc. Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
3a. 
In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation. PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
CREEP
4. Place individual LDS isolators on the sub-floor at a maximum spac- Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013
ing of 24” (600mm) in strict accordance with the approved drawings
prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Additional reinforcement meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
must be detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when
required. 40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
If sound barrier isolation walls are used, add the following: 60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in
addition to the perimeter of the floating floor. NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
Numbers are Mason standard.
16
 TV STUDIOS, THEATRES, etc. LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM specification concluded
LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM for ROOFS beginning of specification
If soundBusiness Card
barrier walls are used, add the following: 2. The floating roof slab shall be isolated from adjoining walls and
B. Wall SwayLogo
Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe
curbs by means of perimeter isolation.
feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket for 3. Any floor drains, piping, conduit and duct penetrations must not
bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in the short circuit the isolation system.
masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of 10Hz 4. Any equipment on the roof shall be mounted on housekeeping
based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiff- pads or directly on the floating roofs as shown on the drawings, and
ness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal. Sway Braces shall be installed so as not to damage the roof’s waterproofing.
Mason Industries Type DNSB.
5. In seismic zones the floating floor shall be restrained horizontally by
C. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with curbs or walls designed to withstand the horizontal seismic forces.
provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of Solid bridge bearing LDS pads shall be interspersed between
3/8”(9mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. Angle Brackets shall
perimeter isolation to withstand the seismic forces with a maximum
be Mason Industries Type AB-716. deflection of 0.2”(5mm). When perimeter cannot be used for seis-
mic constraint, intersperse horizontal restraints within floor system.
2.02 Bond Breaker Material
6. In seismic zones 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent Av, the floor shall be
A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting. protected by embedded double acting resilient floor snubbers set in
opposition to the overturning moments at the equipment snubbers
2.03 Perimeter Isolation in all locations where the center of gravity of major equipment is
A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average. PVC high.
foam shall be Mason Industries P7.
B. Performance Requirements
B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the height 1. The floating roof system shall have a minimum rating of STC 79 and
of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made to the INR+17 as verified by an independent laboratory in prior tests.
same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the EAFM mountings C. Roof System Construction Procedure
and sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at maximum earth-
quake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason Industries Type 1. The setting of all isolation materials shall be performed by or under
LDS-BBP. the supervision of the isolation manufacturer.
2. Set and waterproof any drains and lower pipe seals in keeping with
2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound waterproofing specifications.
A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade. 3. Cement perimeter isolation around all walls, columns, curbs, etc.
Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75.
3a. 
In seismic zones intersperse the perimeter isolation with bridge
2.05 Floating Floor Drains bearing quality LDS pads the thickness of the perimeter isolation.
A. Cast iron design. The upper funnel section cast into the floating 4. Place individual LDS isolators on the sub-floor at a maximum spac-
floor. Lower bucket, built into the structure, shall retain water sur- ing of 24”(600mm) in strict accordance with the approved drawings
rounding the upper section as a between floors sound seal. Weep prepared by the isolation manufacturer. Additional reinforcement
holes are required to drain the structural floor. Floor drains shall must be detailed on isolation manufacturer’s drawings when
have water proofing membrane clamps. Floor drains shall be Mason required.
Industries Type CFD-18591. If sound barrier isolation walls are used, add the following:
2.06 Plywood Perimeter isolators shall be selected to support the wall weight in
addition to the perimeter of the floating roof.
A. Type AC exterior grade 1/2”(12mm) thick.
5. In seismic zones provide anchorage for the double acting resilient
PART 3 - EXECUTION vertical snubbers to the structural slab. Snubber anchor bolts
must be in close proximity to the mechanical snubbers restraining
3.01 Installation any high center of gravity equipment to withstand the overturning
moments generated by the machinery snubbers and prevent failure
Install the floating floor systems according to the installation and adjust- of the floating floor.
ment procedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer
and approved by the architect. 6. 
Cover isolators with 1/2”(12mm) AC plywood. Isolators shall be
located under joints and joints staggered. Connect plywood at abut-
––––––––––––––––––– End of Specification –––––––––––––––––– ting edges and corners with 16 gauge steel junction plates.
7. Cover the plywood with polyethylene sheeting and carry it up the
LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM FOR ROOFS walls past the perimeter isolation.
PART 1 - GENERAL 8. Place seismic snubber housings on anchor bolts that protrude from
the structural floor and through the plywood.
1.01 Description 9. Place reinforcing as shown on the drawings and pour floor mono-
A. Scope of Work lithically.
1. Isolate floating roofs from the building structure by means of LDS 10. After the concrete has hardened, caulk all perimeter isolation.
isolators under plywood panels and perimeter isolation as shown on If sound barrier walls are used, add the following:
the drawings.
11. Construct block walls on the floating floor being careful that mortar
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: does not drop behind the walls.
2. Build sound barrier walls on the floating floors. 12. Perimeter roofing shall be done to allow for 0.5”(12mm) of down-
B. Substitution of Materials ward movement without leakage.
1. Substitute materials shall meet or exceed the “quality” of the prod- 13. In seismic zones adjust the double acting snubbers after machin-
ucts which are listed in these Specifications. Submit samples and ery is in place to provide a maximum up and down clearance of
test reports by an independent laboratory for consideration on this 0.125”(3mm).
project. D. Submittals
1.02 Design 1. Detailed product drawings and load /deflection curves of all isola-
tors and in seismic zones double acting floor snubbers.
A. Intent
2. AASHTO Test Reports on all properties in table 2.01 A from an
1. The floating roof shall consist of a 4”(100mm) thick concrete slab accredited independent laboratory for all rubber durometers used.
isolated from and supported 21/2”(62mm) above the waterproof
structural slab by resilient LDS isolators covered by plywood panels 3. Dynamic stiffness test from an accredited independent laboratory at
that form the pouring surface. 5, 10 and 15 Hz, showing dynamic stiffness does not exceed 1.4.
If sound barrier walls are used, add the following: 3a. Isolation frequency not to exceed 9 Hz at stated deflection.
Sound barrier walls consisting of 6”(150mm) filled concrete block 4. 
Acoustical test data from an independent laboratory showing a
(Barrier wall construction can be changed when writing specifica- minimum STC of 79 and a minimum INR of 17 using a 4”(100mm)
tion) shall rest on the floating floor. concrete floating floor, a 6”(150mm) structural floor and a 2”(50mm)
air gap.
17
 LDS FORM-WORK SYSTEM for ROOFS specification concluded

