ASTM E90-09(2016)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Sound transmission loss as defined in Terminology C634, 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.
5.2 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.
5.3 This test method is not intended for field tests. Field tests shall be performed according to Test Method E336.
Note 2: The comparable quantity measured using Test Method E336 is called the apparent sound transmission loss because of the presence of flanking sound transmission.
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.
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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: E90 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission
Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE90;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
Thistestmethodispartofasetforevaluatingthesound-insulatingpropertiesofbuildingelements.
It is designed to measure the transmission of sound through a partition or partition element in a
laboratory. Others in the set cover the measurement of sound isolation in buildings (Test Method
E336), the laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission through floors (Test Method E492),
the measurement of impact sound transmission in buildings (Test Method E1007), the measurement
of sound transmission through building facades and facade elements (Guide E966), the measurement
of sound transmission through a common plenum between two rooms (Test Method E1414), a quick
method for the determination of airborne sound isolation in multiunit buildings (Practice E597), and
the measurement of sound transmission through door panels and systems (Test Method E1425).
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of
C423TestMethodforSoundAbsorptionandSoundAbsorp-
airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions such as
tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
walls of all kinds, operable partitions, floor-ceiling assemblies,
C634Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
doors, windows, roofs, panels, and other space-dividing ele-
Acoustics
ments.
E336Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound
1.2 Laboratories are designed so the test specimen consti-
Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
tutestheprimarysoundtransmissionpathbetweenthetwotest
E413Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
rooms and so approximately diffuse sound fields exist in the E492Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact
rooms.
Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies
Using the Tapping Machine
1.3 Laboratory Accreditation—The requirements for ac-
E966Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound
creditingalaboratoryforperformingthistestmethodaregiven
Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
in Annex A4.
E1007Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E1111Test Method for Measuring the InterzoneAttenuation
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- of Open Office Components
E1289Specification for Reference Specimen for Sound
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Transmission Loss
E1332Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound At-
tenuation
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE33onBuilding
and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E33.03 on Sound Transmission. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016. Published January 2017. Originally
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E90–09. DOI:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0090-09R16.
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E90 − 09 (2016)
NOTE 1—Sound transmission coefficient and sound transmission loss
E1414Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Be-
are related by either of the two equations:
tween Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
E1425Practice for Determining theAcoustical Performance
TL 5 10log 1/τ (1)
~ !
of Windows, Doors, Skylight, and Glazed Wall Systems
2TL/10
τ 5 10 (2)
E2235Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for
Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods
4. Summary of Test Method
2.2 ANSI Standards:
4.1 Two adjacent reverberation rooms are arranged with an
S1.6-1984 (R2006)American National Standard Preferred
opening between them in which the test partition is installed.
Frequencies, Frequency Levels, and Band Numbers for
3 Care is taken that the only significant sound transmission path
Acoustical Measurement
between rooms is by way of the test partition. An approxi-
S1.10Pressure Calibration of Laboratory Standard Pressure
3 mately diffuse sound field is produced in one room, the source
Microphones
room. Sound incident on the test partition causes it to vibrate
S1.11Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-
and create a sound field in the second room, the receiving
Band Analog and Digital Filters
room. The space- and time-averaged sound pressure levels in
S1.40Specifications and Verification Procedures for Sound
the two rooms are determined. In addition, with the test
Calibrators
specimen in place, the sound absorption in the receiving room
S1.43Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound-Level
is determined.The sound pressure levels in the two rooms, the
Meters
sound absorption in the receiving room and the area of the
S12.51Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Levels
specimen are used to calculate sound transmission loss as
ofNoiseSourcesUsingSoundPressure—PrecisionMeth-
showninSection11.Becausetransmissionlossisafunctionof
ods for Reverberation Rooms
frequency, measurements are made in a series of frequency
2.3 ISO Standards:
3 bands.
ISO 717Rating of Sound Insulation for Dwellings
4.2 Intheory,itisnotimportantwhichroomisdesignatedas
ISO 3741Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Level
of Noise Sources—Precision Methods for Reverberation the source and which as the receiving room. In practice,
different values of sound transmission loss may be measured
Rooms
when the roles are reversed. To compensate for this, the entire
2.4 IEC Standards:
measurement may be repeated with the roles reversed; the
IEC 60942Electroacoustics—Sound Calibrators
source room becomes the receiving room and vice versa. The
IEC 61672Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 1:
two sets of transmission loss values are then averaged to
Specifications
produce the final result for the laboratory.
