1. Scope

1.1 Measures of Acoustical Insulation- This test method covers procedures for determining the sound insulation between two rooms in a building. The evaluation may be made including all paths by which sound is transmitted or attention may be focused only on the dividing partition. The word 'partition' in this test method includes all types of walls, floors, or any other boundaries separating two spaces. The boundaries may be permanent, operable, or movable.

1.2 Application to Building Specifications:

1.2.1 Sound Transmission Class or Transmission Loss Specifications- Building specifications may require that partitions have a certain minimum sound transmission class (STC) or transmission losses (TL). When it is required to demonstrate that a specific partition in a finished building complies with such specifications, a test satisfying the requirements of Annex A1 will be required.

1.2.1.1 Measurements may be made in accordance with the main body of this test method and with the requirements in Annex A1 without taking any steps to eliminate flanking transmission along paths other than that through the common partition. Transmission loss values can then be calculated as though the partition in question were the only transmission path. These apparent transmission loss values give a lower limit for the performance of the partition. Clearly when these values exceed the specifications, no further investigation is needed. If the partition is apparently not in compliance, then the procedures described in Annex A2 to reduce flanking transmission should be followed and the partition re-tested.

1.2.2 Sound Isolation Specifications- where a building code specifies minimum values of noise isolation class (NIC) or normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), then only the procedures in the main body of the test method are necessary. Of the available single-number ratings, NNIC relates best to occupant satisfaction in an occupied building.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics

E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements

E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation

E492 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine

E966 Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements

E1007 Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures

E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Between Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum

E2235 Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods

Keywords

airborne sound transmission loss; apparent sound transmission class; apparent transmission loss; field sound transmission class; field transmission loss; flanking transmission; noise isolation class; noise reduction; normalized noise isolation class; sound transmission coefficient; sound transmission loss; transmission loss; Diffuse sound field test; Impact sound transmission (building elements); Acoustical materials/applications; Partitions; Sound transmission--building materials/applications;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.120.20 (Acoustics in buildings. Sound insulation)

DOI: 10.1520/E0336-97

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