Business
5. A drawing Cardshowing:
or drawings NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications.
Numbers are Mason standard.
a. Dead, live Logo
and concentrated loads.
B. In seismic zones double acting resilient cast in floating floor snub-
b. 
Isolator sizes, deflections, frequencies and locations and in bers shall consist of a ductile iron housing locked into the floating
seismic zones, locations of seismic snubbers. floor. The housing shall have a removable cover plate to provide
c. Any drain and penetration locations. access to the adjustment of clearances in both the up and down
directions of the resilient stops. Resilient stops shall be attached to
d. Size, type, elevation and spacing of concrete reinforcement. a restraining bolt attached to the structural floor with an approved
e. Caulking details. anchor. Double acting snubbers shall be Mason Industries Type
SFFS.
f. Floating roof and wall construction procedure.
2.02 Plywood Cover Material
1.03 Quality Assurance
A. Provide one (1) layer of 6 mil (0.15mm) polyethylene sheeting over
A. Floating roof system components shall be designed and fabricated the plywood.
by a manufacturer of at least ten years experience in one hundred
similar floating floor installations. 2.03 Perimeter Isolation
B. The floating roof isolation materials and panel board forms shall be A. Minimum 3/4”(20mm) thick PVC foam, density 7 lbs/ft3 average.
installed under the supervision of the isolator manufacturer. PVC foam shall be Mason Industries P7.
1.04 Site Conditions B. In seismic zone perimeter isolation shall be interspersed with
3/4”(20mm) thick, 60 durometer LDS bridge bearing pads the
A. If site conditions are unsatisfactory or raise questions about the height of the perimeter material. Bridge bearing pad shall be made
installation of the floating floor, the work will not proceed until the to the same AASHTO specifications, as shown for the EAFM
condition has been corrected in a manner acceptable to the isola- mountings and sized for a maximum deflection of 0.2”(5mm) at
tion manufacturer. The sub-floor must have the same pitch as the maximum earthquake forces. Interspersed pads shall be Mason
top of the floating roof or special provisions made for isolator hous- Industries Type LDS-BBP.
ings of different height.
2.04 Perimeter Caulking Compound
1.05 Sequencing and Scheduling
A. Non-hardening, drying or bleeding. Troweling or pouring grade.
Coordinate work with other trades and coordinate scheduling with the Caulking compound shall be Mason Industries Type CC-75.
construction supervisor to minimize delays.
2.05 Floating Roof Drains
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
A. Floating roof drains shall be selected by the architect. A hole large
2.01 Isolators enough to allow passage of the drain piping shall be left in the
structural roof. Drain piping shall be suspended from combina-
A. Cylindrical LDS mountings with a diameter no less than 0.9 of the 2” tion spring and LDS hangers with a minimum of 1”(25mm) static
(50mm) height. Isolators are molded to the following LDS AASHTO deflection for 40 feet (12 meters) from the attachment point as
bridge bearing specification. Maximum durometer 60. Deflections shown on the drawings.
shall not exceed 0.3”(7.5mm) nor the frequency 10Hz. Isolators shall
be Mason Industries Type EAFM. B. Floor drains shall be (Architects preference).
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
2.06 Plywood
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM A. Type AC exterior grade 1/2”(12mm) thick.
CREEP
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013 PART 3 - EXECUTION
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs 3.01 Installation
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) Install the floating floor systems according to the installation pro-
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) cedures and drawings submitted by the isolator manufacturer and
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) approved by the architect.