3. Terminology
4.3 Additional procedures that may be followed when
3.1 The following terms used in this test method have
testing doors are given in Test Method E1425.
specific meanings that are defined in Terminology C634.
5. Significance and Use
acoustical barrier reverberation room
airborne sound sound absorption
5.1 Sound transmission loss as defined in Terminology
average sound pressure level sound attenuation
background noise sound energy
C634, refers to the response of specimens exposed to a diffuse
damp sound insulation
incident sound field, and this is the test condition approached
decay rate sound isolation
by this laboratory test method. The test results are therefore
decibel sound level
diffraction sound power
most directly relevant to the performance of similar specimens
diffuse sound field sound pressure
exposed to similar sound fields. They provide, however, a
direct sound field sound pressure level
usefulgeneralmeasureofperformanceforthevarietyofsound
flanking transmission sound transmission level
level sound transmission class
fieldstowhichapartitionorelementmaytypicallybeexposed.
octave band sound transmission coefficient
pink noise sound transmission loss 5.2 In laboratories designed to satisfy the requirements of
receiving room source room
this test method, the intent is that only significant path for
reverberant sound field unit
sound transmission between the rooms is through the test
3.1.1 Forthepurposesofthistestmethod,transmissionloss
specimen. This is not generally the case in buildings where
is operationally defined as the difference in decibels between
there are often many other paths for sounds—flanking sound
theaveragesoundpressurelevelsinthereverberantsourceand
transmission. Consequently sound ratings obtained using this
receiving rooms, plus ten times the common logarithm of the
test method do not relate directly to sound isolation in
ratio of the area of the common partition to the sound
buildings; they represent an upper limit to what would be
absorption in the receiving room (see Eq 5).
measured in a field test.
5.3 This test method is not intended for field tests. Field
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., tests shall be performed according to Test Method E336.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
NOTE 2—The comparable quantity measured using Test Method E336
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de
Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch. is called the apparent sound transmission loss because of the presence of
flanking sound transmission.
E90 − 09 (2016)
6. Test Rooms 7. Test Specimens
6.1 Thetestroomsshallbesoconstructedandarrangedthat
7.1 Size and Mounting—Any test specimen that is to typify
the test specimen constitutes the only important transmission
a wall or floor shall be large enough to include all the essential
path between them. Laboratories must investigate their flank-
constructional elements in their normal size, and in a propor-
ing limit and prepare a report as described in Annex A5.
tion typical of actual use. The minimum dimension (excluding
thickness)shallbe2.4m,exceptthatspecimensofdoors,office
6.2 The spatial variations of sound pressure level measured
screens, and other smaller building elements shall be their
in the each room shall be such that the precision requirements
customary size. Preformed panel structures should include at
in Annex A2 are satisfied at all frequencies.
least two complete modules (panels plus edge mounting
6.3 Volume of Rooms—The minimum volume of each room
elements),althoughsinglepanelscanbetested.Inallcasesthe
is 80 m .
test specimen shall be installed in a manner similar to actual
NOTE 3—See Appendix X1 for recommendations for new construction.
construction, with a careful simulation of normal constraint
6.4 Room Absorption—The sound absorption in the receiv-
and sealing conditions at the perimeter and at joints within the
ingroomshouldbelowtoachievethebestpossiblesimulation
field of the specimen. Detailed reporting and installation
of the ideal diffuse field condition, and to minimize the region
procedures for particular types of building separation elements
dominated by the direct field of the test specimen. In the
are given in Annex A1.
