ASTM E1123-86(2023)
(Practice)Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens for Sound Transmission Loss Testing of Naval and Marine Ship Bulkhead Treatment Materials
Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens for Sound Transmission Loss Testing of Naval and Marine Ship Bulkhead Treatment Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The sound transmission loss provided by a material that covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical properties of the material but also on the type of structure to which it is mounted and the mounting method used.
3.2 Naval and marine architects and design engineers require specific transmission loss characteristics of acoustical treatment materials as they would exhibit installed on a ship's structure. The mounting structure and procedures specified in these practices are intended to simulate such a shipboard environment.
3.3 Test reports may refer to this mounting by Practices E1123 instead of providing a detailed description of the mounting used.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices describe test specimen mountings to be used for naval and marine ship applications during sound transmission loss tests performed in accordance with Test Method E90.
1.2 The structure specified in these practices is intended for mounting of single-layer treatments or composite treatments consisting of various materials and configurations. Acoustical treatment materials may be combinations of acoustical absorbent materials, limp mass septums, and insulation materials.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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
- 31-Dec-2022
- Technical Committee
- E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
- Drafting Committee
- E33.10 - Structural Acoustics and Vibration
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-2001
Overview
ASTM E1123-86(2023) is the internationally recognized standard for mounting test specimens during sound transmission loss testing of naval and marine ship bulkhead treatment materials. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent and accurate simulation of shipboard conditions when evaluating the acoustical performance of bulkhead treatment systems. The standard outlines all required mounting structures, installation methods, and specimen configurations essential for reliable sound transmission loss measurements, especially in conjunction with ASTM E90 test methods.
Key Topics
Sound Transmission Loss in Marine Environments
The transmission loss characteristics of materials depend not only on their physical properties but also on the mounting method and underlying structure. ASTM E1123 details these mounting practices to best replicate real-world shipboard environments.Standardized Mounting Structure
- Specifies use of a fabricated aluminum bulkhead fitting a 2.44-meter (8-ft) test opening
- Bulkhead consists of two sections joined with an aluminum I-beam, supported by tee beams for rigidity
- Mounting includes self-adhesive stud pins, proper spacing patterns, and reinforcement details to ensure repeatability
Acoustical Treatment Material Application
- Supports both single-layer and composite treatment systems, using combinations such as acoustic absorbents, limp mass septums, and insulation materials
- Details secure mounting with self-locking washers, pin placement, and seam treatments to correctly represent field installations
Reporting and Compliance
- Provides guidance for documenting practices in test reports as "in accordance with ASTM E1123" for clarity and reproducibility
- Emphasizes following international standards principles, including those set by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee
Applications
ASTM E1123 is primarily used in the following scenarios:
Naval and Marine Vessel Design
Naval architects and marine engineers rely on these standard practices to evaluate the effectiveness of bulkhead acoustical treatments as they would appear after installation on ships. This supports selection and optimization of sound-insulation materials in compliance with safety and performance criteria.Laboratory Sound Transmission Testing
Testing laboratories utilize ASTM E1123 in conjunction with ASTM E90 to ensure mounting arrangements for tested specimens are consistent and results are representative of the actual application environment.Quality Assurance and Specification
Manufacturers and regulators reference this standard in specifications and contracts to ensure that sound transmission loss data for acoustical materials are obtained using credible and standardized mounting methods.
Related Standards
- ASTM E90: Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements – provides the core measurement procedure used in conjunction with ASTM E1123.
- ASTM C634: Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics – defines terms used in the acoustical evaluation of building materials.
- ISO and IMO Standards: International regulations and guidelines on noise control in marine environments may reference or align with ASTM E1123 methodologies for harmonized compliance.
Keywords: ASTM E1123, sound transmission loss, marine acoustical applications, ship bulkhead treatment, sound insulation, mounting practices, acoustical testing, naval architecture, laboratory testing standards, ASTM E90 compliance.
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ASTM E1123-86(2023) - Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens for Sound Transmission Loss Testing of Naval and Marine Ship Bulkhead Treatment Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1123-86(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens for Sound Transmission Loss Testing of Naval and Marine Ship Bulkhead Treatment Materials". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The sound transmission loss provided by a material that covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical properties of the material but also on the type of structure to which it is mounted and the mounting method used. 3.2 Naval and marine architects and design engineers require specific transmission loss characteristics of acoustical treatment materials as they would exhibit installed on a ship's structure. The mounting structure and procedures specified in these practices are intended to simulate such a shipboard environment. 3.3 Test reports may refer to this mounting by Practices E1123 instead of providing a detailed description of the mounting used. SCOPE 1.1 These practices describe test specimen mountings to be used for naval and marine ship applications during sound transmission loss tests performed in accordance with Test Method E90. 1.2 The structure specified in these practices is intended for mounting of single-layer treatments or composite treatments consisting of various materials and configurations. Acoustical treatment materials may be combinations of acoustical absorbent materials, limp mass septums, and insulation materials. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The sound transmission loss provided by a material that covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical properties of the material but also on the type of structure to which it is mounted and the mounting method used. 3.2 Naval and marine architects and design engineers require specific transmission loss characteristics of acoustical treatment materials as they would exhibit installed on a ship's structure. The mounting structure and procedures specified in these practices are intended to simulate such a shipboard environment. 3.3 Test reports may refer to this mounting by Practices E1123 instead of providing a detailed description of the mounting used. SCOPE 1.1 These practices describe test specimen mountings to be used for naval and marine ship applications during sound transmission loss tests performed in accordance with Test Method E90. 1.2 The structure specified in these practices is intended for mounting of single-layer treatments or composite treatments consisting of various materials and configurations. Acoustical treatment materials may be combinations of acoustical absorbent materials, limp mass septums, and insulation materials. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.