ROOFING TO ARCHITECT’S WATER- FLOATING LDS

ALLOW FOR 0.5” ROOF DRAIN PROOFING ROOF JACK-UP OR
DOWNWARD (Not by Mason) EAFM ISOLATION
MOVEMENT

STRUCTURAL
FLOOR

CLEARANCE SPRING ISOLATED

HOLE IN & LDS DRAIN PIPE
SUB-FLOOR HANGERS

FSN JACK-UP OR EAFM PANEL SYSTEM USING STANDARD ROOF DRAIN

18
 SPRINISOLATED WALLS discussion

Business Card
Walls are isolated to prevent flanking around floating floors or to improve the STC between
Logospaces.
adjacent
The word “flanking” is used to describe a vibration or noise path that goes around an isolated
component. If a structure is built with continuous walls so that in cross section it is as an H and
we introduce a floating floor, the STC of the system will probably remain at only 60 or 63 regard-
less of the floor’s rating. Sound energy vibrates the walls and this vibration continues in wave
form to the lower spaces where the wall reintroduces the sound. This is flanking or bypassing
the floating floor. The difference in results is shown in Test Two as opposed to Test One in the
beginning of our discussion on page 3. The floor constructions were exactly the same. In Test
FLANKED FLOOR One, however, the sound impinged directly on the walls and ceiling without the isolated barrier
walls and ceiling used in Test Two.
To complete an envelope, secondary walls must be introduced with the same consideration
given to mass and air gap as covered in the floor discussion. The problem is simpler, because
the walls normally support only their own weight and they need not have the structural strength
FLOATING of the floor. Poured concrete or concrete block walls should approach the floor density. It is most
FLOOR important that block joints are properly filled with mortar and painting the walls so the construc-
SUPPORTED tion is more nearly airtight helps.
WALL
The best approach is resting these walls on the perimeter of the floating floor so the floor isola-
tion system serves the walls as well. If this is not possible, the second choice is supporting the
isolated wall on the structural slab with continuous LDS pads, and providing a caulked fiberglas
seal between the floating floor and the wall as described for the perimeter in the previous speci-
fications.
If the wall is so high as to be unstable it must be protected against buckling or toppling by means
of resilient sway braces anchored to the structural walls. Sway braces are mandatory for all
independent walls resting on pads if they are not locked at the top. Braces are normally placed
4’ apart horizontally with the vertical spacing of rows dependent on the height and thickness of
the wall. It is seldom that more than two rows of braces are required.
Occasionally we have used double acting springs for sway braces in conjunction with spring
mounted floors. In most cases, however, our recommended design is the LDS Type DNSB as
illustrated on page 20. When space is limited, the WIC clip is the logical alternate. (Page 20)
Yet another variation, Type WCL, consists of a channel shaped bracket that is lined with 5/16”
LDS waffle pad and a 1/4” thick felt backing. With this arrangement the bracket is bolted to the
STRUCTURAL structural wall so that horizontal steel furring can be laid in the isolated pocket as illustrated.
FLOOR (Page 20)
SUPPORTED
WALL When we did our test work at Riverbank, we did not place lightweight fiberglas fill between the
walls of our inner room and the walls of the laboratory. Concrete short circuited the air gap and
we had to break it out. Therefore, under Construction Procedure you will find that we have said
that “special care must be taken to completely butter all joints and concrete must not be allowed
to drop behind the wall and short circuit the air gap”.
If you wish to be more cautious about concrete droppings, you can call for 11/2” or 2” thick three
pound minimum density fiberglas to fill this vertical void. Call for the fiberglas in the materials por-
tion of the specification and then in the construction procedure advise the contractor to cement
the fiberglas to the structural wall in advance of the placing of the concrete blocks. Thus, the
fiberglas will serve to prevent accidental short circuiting of the air gap. It is primarily a mechanical
rather than an acoustical aid.
We must also be concerned with sound leakage over the top of the wall. If a wall is short and
TYPICAL LIGHTWEIGHT
rigid and need not be locked at the top, the least expensive approach is the inclusion of a fiber-
WALL BRACE AND SUPPORT glas pad over the last course of masonry with acoustical caulking on both sides of the pad. In
most cases, it is easier to both lock the walls in place and seal them by the use of continuous
angle brackets type AB-716 which are placed on both sides of the wall as illustrated on page 20.
Test Three If the walls are stable and it is possible to rest the floating ceiling on the floating walls to complete
BROADCASTING STUDIO the box, there is no need for these top details.
Frequency Transmission
(Hz) Loss (dB) When an isolated wall abuts the rigid structure, it is usual to place a fully caulked strip of fiberglas
100 47
or 1/2” neoprene sponge at the end to prevent short circuiting. AB-716 angle braces can be used
125 48 vertically as well for locking purposes or a caulked vertical section of channel iron lined with 1/2”
160 50 neoprene sponge makes another neat joint as the wall fits between the flanges.
200 54
250 60 If some lesser STC values are satisfactory, it is not necessary to use masonry. Good results
315 66 can be obtained with gypsum board walls or various of the prefabricated acoustical partitions as
400 71 shown by Test Three of a small broadcasting studio using a 4” jack-up concrete floor, gypsum
500 79 board walls on three sides and an isolated ceiling. You will note that rather than the 79 STC
630 85 obtained with the 2” air gap in the Riverbank Test, this room came in at FSTC 71 with an INR
800 90 of plus 24. These are excellent results and probably more than satisfactory for most situations.
1000 95 This less expensive construction should certainly be considered. The type WCL clip was used to
1250 92
1600 92 resiliently support horizontal runners and we had included fiberglas behind the walls as always
for lightweight construction.
FSTC 71
INR +24 Isolated walls are often used without floating floors to reduce sound transmission between adja-
Cerami Field Test 2501, July 1, 1974 cent spaces. Here the floor provides a possible flanking path, but if results in the STC 60 range
are satisfactory this is certainly a valid technique. All of the wall specifications are meant to be
used with or without the floor specifications as required.
19
 SPRINISOLATED WALLS RESTING ON FLOATING FLOOR specification

Business Card
Logo
CAULK
PRODUCT DETAILS

DNSB Sway Braces A

AB-716 Min Braced Max

Weight to Assigned B
ANGLE Establish Wall
BRACKETS 10Hz Weight A B C Bolted
(lbs) (lbs) (in) (in) (in) C End for
Steel
50 250 2 3 33/4 Studs
400 1200 21/2 3 41/4
Wall must be supported at the base. Theoretical
horizontal load is zero and assigned maximum
weight is limited by possible development of Alternate Hooked
buckling or overturning forces. End for Masonry
CONCRETE
BLOCK
WALL WIC Sway Braces A
Min Braced
Weight to Assigned
Establish Max Weight
15Hz per Brace A 33/4”
(lbs) (lbs) (in)
50 250 1
DNSB 100 500 2
SWAY
Wall must be supported at the base. Theoretical
BRACE horizontal load is zero and assigned maximum
weight is limited by possible development of
buckling or overturning forces. 11/2”