1/3
frequency range that extends from f=2000⁄V to 2000 Hz,
the absorption in the receiving room (as furnished with
7.2 Offıce Screens—The minimum area of an office screen
diffusers) should be no greater than: specimen shall be 2.3 m .Testing an office screen according to
2/3 this test method is only appropriate when the property of
A 5 V /3 (3)
interest is sound transmission through the main body of the
where:
screen. Screens that incorporate electrical raceways may allow
V = the room volume, m , and
sound to pass through easily in this region. Such parts of an
A = the sound absorption of the room, m .
office screen shall be included as part of the specimen. For a
1/3
complete test of the screen as a barrier, including the effects of
6.4.1 For frequencies below f = 2000⁄ V , somewhat
diffraction and leakage, Test Method E1111 is recommended.
higher absorption may be desirable to accommodate require-
ments of other test methods (for example, ISO 3741); in any
7.3 Operable Door Systems—Measurements may be in
case, the absorption should be no greater than three times the
accordance with Test Method E1425 to evaluate door systems
value given by Eq 3.
in the operable and fully sealed state, and to measure the force
NOTE 4—For frequencies above 2000 Hz, atmospheric absorption may
required to operate the door.
make it impossible to avoid a slightly higher value than that given in Eq
3.
8. Test Signal Sound Sources
6.5 Unless otherwise specified, the average temperatures in
8.1 Signal Spectrum—Thesoundsignalsusedforthesetests
each room during all acoustical measurements shall be in the
shall be random noise having a continuous spectrum within
range 22 6 5°C and the average relative humidity shall be at
each test frequency band.
least 30%.
6.5.1 When testing specimens with temperature sensitive
8.2 Sound Sources—Sound sources shall consist of one or
materials,suchassystemsthatincorporatelaminatedglass,the
more loudspeakers in an enclosure.
average temperature of the specimen and in each room during
NOTE 7—Sources should preferably be omnidirectional at all measure-
all acoustical measurements shall be in the range 22 6 2°C.
ment frequencies to excite the sound field in the room as uniformly as
possible. Using separate loudspeakers for high and low frequencies will
NOTE 5—The sound damping properties of viscoelastic substrates
make the system more omnidirectional. Aiming the loudspeakers into
between panels (glass, metal, etc.) and of viscoelastic materials used to
corners of the room can reduce the direct field from the loudspeaker
mount glass often depend on temperature. This requirement minimizes
system. An approximation to an omnidirectional speaker system can be
any effects this has on measured sound transmission loss.
obtained by mounting an array of loudspeakers on the faces of a
6.6 During the sound pressure level and the corresponding polyhedron (cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, etc.). Sources in trihedral
corners of the room excite room modes more effectively and laboratory
sound absorption measurements, variations in temperature and
operators may find that this orientation increases the low frequency sound
humidity in the receiving room shall not exceed 3°C and 3%
pressure levels in the room.
relative humidity respectively.Temperature and humidity shall
be measured and recorded as often as necessary to ensure 8.3 Multiple Sound Sources—If a laboratory chooses to use
compliance. multiple sound sources at different locations in the room
simultaneously, they shall be driven by separate random noise
6.6
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E90 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission
Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E90; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This test method is part of a set for evaluating the sound-insulating properties of building elements.
It is designed to measure the transmission of sound through a partition or partition element in a
laboratory. Others in the set cover the measurement of sound isolation in buildings (Test Method
E336), the laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission through floors (Test Method E492),
the measurement of impact sound transmission in buildings (Test Method E1007), the measurement
of sound transmission through building facades and facade elements (Guide E966), the measurement
of sound transmission through a common plenum between two rooms (Test Method E1414), a quick
method for the determination of airborne sound isolation in multiunit buildings (Practice E597), and
the measurement of sound transmission through door panels and systems (Test Method E1425).
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of
C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorp-
airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions such as
tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
walls of all kinds, operable partitions, floor-ceiling assemblies,
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
doors, windows, roofs, panels, and other space-dividing ele-
Acoustics
ments.
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound
1.2 Laboratories are designed so the test specimen consti-
Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
tutes the primary sound transmission path between the two test
E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
rooms and so approximately diffuse sound fields exist in the
E492 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact
rooms. Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies
Using the Tapping Machine
1.3 Laboratory Accreditation—The requirements for ac-
E966 Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound
crediting a laboratory for performing this test method are given
Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
in Annex A4.
