ASTM E1007-21

Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The spectrum of the noise produced in the receiving room by the standard tapping machine is determined by (1) the size and the mechanical properties of the floor-ceiling assembly, such as its weight, surface properties, mounting or edge restraints, stiffness, and internal damping; (2) the degree of flanking transmission through associated structures; and (3) the acoustical response of the receiving room.  
5.2 The standardized tapping machine specified in 6.1.1 produces a continuous series of uniform impacts at a uniform rate on a floor-ceiling assembly to allow accurate and reproducible measurements of impact sound pressure levels in the receiving room. The tapping machine is not designed to simulate any one type of impact, such as male or female footsteps or to simulate the weight of a human walker. Also, measurements described in this method and ratings based on the results are restricted to a specific frequency range. Thus the subjectively annoying creak or boom generated by human footfalls on a limber floor-ceiling assembly is not adequately evaluated by this test method.  
5.3 Laboratory Test Method E492 calls for highly diffuse sound fields and the suppression of flanking sound transmission in the laboratory’s receiving room. This field test method does not permit efforts to suppress flanking. In field tests, acoustical measurements are much more uncertain than in the laboratory since a great variety of receiving room shapes and sizes are encountered in ordinary buildings. Highly diffuse fields are seldom found and the nature of structure-borne flanking transmission varies widely. In addition, energy transmits laterally away from the receiving room. The amount of lateral transmission of energy varies significantly between buildings. Consequently, good agreement between laboratory tests and field tests on similar floor-ceiling assemblies is not expected.  
5.4 Several metrics are available for specific uses:  
5.4.1 absorption normalized impact sound p...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the transmission of impact sound generated by a standard tapping machine through floor-ceiling assemblies and associated supporting structures in field situations.  
1.2 Results are measurable for all types of floor-ceiling assemblies, including those with floating-floor or suspended ceiling elements, or both, and floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of floor-surfacing or floor-covering materials.  
1.3 This test method defines several procedures and metrics to assess either the apparent performance of the nominally separating floor-ceiling or the isolation of a receiving room from the sound produced by the operation of the tapping machine. Several metrics are defined based on the measurements. Receiving room volume, absorption and source/receiving room adjacency control which metrics are reportable. Some metrics are reportable only for a receiving room directly below the tapping machine while others are reportable for any separated space that receives sound from the operation of the tapping machine. The source and receiving rooms as well as the floor-ceiling system are identified and described in the test report. All measured levels and derivative single number ratings include the effect of flanking transmission. Efforts to suppress flanking are not permitted. Available measures and their single number ratings are the impact sound pressure levels (ISPL) and impact sound rating (ISR), the reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure levels (RTNISPL) and normalized impact sound rating (NISR), and the absorption normalized impact sound pressure levels (ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation class (AIIC).  
1.4 The ISPL and ISR are measurable and reportable between any two specific rooms or usage areas where the source room area is large enough to accommodate the tapping machine positions and the receiving room volume is sufficiently large to accommodate th...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2021
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Drafting Committee: E33.10 - Structural Acoustics and Vibration

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E90-23 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2235-04(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E336-19a - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM E336-19 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E966-18a - Standard Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E966-18 - Standard Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E336-17a - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM E336-17 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM E90-09(2016) - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM E336-16a - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E336-16 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM E336-15 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM E336-14 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM C634-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM E989-06(2012) - Standard Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class (IIC)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012

Overview

ASTM E1007-21: Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures specifies procedures for measuring the impact sound insulation characteristics of floor-ceiling assemblies in actual building conditions. This method utilizes a standardized tapping machine to generate consistent impact noise, enabling measurement of sound pressure levels in the room(s) below or adjacent to the source of impact. The standard provides essential performance metrics for evaluating how well a floor-ceiling system and its supporting structures attenuate impact sounds, which is critical in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings for ensuring acoustical comfort and privacy.