WCL Sway Braces

Min Braced
Weight to Assigned
Establish Max Weight 31/4”
15Hz per Brace
(lbs) (lbs)
FLOOR IN
RAISED 100 500
1” plus runner 2”
POSITION width or as req’d

SWW AB-716 Angle

Wall Isolators Brackets 24”
16 gauge
Steel 11/2”
Two 5/16” 2” 3/8” Sponge
Waffle Pads

NOTE: The floating floor specifications already include provision for 2. Build concrete block wall on perimeter of floating floor leaving a
floating walls. The following independent specification is provided for 31/2”(90mm) gap between the building wall and the floating wall.
additional clarity. (31/2”(90mm) may be reduced to 2”(50mm) if no sway braces are
needed.)
MASONRY WALL ISOLATION, WALLS RESTING ON FLOATING 3. Cement 2”(50mm) fiberglas to the structural wall. When buttering
CONCRETE FLOOR all joints, concrete should not be allowed to drop behind the wall
A. Scope and short circuit the air gap. The fiberglas will prevent accidental
droppings.
Isolate masonry walls shown on drawings from building structure
by supporting them on the floating concrete floor. Brace them with 4. Set sway braces as shown on drawings and anchor hooks in mortar
resilient sway braces and anchor the top by means of resiliently joints.
lined angle iron guides. 5. Bolt one angle bracket to structural ceiling with sponge leg facing
B. Materials new wall.
1. Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe 6. Continue construction to ceiling leaving a minimum gap of
feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket for 1/2”(12mm) on top with the floating floor elevated. Check to be
bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in the certain gap is continuous.
masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of 10Hz 7. Secure other angle to structural ceiling with sponge leg vertical and
based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiff- bearing on wall. Angles shall be continuous on both sides of wall.
ness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal.
8. Caulk all accessible joints.
2. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with
provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of D. Submittals
3/8”(10mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg.
1. Load and deflection curves of all sway braces in both planes.
3. Caulking Compound: Non-hardening, non-drying and non- bleed- 2. Detailed drawings of angle braces.
ing.
E. Manufacturer
C. Wall System Construction Procedure
1. Subject to compliance with the specifications, the following prod-
1. If the drawings call for sway braces, raise the floating floor to oper- ucts are approved for use: Type DNSB Sway Braces,
ating position before attaching the first row of sway braces to the
walls. If no sway braces are used, construct the walls before raising AB-716 Angle Braces and CC-75 Caulking Compound all as manu-
floor if walls do not cover isolator access. factured by Mason Industries, Inc.
20
 SPRINISOLATED MASONRY WALLS ON STRUCTURAL FLOOR and
GYPSUM BOARD WALL specifications
The method below is Business
used whenCardwalls are extremely tall and heavy so sway brace consisting of two interlocking metal sections separated
that support on the floating floor becomes impractical. There are also
Logo by 5/16”(8mm) thick LDS waffle pad with a horizontal frequency not
installations where only adjacent space must be protected and no float- exceeding 15Hz based on the total weight of the wall area per brace”.
ing floor is required. Under materials and manufacturer they should be referred to as type
WIC rather than DNSB.
 ASONRY WALL ISOLATION, WALLS RESTING ON ISOLATION
M
PADS.
A. Scope
Isolate masonry walls shown on drawings from building structure
by supporting them on two 5/8”(16mm) thick LDS isolation pads,
bracing them with resilient sway braces and anchoring the top by
means of resiliently lined angle iron guides.
B. Materials
1. Wall Isolation Pads: Two layers of 5/16”(8mm) thick LDS waffle
pad molded to the following AASHTO Table 1 properties and
cemented to a 16 gauge sheet metal form cut to the full width of
the wall. Sections shall be furnished 6’(2m) long with corrugated
steel anchors riveted or welded to the plates to facilitate anchoring
of the walls. Waffle pad may be cut in lengthwise strips to reduce
area and allow for the proper deflection. Dynamic frequency shall
not exceed 14Hz.
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
CREEP CONCRETE BLOCK GYPSUM GYPSUM
D-395 ISO8013 PAD SUPPORT 31/2” AIR GAP 2” AIR GAP
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F Gypsum walls are used to reduce weight and cost when lesser perfor-
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs mance remains acceptable.
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)  YPSUM BOARD FLOATING WALLS RESTING ON FLOATING
G
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) FLOORS
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
The following specification is meant as a general guide for the con-
struction of gypsum board or similar sound barrier walls. There are