E1007 Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
E1111 Test Method for Measuring the Interzone Attenuation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- of Open Office Components
E1289 Specification for Reference Specimen for Sound
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Transmission Loss
E1332 Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound At-
tenuation
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building
and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E33.03 on Sound Transmission. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016. Published January 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E90 – 09. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0090-09R16. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E90 − 09 (2016)
NOTE 1—Sound transmission coefficient and sound transmission loss
E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Be-
are related by either of the two equations:
tween Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
E1425 Practice for Determining the Acoustical Performance
TL5 10log 1/τ (1)
~ !
of Windows, Doors, Skylight, and Glazed Wall Systems
2TL/10
τ 5 10 (2)
E2235 Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for
Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods
4. Summary of Test Method
2.2 ANSI Standards:
4.1 Two adjacent reverberation rooms are arranged with an
S1.6-1984 (R2006) American National Standard Preferred
opening between them in which the test partition is installed.
Frequencies, Frequency Levels, and Band Numbers for
Care is taken that the only significant sound transmission path
Acoustical Measurement
between rooms is by way of the test partition. An approxi-
S1.10 Pressure Calibration of Laboratory Standard Pressure
mately diffuse sound field is produced in one room, the source
Microphones
room. Sound incident on the test partition causes it to vibrate
S1.11 Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-
and create a sound field in the second room, the receiving
Band Analog and Digital Filters
room. The space- and time-averaged sound pressure levels in
S1.40 Specifications and Verification Procedures for Sound
the two rooms are determined. In addition, with the test
Calibrators
specimen in place, the sound absorption in the receiving room
S1.43 Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound-Level
is determined. The sound pressure levels in the two rooms, the
Meters
sound absorption in the receiving room and the area of the
S12.51 Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Levels
specimen are used to calculate sound transmission loss as
of Noise Sources Using Sound Pressure—Precision Meth-
shown in Section 11. Because transmission loss is a function of
ods for Reverberation Rooms
frequency, measurements are made in a series of frequency
2.3 ISO Standards:
3 bands.
ISO 717 Rating of Sound Insulation for Dwellings
ISO 3741 Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Level 4.2 In theory, it is not important which room is designated as
the source and which as the receiving room. In practice,
of Noise Sources—Precision Methods for Reverberation
Rooms different values of sound transmission loss may be measured
when the roles are reversed. To compensate for this, the entire
2.4 IEC Standards:
measurement may be repeated with the roles reversed; the
IEC 60942 Electroacoustics—Sound Calibrators
source room becomes the receiving room and vice versa. The
IEC 61672 Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 1:
two sets of transmission loss values are then averaged to
Specifications
produce the final result for the laboratory.
3. Terminology
4.3 Additional procedures that may be followed when
3.1 The following terms used in this test method have
testing doors are given in Test Method E1425.
specific meanings that are defined in Terminology C634.
acoustical barrier reverberation room 5. Significance and Use
airborne sound sound absorption
5.1 Sound transmission loss as defined in Terminology
average sound pressure level sound attenuation
background noise sound energy
C634, refers to the response of specimens exposed to a diffuse
damp sound insulation
incident sound field, and this is the test condition approached
decay rate sound isolation
by this laboratory test method. The test results are therefore
decibel sound level
diffraction sound power
most directly relevant to the performance of similar specimens
diffuse sound field sound pressure
exposed to similar sound fields. They provide, however, a
direct sound field sound pressure level
useful general measure of performance for the variety of sound
flanking transmission sound transmission level
level sound transmission class
fields to which a partition or element may typically be exposed.
octave band sound transmission coefficient
pink noise sound transmission loss 5.2 In laboratories designed to satisfy the requirements of
receiving room source room
this test method, the intent is that only significant path for
reverberant sound field unit
sound transmission between the rooms is through the test
3.1.1 For the purposes of this test method, transmission loss
specimen. This is not generally the case in buildings where
is operationally defined as the difference in decibels between
there are often many other paths for sounds—flanking sound
the average sound pressure levels in the reverberant source and
transmission. Consequently sound ratings obtained using this
receiving rooms, plus ten times the common logarithm of the
test method do not relate directly to sound isolation in
ratio of the area of the common partition to the sound
buildings; they represent an upper limit to what would be
absorption in the receiving room (see Eq 5).
measured in a field test.
5.3 This test method is not intended for field tests. Field
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., tests shall be performed according to Test Method E336.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
NOTE 2—The comparable quantity measured using Test Method E336
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de
is called the apparent sound transmission loss because of the presence of
Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
flanking sound transmission.