Key Topics

• Sound Transmission Measurement: Outlines procedures for using a tapping machine to quantify impact sound transmission through installed floor-ceiling assemblies and their associated structures.
• Frequency Range: Measurements focus on specific frequency bands relevant for assessing impact sound insulation, typically covering the distinctions between annoying sounds like thumps or booms from everyday activities.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Impact Sound Pressure Level (ISPL) and Impact Sound Rating (ISR)
  • Reverberation Time Normalized Impact Sound Pressure Level (RTNISPL) and Normalized Impact Sound Rating (NISR)
  • Absorption Normalized Impact Sound Pressure Level (ANISPL) and Apparent Impact Insulation Class (AIIC)
• Flanking Transmission: Realistic field test conditions include sound transmitted through associated and adjacent structural components (flanking transmission), which cannot be suppressed in field measurements.
• Applicability: Suitable for all types of floor-ceiling assemblies, including those with floating floors, suspended ceilings, or any floor covering material.

Applications

ASTM E1007-21 is widely used for:

• Building Acoustical Assessments: Field testing the sound insulating properties of floor-ceiling systems in multi-unit residential buildings, offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools to verify compliance with regulatory or project-specific noise control requirements.
• Renovation and Quality Control: Comparing pre- and post-construction sound insulation performance for rehabilitation projects or new construction, ensuring that specified acoustic design criteria are met in the finished building.
• Product Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of building materials, floor coverings, and structural assemblies in reducing impact sound transmission under real-world installed conditions.
• Certification and Code Compliance: Supporting submissions for building certification programs or local building code requirements related to acoustics and occupant comfort.

Practical Value:

• Accurate Field Results: Reflects the acoustical performance as experienced by building occupants in actual scenarios, including all sources of sound transmission (direct and flanking paths).
• Supports Design Decisions: Informs architects, engineers, and building owners on the effectiveness of floor-ceiling constructions, helping address and mitigate acoustical issues early and cost-effectively.
• Versatile Use: Accommodates varied room shapes, sizes, and types of surface materials, making it relevant for diverse building projects.

Related Standards

ASTM E1007-21 is part of a suite of standards addressing building acoustics and is often used alongside:

• ASTM E492 - Laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies.
• ASTM E90 - Laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions and elements.
• ASTM E336 - Measurement of airborne sound attenuation between rooms in field conditions.
• ASTM E989 - Classification for determination of single-number metrics for impact noise.
• ISO 16283-2 - Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements - Part 2: Impact sound insulation.
• ANSI S1.43, ANSI S1.11, ANSI S1.40 - Specifications and verification procedures for acoustical instrumentation.
• IEC 60942, IEC 61672-1 - International standards for sound measurement equipment.

Keywords: field measurement, impact sound transmission, floor-ceiling assemblies, tapping machine, building acoustics, sound insulation, ASTM E1007, floor sound testing, flanking transmission, impact noise ratings, AIIC, ISR, acoustical performance.

By adhering to ASTM E1007-21, building professionals can ensure that sound insulation levels meet user expectations for acoustical comfort and comply with relevant codes and standards.