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications. so many variations in construction that our specifications can only
Numbers are Mason standard. be very broad and must be specifically tailored to each individual
2. LDS Cement application.
3. Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe A. Scope
feature in three planes. Braces shall be furnished with a bracket 1. Isolation of gypsum board walls from building structure by putting
for bolting to the structural wall and a hooked end for insertion in them on the floating concrete floor, bracing them with resilient sway
the masonry joint. Braces shall have a frequency not in excess of braces and establishing a sound seal either at the structural or
10Hz based on the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical acoustical ceiling.
stiffness not in excess of 50% of the horizontal.
B. Isolation Materials
4. Angle brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with
provision for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of 1. Wall Sway Braces: Double acting LDS sway braces with a fail safe
3/8”(10mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg. feature in three planes. Sway braces shall be made with a bracket
for bolting to the building structure and a projecting anchor bolt
5. Caulking Compound: Non-hardening, non-drying and non- bleed- with adjusting nuts for plumbing the wall structure. Sway braces
ing. shall have a horizontal frequency not in excess of 10Hz based on
C. Wall System Construction Procedure the weight of the wall area per brace and a vertical stiffness not in
1. Strike lines on the floors and cement the 6’(2m) long wall supports excess of 50% of the horizontal.
in position with LDS cement. 2. Angle Brackets: 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) angle iron sections with
2. Cement 2”(50mm) fiberglas to the structural wall. provisions for bolting to the structure and a minimum thickness of
3/8”(10mm) sponge cemented to the vertical leg.
3. Lay the first course of blocks being certain to bend up the corru-
gated anchors to embed them in the mortar joints. 3. Caulking Compound: Non-hardening, non-drying and non-bleeding.
4. Build up the concrete wall taking special care to completely but- 4. One and a half to three pound density fiberglass 2”(50mm) thick.
ter all joints. Where sway braces are used, leave a 31/2”(90mm) C. Wall System Construction Procedure
gap between the acoustical wall and the building structure. Do not
allow mortar to drop behind wall and short circuit the air gap. The 1. Raise the floating floor to operating position before constructing
2”(50mm) fiberglas will help prevent short circuiting. walls. Bolt the wall foot channel to the perimeter of the floating floor
and set the vertical channels in position.
5. Set sway braces as shown on drawings and anchor hooks in mortar
joints. 2. Bolt the sway braces to the structural wall as shown on the drawing
and use the leveling nuts to plumb the channels and set them in
6. Bolt one angle bracket to structural ceiling with sponge leg facing their vertical position.
new wall.
3. Attach 2”(50mm) fiberglas to building walls.
7. Continue construction to ceiling leaving a minimum gap of
1/2”(12mm) on top. Check to be certain gap is continuous. 4. Add horizontal steel members in the normal manner and cover
entirety with two layers of 3/4”(20mm) gypsum board staggering and
8. Secure other angle to structural ceiling with sponge leg vertical and overlapping all seams.
bearing on wall. Angle shall be continuous on both sides of wall.
5. Where drawings indicate, gypsum board terminates at the structural
9. Caulk all joints. ceiling, stop the gypsum board 1/2”(12mm) short of the ceiling and
D. Submittals lock in place with the 11/2”(40mm) x 2”(50mm) isolation angles on
1. Load and deflection curves of all sway braces in both planes. Load either side with the sponge rubber facing the gypsum board.
and deflection curves of wall isolation pads. Detail drawings of 6. Where the gypsum board forms a seal with the isolation ceiling,
angle braces. terminate the gypsum board as shown on the details without the
E. Manufacturer angle iron braces.
1. Subject to compliance with the specifications, the following prod- 7. Caulk all joints.
ucts are approved for use: Type SWW Wall Isolators, DNSB Sway D. Submittals
Braces, AB-716 Angle Braces and CC-75 Caulking Compound. All
as manufactured by Mason Industries, Inc. 1. Submittals shall include load and deflection curves of all sway
braces.
NOTE TO ARCHITECT: E. Manufacturers
When you cannot leave a 31/2”(90mm) gap between the isolated 1. Subject to compliance with the specifications the following products
wall and the basic structure, it is necessary to use a stiffer type of are approved for use: Type DNSB Sway Braces as manufactured
sway brace as the LDS materials must be made thinner. If there is an by Mason Industries, Inc.
inch and a half gap, the item can be defined as a “Double acting LDS 21
 SPRINISOLATED SUSPENDED CEILINGS discussion