E90 − 09 (2016)
6. Test Rooms 7. Test Specimens
6.1 The test rooms shall be so constructed and arranged that
7.1 Size and Mounting—Any test specimen that is to typify
the test specimen constitutes the only important transmission
a wall or floor shall be large enough to include all the essential
path between them. Laboratories must investigate their flank-
constructional elements in their normal size, and in a propor-
ing limit and prepare a report as described in Annex A5.
tion typical of actual use. The minimum dimension (excluding
thickness) shall be 2.4 m, except that specimens of doors, office
6.2 The spatial variations of sound pressure level measured
screens, and other smaller building elements shall be their
in the each room shall be such that the precision requirements
customary size. Preformed panel structures should include at
in Annex A2 are satisfied at all frequencies.
least two complete modules (panels plus edge mounting
6.3 Volume of Rooms—The minimum volume of each room
3 elements), although single panels can be tested. In all cases the
is 80 m .
test specimen shall be installed in a manner similar to actual
NOTE 3—See Appendix X1 for recommendations for new construction.
construction, with a careful simulation of normal constraint
6.4 Room Absorption—The sound absorption in the receiv-
and sealing conditions at the perimeter and at joints within the
ing room should be low to achieve the best possible simulation
field of the specimen. Detailed reporting and installation
of the ideal diffuse field condition, and to minimize the region
procedures for particular types of building separation elements
dominated by the direct field of the test specimen. In the
are given in Annex A1.
1/3
frequency range that extends from f = 2000 ⁄V to 2000 Hz,
the absorption in the receiving room (as furnished with 7.2 Offıce Screens—The minimum area of an office screen
diffusers) should be no greater than:
specimen shall be 2.3 m . Testing an office screen according to
2/3
this test method is only appropriate when the property of
A 5 V /3 (3)
interest is sound transmission through the main body of the
where:
screen. Screens that incorporate electrical raceways may allow
V = the room volume, m , and
sound to pass through easily in this region. Such parts of an
A = the sound absorption of the room, m .
office screen shall be included as part of the specimen. For a
1/3
complete test of the screen as a barrier, including the effects of
6.4.1 For frequencies below f = 2000 ⁄ V , somewhat
diffraction and leakage, Test Method E1111 is recommended.
higher absorption may be desirable to accommodate require-
ments of other test methods (for example, ISO 3741); in any
7.3 Operable Door Systems—Measurements may be in
case, the absorption should be no greater than three times the
accordance with Test Method E1425 to evaluate door systems
value given by Eq 3.
in the operable and fully sealed state, and to measure the force
NOTE 4—For frequencies above 2000 Hz, atmospheric absorption may required to operate the door.
make it impossible to avoid a slightly higher value than that given in Eq
3.
8. Test Signal Sound Sources
6.5 Unless otherwise specified, the average temperatures in
8.1 Signal Spectrum—The sound signals used for these tests
each room during all acoustical measurements shall be in the
shall be random noise having a continuous spectrum within
range 22 6 5°C and the average relative humidity shall be at
each test frequency band.
least 30 %.
6.5.1 When testing specimens with temperature sensitive
8.2 Sound Sources—Sound sources shall consist of one or
materials, such as systems that incorporate laminated glass, the
more loudspeakers in an enclosure.
average temperature of the specimen and in each room during
NOTE 7—Sources should preferably be omnidirectional at all measure-
all acoustical measurements shall be in the range 22 6 2°C.
ment frequencies to excite the sound field in the room as uniformly as
possible. Using separate loudspeakers for high and low frequencies will
NOTE 5—The sound damping properties of viscoelastic substrates
make the system more omnidirectional. Aiming the loudspeakers into
between panels (glass, metal, etc.) and of viscoelastic materials used to
corners of the room can reduce the direct field from the loudspeaker
mount glass often depend on temperature. This requirement minimizes
system. An approximation to an omnidirectional speaker system can be
any effects this has on measured sound transmission loss.
obtained by mounting an array of loudspeakers on the faces of a
6.6 During the sound pressure level and the corresponding polyhedron (cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, etc.). Sources in trihedral
corners of the room excite room modes more effectively and laboratory
sound absorption measurements, variations in temperature and
operators may find that this orientation increases the low frequency sound
humidity in the receiving room shall not exceed 3°C and 3 %
pressure levels in the room.
relative humidity respectively. Temperature and humidity shall
be measured and recorded as often as necessary to ensure 8.3 Multiple Sound Sources—If a laboratory chooses to use
comp
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E90 − 09 E90 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission
Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E90; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This test method is part of a set for evaluating the sound-insulating properties of building elements.