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: E1007 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound
Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and
Associated Support Structures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1007; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This test method is part of a set of standards for evaluating the sound insulating properties of
buildingelementsandsoundisolationbetweenspaces.Itisdesignedtomeasureinthefieldtheimpact
sound isolation between rooms or to estimate lower limits for impact sound transmission through a
floor-ceiling partition element installed as an interior part of a building using a standard tapping
machine. Others in the set cover measurement of impact sound transmission through an isolated
floor-ceiling assembly in a controlled laboratory environment (Test Method E492), the measurement
of airborne sound transmission loss of an isolated partition element in a controlled laboratory
environment (Test Method E90), the measurement of airborne sound isolation and airborne sound
transmission loss associated with building elements in the field (Test Method E336), the measurement
ofsoundtransmissionthroughbuildingfacadesandfacadeelementsinthefield(GuideE966);andthe
measurement of sound transmission through a common plenum between two rooms in a controlled
laboratory environment (Test Method E1414).
1. Scope tapping machine. The source and receiving rooms as well as
the floor-ceiling system are identified and described in the test
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the trans-
report. All measured levels and derivative single number
mission of impact sound generated by a standard tapping
ratings include the effect of flanking transmission. Efforts to
machine through floor-ceiling assemblies and associated sup-
suppress flanking are not permitted. Available measures and
porting structures in field situations.
theirsinglenumberratingsaretheimpactsoundpressurelevels
1.2 Results are measurable for all types of floor-ceiling
(ISPL) and impact sound rating (ISR), the reverberation time
assemblies, including those with floating-floor or suspended
normalized impact sound pressure levels (RTNISPL) and
ceiling elements, or both, and floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced
normalized impact sound rating (NISR), and the absorption
with any type of floor-surfacing or floor-covering materials.
normalized impact sound pressure levels (ANISPL) and appar-
ent impact insulation class (AIIC).
1.3 This test method defines several procedures and metrics
to assess either the apparent performance of the nominally
1.4 The ISPL and ISR are measurable and reportable
separating floor-ceiling or the isolation of a receiving room
between any two specific rooms or usage areas where the
from the sound produced by the operation of the tapping
source room area is large enough to accommodate the tapping
machine. Several metrics are defined based on the measure-
machine positions and the receiving room volume is suffi-
ments. Receiving room volume, absorption and source/
ciently large to accommodate the microphone positions. For all
receivingroomadjacencycontrolwhichmetricsarereportable.
other measures and ratings in this standard, restrictions such as
Some metrics are reportable only for a receiving room directly
minimum room volume or dimensions or maximum room
below the tapping machine while others are reportable for any
absorption are imposed. Thus, conditions exist that will not
separated space that receives sound from the operation of the
allow RTNISPL (NISR) or ANISPL (AIIC) to be determined.
1.5 Where a separating floor-ceiling assembly is composed
of parts that are constructed differently on the receiving room
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE33onBuilding
and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
(ceiling) side, it is not possible to determine the ANISPL and
E33.10 on Structural Acoustics and Vibration.
AIIC of the individual elements or portions of the assembly. In
Current edition approved April 15, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
this situation, the measurement will be of the composite
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E1007 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/E1007-21. structure, not of an individual element.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1007 − 21
1.6 Any single field measurement only represents the per- 2.3 ISO Standard:
formance of the actual assembly tested and shall not be used ISO 16283 Acoustics – Field measurement of sound insula-
alone to accurately predict how an identical or similar assem- tion in buildings and of building elements – Part 2: Impact
bly might perform. sound insulation
2.4 IEC Standards :
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
IEC 60942 Electroacoustics – Sound Calibrators
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
IEC 61672–1 Electroacoustics - Sound Level Meters – Part
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1:Specifications
as requirements of the standard.
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Terminology
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms pertaining to
standard.
acoustics used in this test method, see Terminology C634.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 absorption normalized impact sound pressure level,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ANISPL, (dB), n—into a receiving room of at least 40 m in a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
specified frequency band, the impact sound pressure level
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(ISPL) normalized to a reference absorption of 10 m in the
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
receiving room.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.1.1 Discussion—10 m is equivalent to 108 Sabins