Business Card
There are two types of resiliently suspended ceilings.
Logo The most common is a lightweight mechanical ceiling that contains the lighting fixtures, the outlets for
PRODUCT DETAILS
the air conditioning system, etc. These lightweight ceilings consist of light steel framing drop-in absorp-
tive tiles that are generally 24”x24” or 24”x36”. The primary purpose is to absorb sound within the room
WHD LDS Hangers and to lower the reverberation rate. Because the material is so light, there is virtually no reduction in
transmitted noise either in or out of the room.
Acoustical barrier ceilings are entirely different. In years past they might have been plaster on wire
lathe, but modern construction is two layers of 5/8” gypsum board screwed together with staggered
B A joints. Every effort is made to seal the perimeter as well as any penetrations. While these ceilings are
still lightweight as compared to concrete floating floors, they do have sufficient mass to act as sound
barriers and the fact that they are carefully caulked and sealed puts them in a totally different category
C than the mechanical ceilings described above.
Barrier ceilings are primarily used to reduce noise transmission from the floor above. In most cases an
architect will choose either a floating floor in the equipment room or a barrier ceiling in the space below.
Load Range A B C C However, the two methods are sometimes used in conjunction with one another.
(lbs) (in) (in) (in)
Up to 125 23/4 41/8 2
In other applications the ceilings help contain noise. Thus, an equipment room may have a suspended
Up to 650 41/2 7 41/4 ceiling to complete the isolated wall and floor design. This is a common procedure for adjacent music prac-
tice rooms, particularly when the double partition walls do not reach all the way to the structural ceiling.
Barrier ceilings are light as compared to floating concrete floors, so the effectiveness of the ceiling is
W30 Spring Hangers far more dependent on the air gap than mass or rigidity. Since the air must allow for the inclusion of
the hangers and support steel, a minimum air gap is about 12”. Lightweight fiberglas bats are placed
over the barrier ceiling to further improve the performance.
The building service ducts, electrical conduits, etc., pass beneath it and above a removable tile
BA mechanical acoustical ceiling. The acoustical hangers are located in the supporting rods or wires com-
mon to both ceilings. When the barrier ceiling is penetrated by wires, rods or straps, these members
must be isolated by means of resilient sleeves and they should be caulked as well.
C While the double ceiling method is probably the most effective approach to the problem, vibration hangers
are commonly used to support single ceiling systems as well. If the single ceiling is of the sound barrier
type, the vibration isolator helps to prevent the passage of structural noise just as in the case of the double
ceiling. Hangers used to support simple mechanical ceilings prevent rattling of the ceiling members.
Load Range A B C
(lbs) (in) (in) (in) A mounting that “looks into” or rests on a rigid structure has a simpler task than one working against
12 to 95 41/2 71/4 23/4 something that is flimsy. In the case of floating floors, the LDS isolators or springs rest on the main
138 to 336 43/8 73/8 4 structure, which is comparatively rigid. In the case of ceiling hangers, we often start with the noise and
vibration at the concrete building structure and move down a rod or wire to the vibration control hanger
and then on to the suspended ceiling. Under the best of circumstances, when this is a plastered ceiling,
it is still a very flexible diaphragm without concentrated mass as compared to the concrete floor that
W30N LDS & Spring Hangers a floor mounting rests on. Therefore, a hanger must be very carefully designed or it will not have the
comparative flexibility to do the job.
Very little test work has been done to show the effectiveness of acoustical ceilings using isolation hang-
B A ers. In 1969 we tested lightweight components. We started with a 3” gypsum concrete floor with an STC
of 41 and suspended a single 5/8” gypsum board ceiling using W30N hangers with 1” static deflection.
The air gap was 12” . The STC went up to STC 50 for an improvement of nine as tabulated in Test Four.
Most ceilings are made up of two layers of 5/8” gypsum board with lightweight fiberglas bats laid over the
C top. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the average barrier ceiling provides an improvement of STC 14.
We manufacture a very wide range of ceiling hangers in order to be competitive when other vendors
Load Range A B C are specified. In this bulletin, however, we are discussing only three major categories consisting of the
(lbs) (in) (in) (in) WHD, W30 and W30N. Our suggestions are as follows:
12 to 95 51/2 10 31/2 Series WHD - Simple LDS vibration hangers are used in low budget applications or for those instal-
138 to 336 81/4 11 43/4 lations where it has been clearly established that there is little or no structural vibration. The hangers
serve as noise breaks only, as static deflection is limited.
Series W30 - Steel coil spring vibration hangers are far superior to the LDS designs because the
Test FOUR higher deflection spring element will serve to isolate building vibration. The design includes a LDS cup
TRANSMISSION LOSS TEST in series with the spring that acts as a partial high frequency noise barrier.
(KAL-714-9-69) Series W30N - Combination hangers make use of the WHD LDS element in series with the W30
Lightweight 3” Lightweight spring. Thus the design combines the best features of the all LDS and the spring hangers and we
Fre- Gypsum Gypsum Floor recommend them for all critical applications.
quency 3” Floor & Suspended
(Hz) Only 5/8” Ceiling 15­­­­­­­­­­­­­° Misalignment Tolerance - Both our spring and combination spring and LDS hangers are designed
so that the hanger rod or wire can be off vertical by as much as 15° without rubbing on the steel hanger
125 27 35 box and transmitting noise. We continue to manufacture lower priced competitive hangers that do not
160 26 32 have this angular tolerance, but we invented the 30° sweep design, because most field problems stem
200 31 36 from a contractor’s difficulty in lining up what may be hundreds of hangers perfectly. If they do not, the
250 32 39 wires and rods rub.
315 30 39
400 33 43 Precompression - We strongly recommend that all spring hanger installations have the spring ele-
500 38 47 ments partially precompressed at the factory before they are installed. If the springs are not precom-
630 38 50 pressed, the ceiling will descend as much as an 1” when the spring deflects as weight is added. The
800 41 53 contractor will have great difficulty in preventing cracks in plaster ceilings or finishing with a flat ceiling
1000 43 57 at the proper elevation. When the spring hangers are precompressed 70% of the total travel, the ceil-
1250 44 59 ing will not descend at all until the installation is about completed and the travel will only be 0.30” to
1600 45 64 completion.
2000 48 67
2500 51 69 The architectural drawings should show the construction of the isolated ceilings and the spacing of the
3150 51 71 ceiling hangers. They are usually on 48” centers in both directions. The hanger most commonly used
4000 54 76 on our jobs and our standard recommendation is the Type W30N. Under Materials and Manufacturer,
however, we have repeated the specification for each type so you can select your preference. Since
STC 41 50 the construction procedure is the same in all cases, it was pointless to keep rewriting the same speci-
5/8” Gypsum board ceiling suspended fication over again. By the same token, the specification can be changed slightly to cover any type
12” below 3” gypsum concrete floor and of construction such as a sand plaster ceiling or a simple acoustical tile ceiling by substituting your
hung from W30N hangers. materials where we call for two layers of 5/8” Gypsum Board.
22
 SPRINISOLATED SUSPENDED CEILINGS specification

