Spokane Convention Center

Floating floor for exhibition area above ballrooms.

Floating floors are a well-known solution for minimizing structure-borne sound transmission and protecting noise-sensitive areas in convention and exhibition centers. However, this particular project presented unique challenges. The acoustical requirements were extraordinarily demanding, and the structural demands on the isolation material were equally ambitious.

The exhibition area, situated directly above the convention center’s ballrooms, required noise from the upper level to be virtually “inaudible.” Separated by a 10-inch structural slab topped with 4 inches of concrete, this project called for a cutting-edge elastomeric isolation material capable of delivering exceptional sound isolation performance.

REGUPOL VIBRATION 300: A Tailored Acoustic Solution

The isolation material needed to handle an average load of 300 psf while accommodating the heavy-duty demands of forklifts and trucks weighing up to 60,000 lbs (27,000 kg). This meant the product had to offer both superior acoustic isolation and the durability to withstand high point loads without damage or excessive deflection, ensuring the concrete topping remained crack-free.

After thorough evaluation, REGUPOL vibration 300 emerged as the ideal choice from the REGUPOL and REGUFOAM vibration product range. REGUPOL America supported the project by providing comprehensive acoustical and structural calculations, along with custom testing to validate the material's performance under such demanding conditions. This collaborative effort enabled Sparling (now Stantec) and DCI Engineers to confidently approve and implement REGUPOL vibration 300 for this specialized application.

Collaboration and Expertise

It was a pleasure collaborating with Michael Yantis and Andrew Boone of Sparling (now Stantec) and Justin Cook of DCI Engineers. Michael Yantis and his team played a crucial role in defining the project's acoustical and structural requirements, leading the project team, and overseeing the specialized calculations for the isolation materials. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in the success of this exceptional project.