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.2 apparent impact insulation class, AIIC, n—a single-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
number rating derived from values of ANISPL in accordance
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
with Classification E989.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—field impact insulation class (FIIC) has
2. Referenced Documents
been replaced with apparent impact insulation class (AIIC) to
makeclearthatthequantityincludesflankingandtoharmonize
2.1 ASTM Standards:
terminology with Test Method E336.
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
3.2.2.2 Discussion—AIIC provides an estimate of the ap-
Acoustics
parent sound insulating properties of a floor-ceiling assembly
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
under tapping machine excitation where sound power from
Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and
associated support structures are attributed to the floor-ceiling
Elements
assembly.
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound
3.2.2.3 Discussion—The absorption normalized impact
Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
sound pressure level (ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation
E492 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact
class (AIIC) are analogous to apparent transmission loss (ATL)
Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies
and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC) for airborne
Using the Tapping Machine
measurements.
E966 Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound
Attenuation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
3.2.3 coupled space, n—a secondary space which is adja-
E989 Classification for Determination of Single-Number
cent to and partially open to the receiving room and which
Metrics for Impact Noise
meets spatial and sound level distribution requirements suffi-
E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Be-
cient to allow the secondary space to be included as part of the
tween Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
measurement space with the primary space.
E2235 Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Coupled spaces are only pertinent
Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods
when measuring and calculating ANISPL and AIIC.
3.2.3.2 Discussion—To qualify as a coupled space in this
2.2 ANSI Standards:
standard the space must meet requirements specified in 10.4.2.
S1.11 Specification for Octave Band and Fractional-Octave-
Band Analog and Digital Filters
3.2.4 impact sound pressure level, ISPL, (dB), n—in a
S1.40 Specifications and Verification Procedures for Sound specified frequency band, the average sound pressure level in a
Calibrators specified frequency band produced in the receiving room by
S1.43 Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound Level theoperationofthestandardtappingmachineonafloor-ceiling
Meters assembly, averaged over each of the specified tapping machine
positions.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iso.ch.
3 5
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
E1007 − 21
3.2.5 impact sound rating, ISR, n—a single-number rating 3.5 T —the reverberation time in the receiving room mea-
derived from values of ISPL in accordance with Classification sured in ⁄3 octave frequency bands, seconds.
E989 (1).
4. Summary of Test Method
3.2.5.1 Discussion—ISR provides a measure of the isolation
4.1 A standard tapping machine is placed in operation on a
of the receiving room from the impact sound produced by the
floor-ceiling assembly. The transmitted impact sound is char-
operation of the tapping machine in the source room given the
acterized by the one-third octave band spectrum of the average
existing conditions (that is, sound absorption, reverberation
sound pressure level produced by the tapping machine in the
time) in the receiving room at the time of the test.
receivingroomlocatedbeneathornearthefloor-ceilingassem-
3.2.5.2 Discussion—impactsoundpressurelevel(ISPL)and
bly.
impact sound rating (ISR) are analogous to noise reduction
(NR) and noise isolation class (NIC) for airborne measure-
4.2 A complete test shall consist of one background noise
ments.
level measurement, and four tapping level measurements, one
for each tapping machine position. The background noise
3.2.6 normalized impact sound rating, NISR, n—a single-
measurement and each tapping level measurement are con-
number rating derived from values of RTNISPL in accordance
ducted in the same way, whether by a single sweep or multiple
with Classification E989 (1).
measurements at fixed microphone positions.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—NISR provides a measure of the poten-
tial isolation of the receiving room from the impact sound
4.3 If appropriate, the measured impact sound levels are
produced by the operation of the tapping machine in the source
adjusted for the background noise.
room as if the receiving room had a reverberation time of 0.5
4.4 The adjusted impact sound pressure levels are used (1)
s. This reverberation time is typical of many furnished small
without normalization, (2) normalized to a standard reverbera-
offices and furnished residential living rooms and bedrooms.
tiontime,or(3)normalizedtoastandardamountofabsorption.
3.2.6.2 Discussion—The reverberation time normalized im-
4.5 If normalized values are to be reported, the reverbera-
pact sound pressure level (RTNISPL) and normalized impact
tion time (T ) or absorption (A ), or both, of the receiving
sound rating (NISR) are analogous to normalized noise reduc- 2 2
room must be determined. To determine absorption, the vol-
tion (NNR) and normalized noise isolation class (NNIC) for
ume of the receiving room must also be calculated from
airborne measurements.
measured room dimensions.
