ASTM F2154-13(2019)

Standard Specification for Sound-Absorbing Board, Fibrous Glass, Perforated Fibrous Glass Cloth Faced

ABSTRACT
This specification covers fibrous glass sound-absorbing board with a perforated fibrous glass cloth facing for sound reduction in ship spaces with high noise levels. It also measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. The sound-absorbing board shall conform to the following performance requirements: density, surface flame spread and smoke generation properties, facing separation, and sound absorption coefficients.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers fibrous glass sound-absorbing board with a perforated fibrous glass cloth facing for sound reduction in ship spaces with high noise levels. This specification is primarily for materials used on ships. Additional requirements, testing, and certification are required for use of this material aboard U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels in the United States.  
1.2 Supplemental requirements and exceptions to the requirements discussed herein for ships of the U.S. Navy are included in Supplementary Requirements S1.  
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.02 - Insulation/Processes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2154-13 - Standard Specification for Sound-Absorbing Board, Fibrous Glass, Perforated Fibrous Glass Cloth Faced
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-18b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-17a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM E84-17 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM E84-16 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E84-15b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015

Overview

ASTM F2154-13(2019) is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for sound-absorbing boards made of fibrous glass, faced with perforated fibrous glass cloth. This specification is primarily intended for use in high-noise shipboard environments, where reducing sound transmission and echo is critical to occupant safety and comfort. The standard details requirements for density, dimensions, surface flame spread, smoke generation, facing separation, and acoustic performance, ensuring consistency and safety across marine applications.

The standard also outlines assessment methods for how these materials respond to heat and flame under controlled conditions, though it does not provide a complete assessment of fire hazard or risk for real-world fire scenarios. ASTM F2154-13(2019) aligns with internationally recognized principles on standardization, supporting compliance and trade by meeting guidelines developed by organizations such as the World Trade Organization.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements: Specifies laminated construction with a fibrous glass core, faced with perforated fibrous glass cloth to optimize both noise absorption and durability.
• Performance Criteria: Boards must demonstrate adequate sound absorption coefficients, controlled surface flame spread, and limited smoke generation. Tolerances for dimensions and facing integrity are clearly established.
• Fire and Heat Response: Requires testing for flame spread and smoke generation according to established test methods but does not substitute for a full fire risk assessment.
• Sampling and Inspection: Details procedures for lot sampling, first article inspection, conformance checks, and workmanship standards to ensure ongoing quality and regulatory compliance.
• Supplementary Requirements: Includes specific adaptations for use aboard U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels, covering additional testing, certification, and packaging as required by military and federal regulations.

Applications

The ASTM F2154-13(2019) sound-absorbing board is widely used for:

• Marine Applications: Reducing noise in ship interiors, including merchant vessels, U.S. Navy ships, and U.S. Coast Guard-inspected vessels. It helps improve occupational safety, crew comfort, and communication.
• Engine Rooms and High-Noise Compartments: Controlling the propagation of noise from engines, mechanical equipment, and other sources common in shipboard environments.
• Retrofit and New Construction: Suitable for both retrofitting existing ships for sound control and integrating into new ship builds to meet modern noise and fire safety standards.
• Additional Sectors: May be referenced or adapted for other industrial or transport environments that demand robust, fire-resistant, and effective acoustic panels.

Related Standards

For full compliance and optimal use, ASTM F2154-13(2019) references the following standards and regulations:

• ASTM C423: Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
• ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• ASTM C634: Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• ASTM D3951: Practice for Commercial Packaging
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4: Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR 164.012): Interior Finishes for Merchant Vessels
• NVIC 9-97: Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular for additional U.S. Coast Guard requirements

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM F2154-13(2019) ensures consistent acoustic performance, enhances fire safety, and meets regulatory benchmarks essential for shipboard materials. The standard facilitates international trade and acceptance, giving specifiers, manufacturers, contractors, and regulatory bodies a clear framework for acoustic and fire performance in marine insulation products.

