1. Scope

1.1 The sound isolation between two spaces in a building is determined by a combination of the direct transmission through the nominally separating building element (as normally measured in a laboratory) and any transmission along a number of indirect paths, usually referred to as flanking paths. Fig. 1 illustrates the direct paths and some possible structural flanking paths. Additional non-structural flanking paths may include transmission through common air ducts between rooms, or doors to the corridor from adjacent rooms.

1.2 The main part of this test method defines procedures and metrics to assess the sound isolation between two rooms in a building separated by a common partition including both direct and flanking transmission paths. Appropriate measures and their single number ratings are the noise reduction (NR) and noise isolation class (NIC), the normalized noise reduction (NNR) and normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and the apparent transmission loss (ATL) and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC). With the exception of the ATL and ASTC under specified conditions, these procedures are only applicable when both room volumes are less than 150 m ³ .

Note 1The 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.

1.3 Annex A1 provides methods to assess the sound transmission through a partition or partition element with the influence of flanking transmission reduced. These methods may be used when it must be demonstrated that a partition has achieved a specified minimum sound attenuation. The results are the field transmission loss (FTL) and field sound transmission class (FSTC).

1.4 Annex A2 provides methods to measure the sound isolation between portions of two rooms in a building separated by a common partition including both direct and flanking paths when at least one of the rooms has a volume of 150 m ³ or more. The results are the noise reduction (NR) and noise isolation class (NIC).

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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.

FIG. 1 Direct (D) and Some Indirect or Flanking Paths (F and Dotted) in a Building

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/E0336-08

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