3.2.7 receiving room, n—a room below or near the source
5. Significance and Use
room in which the impact sound pressure levels are measured.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Depending on the metric being
5.1 The spectrum of the noise produced in the receiving
measured, and size of the primary receiving room, the impact
room by the standard tapping machine is determined by (1) the
soundpressurelevelsarealsomeasuredinancillaryspacesthat
size and the mechanical properties of the floor-ceiling
are coupled to the receiving room.
assembly, such as its weight, surface properties, mounting or
3.2.7.2 Discussion—The receiving room is typically the
edge restraints, stiffness, and internal damping; (2) the degree
room below the floor-ceiling assembly being excited by the
of flanking transmission through associated structures; and (3)
tapping machine, but some metrics are measurable in receiving
the acoustical response of the receiving room.
rooms on the same level, above, or diagonally above or below
5.2 The standardized tapping machine specified in 6.1.1
the source room, depending on the metric being measured.
produces a continuous series of uniform impacts at a uniform
3.2.8 reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure
rate on a floor-ceiling assembly to allow accurate and repro-
level, RTNISPL, (dB), n—into a receiving room of less than
ducible measurements of impact sound pressure levels in the
150 m , in a specified frequency band, the impact sound
receiving room. The tapping machine is not designed to
pressure level normalized to a reverberation time of 0.5 s in the
simulate any one type of impact, such as male or female
receiving room.
footsteps or to simulate the weight of a human walker. Also,
3.2.9 separating floor-ceiling, n—the area of the floor- measurements described in this method and ratings based on
the results are restricted to a specific frequency range.Thus the
ceiling assembly that is common to both the source room and
the room or space immediately below the source room. subjectively annoying creak or boom generated by human
footfalls on a limber floor-ceiling assembly is not adequately
3.2.10 source room, n—the room or space containing the
evaluated by this test method.
tapping machine.
5.3 Laboratory Test Method E492 calls for highly diffuse
3.2.10.1 Discussion—An exterior location on a roof or a
sound fields and the suppression of flanking sound transmis-
deck is a possible source room.
sion in the laboratory’s receiving room. This field test method
3.3 Symbols:
does not permit efforts to suppress flanking. In field tests,
3.4 A —thetotalacousticalabsorptioninthereceivingroom
2 acoustical measurements are much more uncertain than in the
measured in ⁄3 octave frequency bands, m .
laboratory since a great variety of receiving room shapes and
sizes are encountered in ordinary buildings. Highly diffuse
fields are seldom found and the nature of structure-borne
flanking transmission varies widely. In addition, energy trans-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard. mits laterally away from the receiving room. The amount of
E1007 − 21
lateral transmission of energy varies significantly between surface shall be cylindrical with a diameter of 30 6 0.2 mm.
buildings. Consequently, good agreement between laboratory The impact surface shall be of hardened steel and shall be
tests and field tests on similar floor-ceiling assemblies is not spherical with a curvature radius of 500 6 100 mm. The time
expected. between successive impacts shall be 100 6 20 ms.
6.1.2 Since excessive friction in the hammer guidance
5.4 Several metrics are available for specific uses:
system reduces the velocity of the hammer at impact resulting
5.4.1 absorption normalized impact sound pressure level
in uneven impacts that can be measured or perceived, the
(ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation class (AIIC)—These
tapping machine shall be checked for excessive friction be-
metrics are intended to evaluate the performance of the
tween the hammers and the guidance system. Any excessive
floor-ceiling assembly and adjacent structures as installed
friction found must be eliminated.
(including structure-borne flanking paths). For these metrics,
6.1.3 The bottoms of the machine supports shall be at least
sound power from associated support structures are attributed
100 mm from the nearest hammer.
tothefloor-ceilingassembly.Becausethesearemeasuresofthe
apparent performance of the nominally separating floor-
NOTE 1—Investigations (2) involving light-frame floating floors have
shown that both the resiliency of the tapping machine supports as well as
ceiling,thereceivingroomshallbethespacedirectlyunderthe
their spacing from the hammers significantly affect the impact sound
tapping machine. ANISPL and AIIC are reportable when the
pressure levels in frequency bands below 400 Hz.
receiving room meets minimal requirements for volume and
6.1.4 Following adjustment of the hammer drop in accor-
dimension. In rooms of 150 m or greater ANISPL and AIIC
dance with 6.1.1 – 6.1.3 , the tapping machine is ready for use
shall not be determined and reported unless, in all frequency
on any floor, including those surfaced with soft or resilient
bands necessary to calculate the AIIC, the receiving room
materials.
absorption, A , is within certain limits that are determined by
the volume of the room. Results are normally not identical to
6.2 Operational Noise—The sound pressure levels in the
laboratory tests of the floor-ceiling assembly alone. Because of
receivingroomduetoairbornetransmissionfromtheoperating
the uncontrollable factors mentioned in 5.1 – 5.3, caution must
tapping machine shall be at least 10 dB less than those due to
be used when using test results to predict the performance of
hammer impacts transmitted structurally.
other floor-ceiling assemblies with similar construction.
