ASTM E90

Sound transmission loss as defined in Terminology C 634, refers to the response of specimens exposed to a diffuse incident sound field, and this is the test condition approached by this laboratory test method. The test results are therefore most directly relevant to the performance of similar specimens exposed to similar sound fields. They provide, however, a useful general measure of performance for the variety of sound fields to which a partition or element may typically be exposed.

In laboratories designed to satisfy the requirements of this test method, the intent is that only significant path for sound transmission between the rooms is through the test specimen. This is not generally the case in buildings where there are often many other paths for sounds—flanking sound transmission. Consequently sound ratings obtained using this test method do not relate directly to sound isolation in buildings; they represent an upper limit to what would be measured in a field test.

This test method is not intended for field tests. Field tests shall be performed according to Test Method E 336.

Note 2—The comparable quantity measured using Test Method E 336 is called the apparent sound transmission loss because of the presence of flanking sound transmission.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions such as walls of all kinds, operable partitions, floor-ceiling assemblies, doors, windows, roofs, panels, and other space-dividing elements.

1.2 Laboratories are designed so the test specimen constitutes the primary sound transmission path between the two test rooms and so approximately diffuse sound fields exist in the rooms.

1.3 Laboratory Accreditation—The requirements for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method are given in Annex A4.

1.4 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

ASTM Standards
C634 Terminology Relating to Environmental Acoustics
E1007 Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
E1289 Specification for Reference Specimen for Sound Transmission Loss
E1332 Classification for Determination of Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class
E1375 Test Method for Measuring the Interzone Attenuation of Furniture Panels Used as Acoustical Barriers
E1408 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of the Sound Transmission Loss of Door Panels and Door Systems
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
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings
E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
E492 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Method
E597 Practice for Determining a Single-Number Rating of Airborne Sound Isolation for Use in Multiunit Building Specifications
E966 Guide for Field Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
ANSI Standards
S12.31 Precision Methods for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Broad-Band Noise Sources in Reverberation Rooms
ISO Standards
ISO3741 Acoustics--Determination of Sound Power Level of Noise Sources--Precision Methods for Broad-Band Sources in Reverberation Rooms

Index Terms

airborne sound transmission loss; flanking transmission; sound transmission coefficient; sound transmission loss; transmission loss; Acoustical tests; Diffuse sound field test; Doors/door assemblies; Floor-ceiling assemblies; Impact sound transmission (building elements); Laboratory sound transmission testing; Partitions; Sound transmission--building materials/applications; Specimen preparation (for testing)--sound transmission studies; Walls; Windows/window assemblies; ICS Number Code 91.120.20 (Acoustics in buildings. Sound insulation)

Citing ASTM Standards

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