Business Card
Logo CEILING CEILING
SUPPORT HANGER
WIRES FIBERGLASS
BATS DUCT
HANGERS

DUCT DUCT

GYPSUM
BARRIER
CAULK CEILING

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE STEP 2.

AVOIDING AN INTERFERENCE.

STEEL ACOUSTICAL
CEILING CEILING TILE
GRID

ISOLATED CEILINGS SUSPENDED BY RESILIENT HANGERS

A. Scope 2. Closed cell neoprene sponge 1/4”(6mm) thick.
To prevent the transmission of noise and vibration through the ceil- 3. One and a half to three pound density 2”(50mm) thick fiberglas.
ing hangers and the suspended ceiling.
C. Isolated Ceiling Construction Procedure.
B. Materials 1. Lay out ceiling support wires on 48”(1220mm) centers in both direc-
(Select one of the following as 1) tions.
1. Combination LDS Element and Spring Hangers: Hangers shall con- 2. Where ducts or other mechanical interferences occur, a rigid steel
sist of a steel frame containing an LDS isolation element at the top trapeze can be run under the interference and a ceiling hanger
and a coil steel spring seated in an LDS cup on the bottom. Both the hung from the trapeze to maintain the 48”(1220mm) centers. Where
element and the cup shall be molded with an LDS bushing that pass- head room does not allow for this, the steel trapeze can be installed
es through the steel frame. The LDS element shall be capable of a with an isolation hanger on each end and a ceiling wire hung from
minimum deflection of 0.23”(6mm) and the steel springs selected the trapeze to the floating ceiling.
from a 1”(25mm) static deflection series with a minimum additional 3. Install isolation hangers making certain that hangers are vertical
travel to solid of 1/2”(12mm). Spring diameters and hanger box lower and that they do not rub against pipe, duct, ceiling beams or other
hole size shall be large enough to permit the hanger rod to swing interferences.
through a 30° arc before contacting the box and short circuiting the
spring. Hangers shall be selected for a minimum of 0.75”(20mm) 4. Connect wires to lower end of hangers and proceed with steel ceil-
spring deflection and factory precompressed 70% of the total deflec- ing grid construction in the normal manner. Attach the first layer of
tion determined by the assigned load per hanger. Hangers shall be 5/8”(16mm) gypsum board to the ceiling steel covering the upper
manufactured with provision for bolting or attaching to the ceiling flat surface of the gypsum board with 2”(50mm) fiberglas bats as com-
iron straps, wire, rods or steel runners. Hangers shall be fail safe. pletely as possible.
1. Spring Hangers: Hangers shall consist of a steel frame containing 5. Attach the second layer of 5/8”(16mm) gypsum board being certain
a coil spring seated in an LDS cup. The cup is molded with a rod to stagger the joints in all cases.
isolation bushing that passes through the hanger frame. Hangers 6. Install lightweight angles around the perimeter of the ceiling by
shall be selected from a 1”(25mm) static deflection series with a bolting one leg to the wall and resting the 1/4”(6mm) neoprene
minimum additional travel to solid of 1/2”(12mm). Spring diameters sponge on top of the horizontal leg so as to provide a support for
and hanger box lower hole size shall be large enough to permit the perimeter.
the hanger rod to swing through a 30° arc before contacting the
box and short circuiting the spring. Hangers shall be selected for a 7. Caulk the perimeter.
minimum 0.75”(20mm) spring deflection and factory precompressed 8. When an acoustical tile ceiling is to be used below the sound barrier
70% of the total deflection determined by the assigned load per ceiling, continue the hanger wires to the acoustical ceiling and caulk
hanger. Hangers shall be manufactured with provision for bolting or all hanger wire penetrations where they pass through the gypsum
attaching to the ceiling flat iron straps, wires, rods or steel runners. ceiling.
Hangers shall be fail safe.
9. Where mechanical equipment, pipes or ducts fall below the barrier
1. LDS Hangers: Hangers shall consist of a steel frame containing ceiling, provide additional hangers that are not connected to the
an LDS isolation element molded with a rod isolation bushing that barrier ceiling for this equipment and sponge sleeves where these
passes through the hanger frame. Deflections shall be a minimum rods pass through the barrier ceiling. Caulk the perimeter of all
of 0.23”(6mm) and a maximum of 15% of the elements height. The sleeves.
dynamic frequency shall not exceed 10Hz. The isolation elements
shall be molded to the following AASHTO Table 1 bridge bearing 10. Continue with the construction of the acoustical tile ceiling in the
properties. Hangers shall be manufactured with provision for bolting normal manner.
or attaching to the ceiling flat iron straps, wires, rods or steel run- D. Submittals
ners. Hangers shall be fail safe.
1. Load/deflection curves of all hangers. Certification of the LDS
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene compound to the AASHTO specifications as well as the Dynamic
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG Frequency.
PROPERTIES OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE SION SET TERM
CREEP (Use 2 for W30N or W30 only)
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013 2. A full scale drawing of the hangers showing the minimum 30° con-
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F tact arc in all planes. Submittals shall include compressed spring
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs height and spring rates.
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) E. Manufacturer
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) Subject to compliance with the specifications, the following prod-
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) ucts are approved for use: (Select One) (Type W30N Combination
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications. Spring and LDS Hangers.) (Type W30 Spring Hangers.) (Type
Numbers are Mason standard. WHD Double Deflection LDS Hangers) as manufactured by Mason
Industries, Inc.
23
 SPRINWOODEN FLOATING FLOORS discussion & specification
It is often necessary to provide a wooden floating floor rather than the heavier concrete construc- PRODUCT DETAILS
tion with wood topping. CostBusiness Card
or weight restrictions may be the factor. In older buildings it is often
necessary to improve on existing Logo
floors with a lightweight impact noise resistant construction.
A resiliently supported wooden floor will reduce the rumbling noise of a bowling ball, the click, ND Double Deflection LDS Mounts
click of a woman’s heels and that portion of a typical noise generated by a piano that travels Height Saving D Simpler ND
down the piano legs and into the structure. It will offer only minor reduction of airborne sound, ND Mounting Mounting Position
as there is insufficient mass in the surface. In some applications on stages or in rehearsal rooms Position
the primary purpose is relief and comfort for the dancers. Landing on concrete or hard mounted
wood surfaces is very damaging to a dancer’s feet and legs. 1” Wood
5/8” Nail
We have run some tests on INR and IIC as noted below, and hope to run other tests on STC,
but have not done so at this writing. We have seen meaningful results, however, using this con-
struction under judo rings, rehearsal dance floors, bowling alleys, gymnasium floors and high A
school machine shops. C
In most cases, we have used our type ND mountings, and occasionally our type MFS spring B
designs. We have included a typical specification using the ND mountings and prefer not to write a Lowest
general specification for springs, as spring selections are very construction dependent. Please let Load Max Dynamic
us help you specifically on direct mounted spring applications. Range Defl. Freq. A B C D
(lbs) (in) (60 Duro) (in) (in) (in) (in)
Our wooden floor specifications can be modified depending on your specific construction and fin-
ish. For example, rather than plywood you might be using heavy tongue and groove sub­-flooring 15 to 150 0.23 9 Hz 33/16 15/8 11/2 11/4
across the sleepers and a hardwood finish. 50 to 300 0.28 8 Hz 37/8 25/16 11/2 13/4
140 to 600 0.40 6.5 Hz 51/2 35/16 23/4 25/8
1/8” VINYL ACOUSTICAL TILE
Test 3” STRUCTURAL SLAB MFS
1 ON STEEL DECK Spring
HUNG ACOUSTICAL CEILING Floor
3/4” PLYWOOD Mounts