NOTE 2—A loudspeaker or other convenient airborne noise source is
5.4.2 impact sound pressure level (ISPL) and impact sound
acceptable for use to evaluate the extent of airborne sound transmission
rating (ISR)—These metrics are intended to assess the impact
between the rooms (see Test Method E336).
sound isolation as it exists at the time of the test due to the
6.3 Tapping Machine Positions—For purposes of this test
mechanical excitation of the floor-ceiling assembly by the
method, the tapping machine positions described in 6.3.1 –
standard tapping machine. The measurements are able to be
6.3.4 shall be used (see Fig. 1).
performed in any space affected by the sound of the operating
6.3.1 Position 1—The middle hammer of the tapping ma-
tapping machine. These metrics do not represent the perfor-
chine shall be near the center of the area identified in 9.4.In
mance of the separating floor-ceiling. They represent the
joist or truss construction, when the locations of the trusses or
impact sound isolation between the source floor and the
joists are identifiable, arrange the tapping machine so that all
receiving room. There are no receiving room absorption
hammers are parallel with and aligned with the joist or truss
restrictions and no receiving room volume restrictions other
closest to this location.
than being sufficiently large to accommodate the microphone
positions described in 11.3.
NOTE 3—Joist locations and orientations are often not obvious in field
situations. Building plans and nailing patterns provide assistance in the
5.4.3 reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure
determination of joist layout.
level (RTNISPL) and normalized impact sound rating (NISR)—
These metrics are intended to assess the impact sound isolation 6.3.2 Position 2—Same as Position 1, except rotate the
tapping machine 90° around the axis of the middle hammer.
as if the receiving room had a reverberation time of 0.5 s. This
reverberation time is typical of many furnished small offices 6.3.3 Position 3—Displace the tapping machine laterally
with respect to Position 1, so that the longitudinal axis of the
and furnished residential living rooms and bedrooms. RT-
NISPL and NISR shall not be reported for receiving rooms of machineiscenteredmidwaybetweenandparalleltothecentral
150 m or larger. joists and to Position 1. In the case of homogeneous floors of
concrete slab or solid deck construction without joists, the
lateral displacement of the tapping machine shall be 0.6 m
6. Test Machine
from that of Position 1.
6.1 Tapping Machine Specifications:
6.3.4 Position 4—Position the tapping machine so that the
6.1.1 This test method is based on the use of a standardized
longitudinal axis of the machine forms an angle of 45° with
tapping machine that conforms to the specifications given in
respect to Position 1. Displace the machine laterally so that the
ISO 16283 Part 2. The tapping machine shall have five
middle hammer is 0.6 m from the midpoint of Position 1.
hammers equally spaced in a line. The distance between
centerlines of neighboring hammers shall be 100 6 3 mm.
7. Measuring Equipment
Each hammer shall have an effective mass of 500 6 6 g which
falls freely from a height of 40 6 3 mm. The falling direction 7.1 Microphones, amplifiers, and electronic circuitry to
of the hammers shall be perpendicular to the test surface to detect, measure, process and analyze microphone signals shall
within 6 0.5°. The part of the hammer carrying the impact satisfy the requirements of ANSI S1.43 or IEC 61672-1 for
E1007 − 21
FIG. 1 Tapping Machine Positions
class 1 sound level meters, except that B and C weighting dB, the results since the last valid sensitivity check are invalid
networks are not required. and the measurements shall be repeated.
7.2 Measurement quality microphones having a diameter of
9. Test Site Conditions
13 mm or smaller shall be used.
9.1 Assembly Types—This test method is applicable to all
NOTE4—Ifmeasurementsaretobemadeabove5000Hz,adiffusefield
types of floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of
(random-incidence) microphone or corrector is preferred.
material, including assemblies with floating floors or sus-
7.3 If multiple microphones are used, they shall all be of the pended ceilings.
same make and model. 9.1.1 In all cases the test assembly shall be installed in
accordance with customary field practice including normal
7.4 The measurement system filters shall for each test band
constraint and sealing conditions at the perimeter and at the
conform to the specifications in ANSI S1.11 for a one-third-
joints within the assembly.
octave band filter set, class 1 or better.
9.2 Drying and Curing Period—The drying and curing
8. Calibration and Sensitivity Checks
period for construction materials shall be considered in the
scheduling of testing and reporting of results. The date of
8.1 A thorough calibration of acoustical instrumentation
construction completion for elements under test shall be
shall be performed by an accredited calibration laboratory at
reported if within 30 days before testing.
regular intervals as this is necessary to help assure that the
equipmentisoperatingwithininstrumenttolerancesandmanu-
NOTE 6—Results have been found to be influenced by drying or curing
facturer’s specifications.
time. Some typical drying and curing times for common materials are as
follows: masonry 28 days; gypsum concrete 14 days if less than 35 mm
NOTE 5—The appropriate calibration interval depends on several
thick, 21 days otherwise; plaster 3 days if 3 mm or less thick, 28 days
factors including the complexity of the instrument, frequency of use,
otherwise; wallboard partitions 12 h with typical joint and finishing
frequency of field use and transportation, manufacturer recommendations,
components, 3 days with non-water-based laminating adhesive, 14 days
and history of reliability or problems as observed in prior calibrations.