It is designed to measure the transmission of sound through a partition or partition element in a
laboratory. Others in the set cover the measurement of sound isolation in buildings (Test Method
E336), the laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission through floors (Test Method E492),
the measurement of impact sound transmission in buildings (Test Method E1007), the measurement
of sound transmission through building facades and facade elements (Guide E966), the measurement
of sound transmission through a common plenum between two rooms (Test Method E1414), a quick
method for the determination of airborne sound isolation in multiunit buildings (Practice E597), and
the measurement of sound transmission through door panels and systems (Test Method E1425).
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
2.1 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
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.03
on Sound Transmission.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009Dec. 1, 2016. Published August 2009January 2017. Originally approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
E90 – 04.E90 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/E0090-09.10.1520/E0090-09R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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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
2.2 ANSI Standards:
S1.6-1984 (R2006) American National Standard Preferred Frequencies, Frequency Levels, and Band Numbers for Acoustical
Measurement
S1.10 Pressure Calibration of Laboratory Standard Pressure Microphones
S1.11 Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-Band Analog and Digital Filters
S1.40 Specifications and Verification Procedures for Sound Calibrators
S1.43 Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound-Level Meters
S12.51 Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources Using Sound Pressure—Precision Methods for
Reverberation Rooms
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO 717 Rating of Sound Insulation for Dwellings
ISO 3741 Acoustics—Determination of Sound Power Level of Noise Sources—Precision Methods for Reverberation Rooms
2.4 IEC Standards:
IEC 60942 Electroacoustics—Sound Calibrators
IEC 61672 Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 1: Specifications
3. Terminology
3.1 The following terms used in this test method have specific meanings that are defined in Terminology C634.
acoustical barrier reverberation room
airborne sound sound absorption
average sound pressure level sound attenuation
background noise sound energy
damp sound insulation
decay rate sound isolation
decibel sound level
diffraction sound power
diffuse sound field sound pressure
direct sound field sound pressure level
flanking transmission sound transmission level
level sound transmission class
octave band sound transmission coefficient
pink noise sound transmission loss
receiving room source room
reverberant sound field unit
3.1.1 For the purposes of this test method, transmission loss is operationally defined as the difference in decibels between the
average sound pressure levels in the reverberant source and receiving rooms, plus ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of
the area of the common partition to the sound absorption in the receiving room (see Eq 5).
NOTE 1—Sound transmission coefficient and sound transmission loss are related by either of the two equations:
TL 5 10log 1/τ (1)
~ !
2TL/10
τ5 10 (2)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Two adjacent reverberation rooms are arranged with an opening between them in which the test partition is installed. Care
is taken that the only significant sound transmission path between rooms is by way of the test partition. An approximately diffuse
sound field is produced in one room, the source room. Sound incident on the test partition causes it to vibrate and create a sound
field in the second room, the receiving room. The space- and time-averaged sound pressure levels in the two rooms are determined.
In addition, with the test specimen in place, the sound absorption in the receiving room is determined. The sound pressure levels
in the two rooms, the sound absorption in the receiving room and the area of the specimen are used to calculate sound transmission
loss as shown in Section 11. Because transmission loss is a function of frequency, measurements are made in a series of frequency
bands.
4.2 In theory, it is not important which room is designated as the source and which as the receiving room. In practice, different
values of sound transmission loss may be measured when the roles are reversed. To compensate for this, the entire measurement
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E90 − 09 (2016)
may be repeated with the roles reversed; the source room becomes the receiving room and vice versa. The two sets of transmission
loss values are then averaged to produce the final result for the laboratory.
4.3 Additional procedures that may be followed when testing doors are given in Test Method E1425.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Sound transmission loss as defined in Terminology C634, 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.
5.2 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.