ASTM E1123-86(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 47.020.05 - Materials and components for shipbuilding. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1123-86(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E90-23, ASTM E90-09(2016), ASTM C634-13, ASTM C634-11, ASTM C634-10a, ASTM C634-10, ASTM E90-09, ASTM C634-09, ASTM C634-08a, ASTM C634-08, ASTM E90-04, ASTM E90-02, ASTM C634-02, ASTM C634-02e1, ASTM C634-01. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1123-86(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: E1123 − 86 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practices for
Mounting Test Specimens for Sound Transmission Loss
Testing of Naval and Marine Ship Bulkhead Treatment
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1123; 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 3. Significance and Use
1.1 These practices describe test specimen mountings to be
3.1 The sound transmission loss provided by a material that
used for naval and marine ship applications during sound
covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical proper-
transmission loss tests performed in accordance with Test
ties of the material but also on the type of structure to which it
Method E90.
is mounted and the mounting method used.
1.2 The structure specified in these practices is intended for
3.2 Naval and marine architects and design engineers re-
mounting of single-layer treatments or composite treatments
quire specific transmission loss characteristics of acoustical
consisting of various materials and configurations. Acoustical
treatment materials as they would exhibit installed on a ship’s
treatment materials may be combinations of acoustical absor-
structure. The mounting structure and procedures specified in
bent materials, limp mass septums, and insulation materials.
these practices are intended to simulate such a shipboard
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
environment.
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
3.3 Test reports may refer to this mounting by Practices
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E1123 instead of providing a detailed description of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
mounting used.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Mounting Structure and Methods
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 4.1 The mounting structure consists of a fabricated alumi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
num bulkhead. This bulkhead is designed to fit within a 2.44-m
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(8-ft) opening in the filler walls between the reverberation
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
rooms of a test facility. Test result measurements due to the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
effects of the filler walls may be accounted for as specified in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Test Method E90. A larger mounting structure may be used if
it can be demonstrated that this structure yields results com-
2. Referenced Documents
parable to the 2.44 by 2.44-m (8 by 8-ft) mounting structure.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.1 The bulkhead is fabricated in two sections, 1.22 by
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
2.44 m (4 by 8 ft) and is fastened together by a 10.2 by 10.2 by
Acoustics
10.2-cm (4 by 4 by 4-in.) aluminum I-beam.
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
4.1.2 The coupling is accomplished by using 8-mm ( ⁄16-in.)
Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and
SAE grade B steel stove bolts, torqued to 3.33 m/kg (25 ft/lb).
Elements
4.1.3 The 6.4-mm ( ⁄4-in.) sheet aluminum panels, 1.22 by
2.44 m (4 by 8 ft), are supported with 10.2 by 10.2 cm (4 by
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on
4 in.), 2.976-kg per linear metre (2-lb per linear ft) tee beams.
Building and Environmental Acoustics and are the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee E33.10 on Structural Acoustics and Vibration. 1
4.1.3.1 The tee beams are welded to the 6.4-mm ( ⁄4-in.)
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally
aluminum sheets with welds on either side of the center
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E1123 – 86 (2016).
member of the tee at 53.3-cm (21-in.) intervals.
DOI: 10.1520/E1123-86R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1.3.2 Weld areas should be approximately 7.6 cm (3 in.)
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
long. Welding in excess of these intervals may cause severe
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. warpage of the bulkhead. The tee beams are positioned on the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1123 − 86 (2023)
NOTE 1—6.4-mm sheet plate.
NOTE 2—10.2 by 10.2-cm tees, 2.976 kg per linear metre.
NOTE 3—Two 1.22 by 2.44-m bulkhead sections joined with I-beam using 8-mm bolts.
NOTE 4—Bulkhead sections delivered unassembled.
FIG. 1 Aluminum Bulkhead Details
aluminum sheets to obtain a distance of 61 cm (2 ft) between 4.2.2 Stud pins shall not be more than 15.2 cm (6 in.) from
tee beam centers with the I-beam serving as the bulkhead the edge of the treatment material except for center panel
center support. support when a 5-point anchor pattern is used on a 61 by
4.1.4 Fig. 1 illustrates the construction details. The bulkhead 91.4-cm (2 by 3-ft) panel.
shall be installed with the smooth side facing the acoustical 4.2.3 Stud pin
...




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