with water-based laminating adhesive.
8.2 If equipment is sensitive to line voltage variations, use a
9.2.1 If construction of the separating partition was com-
line-voltage regulator.
pleted less than 30 days before testing report the date of
8.3 The field calibrator used for sensitivity checks shall be construction completion.
an acoustic or electro-acoustic calibrator meeting class 1
9.3 Installation of Floor-Surfacing Materials:
requirements of ANSI S1.40 or IEC 60942.
9.3.1 Floor-surfacing materials of significant weight, such
8.4 Sensitivity checks of the entire measuring setup (includ- ascarpetsandpads,exertadampingorrestrainingeffectonthe
ing the microphone, all cables, and instruments) shall be flexural motion of lightweight floor-ceiling structures. For this
performed with the same field calibrator at the beginning and reason, the entire area of the floor shall be covered with the
end of each test day. Additional checks shall be performed as floor surfacing materials. Any exception to this shall be noted
deemed necessary. If the sensitivity changes by more than 0.5 in the test report.Aminimum area of 5 by 5 ft (1.52 by 1.52 m)
E1007 − 21
shall be covered with the surfacing materials under test so that most likely to occur with concrete floor construction when
all tapping positions described in 6.3 are accommodated on the there is a separate ceiling in the receiving room space but not
covered portion. in the adjacent space. In such cases the measured sound levels
9.3.2 The installation or application of floor-surfacing ma- and corresponding metrics are potentially greater in the adja-
terials shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction, cent area than in the area directly below the separating
if available, especially in regard to cleaning and priming of the floor-ceiling. When such conditions are apparent the report
subfloor. shall clearly state that the results shown do not represent the
9.3.3 Certain floor-surfacing materials are intended to be worst case scenario.
applied with adhesive. For testing purposes, such materials
10.2 ISPL and ISR:
shall not be loosely laid. They shall be firmly adhered to the
10.2.1 The ISPL and ISR are measurable and reportable
subfloor.
between any two specific rooms or usage areas where (1) the
NOTE 7—Although most floors are ready for immediate use after being source room area is large enough to accommodate the tapping
installed, it is recommended that measurements on floors with adhesive-
positions described in 6.3 and (2) the receiving room volume is
applied surfacing materials be deferred for at least 24 h after installation
sufficiently large to accommodate the microphone positions
to allow the adhesive to cure.
described in 11.3.
9.4 Identification of Separating floor-ceiling and Tapping
10.2.2 There are no absorption limits for measuring these
Location—The separating floor-ceiling and location of the
metrics.
tapping positions as described in 6.3 will depend on whether
10.2.3 Even in great rooms with no partial dividers between
the space below is partially divided and whether the floor-
areas, if usage areas are clearly visible, measurements are able
ceiling assembly (including flooring surface) is consistent over
to be made and reported between these usage areas.
the space below.
10.2.4 The report shall clearly and explicitly describe where
9.4.1 Separating floor-ceiling—The separating floor-ceiling
the measurements were performed in the receiving space.
will be the area of the floor-ceiling assembly that is common to
10.2.5 If there is an area directly below the tapping machine
both the upper and lower spaces.
and if this area is not included in the measurements, the report
9.4.1.1 If either the space above or the space below is
shall clearly state that the results shown do not represent the
partially divided into different usage areas (such as living,
area directly below the tapping.
dining, or kitchen areas that are largely open to each other)
10.3 RTNISPL and NISR:
with some minimal but clearly identifiable partial dividers,
10.3.1 RTNISPL and NISR are able to be measured and
consider each usage area to be a separate space for purposes of
reported in the same circumstances as ISPL and ISR if the
defining the separating floor-ceiling.
receiving room is less than 150 m . RTNISPL and NISR shall
9.4.2 Tapping Locations:
not be reported if the receiving room has a volume of 150 m
9.4.2.1 If the floor-ceiling assembly construction and sur-
or greater.
face are consistent over the separating floor-ceiling, locate the
10.3.2 The report shall clearly and explicitly describe where
tapping positions described in 6.3 near the center of the
the measurements were performed in the receiving space.
separating floor-ceiling.
10.3.3 If there is an area directly below the tapping machine
9.4.2.2 If the floor-ceiling construction differs over the
and if this area is not included in the measurements, the report
extent of the separating floor-ceiling, consider each construc-
shall clearly state that the results shown do not represent the
tion separately. Examples of such a difference are a different
area directly below the tapping.
flooringsurface,adifferenceinframing,oraloweredceilingin
a portion of the space. Locate the tapping positions described
10.4 ANISPL and AIIC:
in 6.3 near the center of each construction type for which
10.4.1 ANISPLandAIIC are measurements of the apparent
results are desired.
insulating performance of the separating floor-ceiling. All
9.4.2.3 If tapping is to be conducted on the ground floor
coupled spaces not eliminated by closing openings shall be
then the boundaries of the spaces on that level shall be used to
included in the measurements and calculations. Measurements
determine the location of the tapping machine.
are required to verify that a coupled space exists.
9.4.2.4 The report mus
...