}
Test 2 X 4 WOOD SLEEPER 16” on Center 1” Wood
Nail
2 MASON ND MOUNT 24” on Center

SAME AS TEST 1

Test
3
} SAME AS TEST 2
EXCEPT WITH FIBERGLASS
IN VOID BENEATH PLYWOOD
Robt. A. Hansen Assoc.
Field Test 1081 Apr 76
C. Floor System Construction Procedure
DOUBLE LAYER
PLYWOOD PATTERN

TYPICAL WOODEN FLOATING FLOOR 1. Cement 1/2”(12mm) thick neoprene sponge to walls around entire floor
area. Neoprene strip should be full height of overall construction.
2. Counter bore holes on 24”(600mm) centers in underside of 2x4 sleep-
ers so that the depth allows for an unloaded clearance of 5/8”(16mm)
between the underside of the sleeper and the top of the isolator base
plate. Holes shall be large enough to provide a minimum clearance of
WOODEN FLOATING FLOORS FOR DANCE FLOORS, STAGE FLOORS, 1/4”(6mm) all around the diameter of the isolators. Bolt the isolators to
BOWLING ALLEYS, GYMNASIUMS, LIGHT DUTY MACHINE SHOPS, ETC. the 2x4 with flat head machine screws in countersunk holes.
A. Scope 2a. When height is not critical, use the following alternate.
Isolate the wooden floating floor from the building structure by means Invert the LDS isolator and nail securely to the underside of the 2x4
of double deflection LDS isolators and perimeter isolation. sleeper on the center line.
B. Materials 3. Place the sleepers all around the perimeter of the room up against the
1. Sleepers: Kiln dried 2x4’s minimum 12’(3.6m) long. neoprene sponge perimeter isolation.
2. Flooring: 2 layers 3/4”(20mm) AC plywood. 4. Place the balance of the sleepers in parallel rows on 16”(405mm) cen-
ters across the room as shown on the drawings.
3. LDS Isolators: Minimum of 11/2”(40mm) high with an extended LDS
covered base plate and a tapped steel insert on top. Isolators shall be 5. Lay 11/2”(40mm) – 3# Density Fiberglass Insulation between rows of sleepers.
selected for a maximum of 0.23” deflection and shall be molded to the 6. Attach the first 3/4”(20mm) layer of plywood to the sleepers with 2”
following AASHTO Table 1 Bridge bearing properties. (50mm) flat head screws on 16”(405mm) centers. Lay the rows of
Table 1. AASHTO Bridge Bearing Specifications for Polyisoprene plywood down so the joints are staggered by 48”(1220mm) and the
plywood is snug against the perimeter neoprene sponge.
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL TESTED FOR AGING COMPRES- LONG
PROPERTIES SION SET TERM 7. Lay the second layer of 3/4”(20mm) plywood down with the joints offset
OVEN AGING(70hrs/158°F) OZONE 16”(405mm) in both directions in relation to the first layer. Attach the
CREEP
Tests: ASTM D-2240 & D-412 ASTM D-573 ASTM D-1149 ASTM second layer of plywood to the first by means of 11/2”(40mm) long
Duro- Tensile Elongat. Hard- Tensile Elongat. 25 pphm in air D-395 ISO8013 flat head wood screws on 16”(405mm) centers in both directions. Use
meter Strength at Break ness Strength at Break by Vol. 20% 22hrs/158°F wood glue between layers.
Shore A (min) (min) (max) (max) (max) Strain 100°F Method B 168 hrs
8. Apply floor finish as shown on the drawings.
40±5 2000 psi 500% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max)
50±5 2250 psi 450% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) D. Submittals
60±5 2250 psi 400% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) 1. Load and deflection curves of all isolators.
70±5 2250 psi 300% +10% -25% -25% No Cracks 25%(max) 5%(max) 2. Certification of the elastomeric compound to the listed AASHTO speci-
NOTE: 4
 0 Durometer is not included in AASHTO Specifications. fications.
Numbers are Mason standard. E. Manufacturer
4. Perimeter Isolation Sponge: Neoprene sponge 1/2”(12mm) thick. The following products are approved for use: Double Deflection LDS
Mountings manufactured to AASHTO specifications.
5. Fiberglass Insulation: Unfaced lightweight 11/2”(40mm) – 3# Density
Fiber-glass Insulation Batts Mountings shall be Mason Industries, Inc. Type ND-BBP.
We are represented throughout the United States and Canada as well as many other parts of the world. Please call New York or Los Angeles with
your application problems. We are here to help you in every way possible. SEND FOR OUR COMPLETE CATALOG

MASON INDUSTRIES, INC.

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