5.3 This test method is not intended for field tests. Field tests shall be performed according to Test Method E336.
NOTE 2—The comparable quantity measured using Test Method E336 is called the apparent sound transmission loss because of the presence of flanking
sound transmission.
6. Test Rooms
6.1 The test rooms shall be so constructed and arranged that the test specimen constitutes the only important transmission path
between them. Laboratories must investigate their flanking limit and prepare a report as described in Annex A5.
6.2 The spatial variations of sound pressure level measured in the each room shall be such that the precision requirements in
Annex A2 are satisfied at all frequencies.
6.3 Volume of Rooms—The minimum volume of each room is 80 m .
NOTE 3—See Appendix X1 for recommendations for new construction.
6.4 Room Absorption—The sound absorption in the receiving room should be low to achieve the best possible simulation of the
ideal diffuse field condition, and to minimize the region dominated by the direct field of the test specimen. In the frequency range
1/3
that extends from f = 2000 ⁄V to 2000 Hz, the absorption in the receiving room (as furnished with diffusers) should be no greater
than:
2/3
A 5 V /3 (3)
where:
V = the room volume, m , and
A = the sound absorption of the room, m .
1/3
6.4.1 For frequencies below f = 2000 ⁄ V , somewhat higher absorption may be desirable to accommodate requirements of
other test methods (for example, ISO 3741); in any case, the absorption should be no greater than three times the value given by
Eq 3.
NOTE 4—For frequencies above 2000 Hz, atmospheric absorption may make it impossible to avoid a slightly higher value than that given in Eq 3.
6.5 Unless otherwise specified, the average temperatures in each room during all acoustical measurements shall be in the range
22 6 5°C and the average relative humidity shall be at least 30 %.
6.5.1 When testing specimens with temperature sensitive materials, such as systems that incorporate laminated glass, the
average temperature of the specimen and in each room during all acoustical measurements shall be in the range 22 6 2°C.
NOTE 5—The sound damping properties of viscoelastic substrates between panels (glass, metal, etc.) and of viscoelastic materials used to mount glass
often depend on temperature. This requirement minimizes any effects this has on measured sound transmission loss.
6.6 During the sound pressure level and the corresponding sound absorption measurements, variations in temperature and
humidity in the receiving room shall not exceed 3°C and 3 % relative humidity respectively. Temperature and humidity shall be
measured and recorded as often as necessary to ensure compliance.
6.6.1 If a relative humidity of at least 30 % can not be maintained in the receiving room, users of the test method shall verify
by calculation that changes in the 10 log A term (see 11.1) due to changes in temperature and humidity do not exceed 0.5 dB.
NOTE 6—Procedures for calculating air absorption are described in Test Method C423.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 Size and Mounting—Any test specimen that is to typify a wall or floor shall be large enough to include all the essential
constructional elements in their normal size, and in a proportion typical of actual use. The minimum dimension (excluding
thickness) shall be 2.4 m, except that specimens of doors, office screens, and other smaller building elements shall be their
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customary size. Preformed panel structures should include at least two complete modules (panels plus edge mounting elements),
although single panels can be tested. In all cases the test specimen shall be installed in a manner similar to actual construction,
with a careful simulation of normal constraint and sealing conditions at the perimeter and at joints within the field of the specimen.
Detailed reporting and installation procedures for particular types of building separation elements are given in Annex A1.
7.2 Offıce Screens—The minimum area of an office screen specimen shall be 2.3 m . Testing an office screen according to this
test method is only appropriate when the property of interest is sound transmission through the main body of the screen. Screens
that incorporate electrical raceways may allow sound to pass through easily in this region. Such parts of an office screen shall be
included as part of the specimen. For a complete test of the screen as a barrier, including the effects of diffraction and leakage,
Test Method E1111 is recommended.
7.3 Operable Door Systems—Measurements may be in accordance with Test Method E1425 to evaluate door systems in the
operable and fully sealed state, and to measure the force required to operate the door.
8. Test Signal Sound Sources
8.1 Signal Spectrum—The sound signals used for these tests shall be random noise having a continuous spectrum within each
test frequency band.
8.2 Sound Sources—Sound sources shall consist of one or more loudspeakers in an enclosure.
NOTE 7—Sources should preferably be omnidirectional at all measurement frequencies to exc
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