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

ASTM Standards

C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method

C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics

E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms 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 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

E1111 Test Method for Measuring the Interzone Attenuation of Open Office Components

E1289 Specification for Reference Specimen for Sound Transmission Loss

E1332 Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound Attenuation

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

E1425 Practice for Determining the Acoustical Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylight, and Glazed Wall Systems

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

Keywords

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 Code

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

Citing ASTM Standards

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