Keywords: ASTM F2154, sound-absorbing board, fibrous glass, perforated glass cloth, marine acoustics, fire safety, surface flame spread, smoke generation, ship insulation, US Coast Guard, Navy, noise reduction, standard specification.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2154 −13 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Sound-Absorbing Board, Fibrous Glass, Perforated Fibrous
Glass Cloth Faced
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2154; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers fibrous glass sound-absorbing 2.1 ASTM Standards:
board with a perforated fibrous glass cloth facing for sound C423 Test Method for SoundAbsorption and SoundAbsorp-
reduction in ship spaces with high noise levels. This specifi- tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
cation is primarily for materials used on ships. Additional C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
requirements, testing, and certification are required for use of Acoustics
this material aboard U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels in the D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
United States. E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials
1.2 Supplemental requirements and exceptions to the re-
2.2 ANSI Standard:
quirements discussed herein for ships of the U.S. Navy are
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
included in Supplementary Requirements S1.
spection by Attributes
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of
2.3 Other Documents:
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
46 CFR 164.012 Code of Federal Regulations—Interior
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all 4
Finishes for Merchant Vessels
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of 5
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 9-97
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
3. Terminology
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
specification, see Terminology C634.
tion only and are not considered standard.
4. Ordering Information
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Title, number, and date of this specification.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 First article sample, when required (see 7.1).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.3 Width and length required, if other than 609.6- by
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
914.4-mm (24- by 36-in.) board (see 8.1).
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4.4 Thickness required (see 8.2).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.02 on Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Insulation/Processes. Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally www.access.gpo.gov.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2154 – 13. DOI: Available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA
10.1520/F2154-13R19. 15250–7954.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2154 − 13 (2019)
4.5 Density of waffle board (see 10.1). 9. Sampling
9.1 Inspection Lot—For the purpose of sampling, a lot shall
4.6 Conformance inspection reports required (see 11.1).
consist of all boards of the same thickness produced under
5. Materials and Manufacture essentially the same conditions, and offered for delivery at one
time.
5.1 See typical construction details located in Supplemen-
tary Requirements S3. 9.2 Sampling for Visual and Dimensional Examination—A
random sample of board shall be selected from each lot offered
6. Performance Requirements
for inspection in accordance with ANSI Z1.4 at Inspection
Level II. No defects shall be allowed.
6.1 Surface Flame Spread and Smoke Generation
Properties—Thesound-absorbingboardshallmeettherequire- 9.3 Conformance Test Sampling—When density and surface
flame spread and smoke generation property tests are required
ments for surface flame spread and smoke generation proper-
ties for an U.S. Coast Guard Approved Interior Finish in in accordance with S5.1, the samples shall be selected in
accordance with 9.3.1 and 9.3.2.
accordance with 46 CFR 164.012 or NVIC Circular 9-97.
9.3.1 Sampling for Density Test—Sample boards shall be
6.2 Facing Separation—Whenthesound-absorbingboardis
selected in accordance withANSI Z1.4 at Inspection Level S-4
cutorsawed,thethreadsofthefibrousglassclothfacingacross
for the density test of 10.1. No defects shall be allowed.
which the cut is made shall not be separated from the face over
9.3.2 Sampling for Surface Flame Spread and Smoke Gen-
a distance of more than 3.0 mm ( ⁄8 in.). In case the fibrous
eration Properties—A sufficient number of boards shall be
glass cloth facing does not cover the entire surface of the
randomly selected and joined end-to-end to form a specimen
board, the uncovered portion of the board shall not extend
50.8cm(20in.)wideby50.8mm(2in.)thickby731.5cm(24
furtherthan3.175mm( ⁄8in.)fromanyedge.Thefibrousglass
ft) long. The specimen shall be subject to the surface flame
cloth facing shall not extend over the edge of the board.
spread and smoke generation property test of 10.2.
6.3 Sound-Absorption—When tested as specified in 10.3,
10. Test Methods
the sound-absorbing board shall have coefficients of absorption
that are equal to or greater than those shown in Table 1. 10.1 Density—The density of the waffle board fibrous glass
layer (see S3.1.2) shall be tested at the location of manufacture
7. Other Requirements
prior to fabrication into final form panels. Density is deter-
mined by dividing sample mass by sample volume. Sample
7.1 First Article—When specified (see Section 4), the con-
mass is measured to the nearest 1.0 g and sample volume is
tractor shall furnish sample unit(s) for first article inspection
measured to the nearest 1 cm of water displaced by one
and approval (see 11.1).
standard board as specified (see 9.3.1).
8. Dimensions and Tolerances
10.2 Surface Flame Spread and Smoke Generation
Properties—The test specimens (see 9.3.2) shall be tested in
8.1 Width and Length—Unless otherwise specified (see
accordance with Test Method E84 (see S5).
Section 4), the sound-absorbing board shall be furnished in a
width of 609.6 mm (24 in.) and a length of 914.4 mm (36 in.)
10.3 Sound Absorption Coeffıcients—The sound-absorbing
(see S6.1.3). board shall be laid directly on the floor of a reverberation room
and tested in accordance with Test Method C423.
8.2 Thickness—The sound-absorbing board shall be fur-
nished in thicknesses of 25.4 mm (1 in.) or 50.8 mm (2 in.), as
11. Inspection
specified (see Section 4 and S6.1.3).
11.1 Type approvals for 46 CFR 164.012 include inspection
8.3 Tolerances—Tolerances on length
...