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: E1007 − 19 E1007 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound
Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and
Associated Support Structures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1007; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This test method is part of a set of standards for evaluating the sound insulating properties of
building elements and sound isolation between spaces. It is designed to measure in the field the impact
sound isolation between rooms or to estimate lower limits for impact sound transmission through a
floor-ceiling partition element installed as an interior part of a building using a standard tapping
machine. Others in the set cover measurement of impact sound transmission through an isolated
floor-ceiling assembly in a controlled laboratory environment (Test Method E492), the measurement
of airborne sound transmission loss of an isolated partition element in a controlled laboratory
environment (Test Method E90), the measurement of airborne sound isolation and airborne sound
transmission loss associated with building elements in the field (Test Method E336), the measurement
of sound transmission through building facades and facade elements in the field (Guide E966); and the
measurement of sound transmission through a common plenum between two rooms in a controlled
laboratory environment (Test Method E1414).
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the transmission of impact sound generated by a standard tapping machine
through floor-ceiling assemblies and associated supporting structures in field situations.
1.2 Results are measurable for all types of floor-ceiling assemblies, including those with floating-floor or suspended ceiling
elements, or both, and floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of floor-surfacing or floor-covering materials.
1.3 This test method defines several procedures and metrics to assess either the apparent performance of the nominally separating
floor-ceiling or the isolation of a receiving room from the sound produced by the operation of the tapping machine. Several metrics
are defined based on the measurements. Receiving room volume, absorption and source/receiving room adjacency control which
metrics are reportable. Some metrics are reportable only for a receiving room directly below the tapping machine while others are
reportable for any separated space that receives sound from the operation of the tapping machine. The source and receiving rooms
as well as the floor-ceiling system are identified and described in the test report. All measured levels and derivative single number
ratings include the effect of flanking transmission. Efforts to suppress flanking are not permitted. Available measures and their
single number ratings are the impact sound pressure levels (ISPL) and impact sound rating (ISR), the reverberation time
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.10
on Structural Acoustics and Vibration.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019April 15, 2021. Published May 2019May 2021. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20162019 as
E1007 – 16.E1007 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/E1007-19.10.1520/E1007-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1007 − 21
normalized impact sound pressure levels (RTNISPL) and normalized impact sound rating (NISR), and the absorption normalized
impact sound pressure levels (ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation class (AIIC).
1.4 The ISPL and ISR are measurable and reportable between any two specific rooms or usage areas where the source room area
is large enough to accommodate the tapping machine positions and the receiving room volume is sufficiently large to accommodate
the microphone positions. For all other measures and ratings in this standard, restrictions such as minimum room volume or
dimensions or maximum room absorption are imposed. Thus, conditions exist that will not allow RTNISPL (NISR) or ANISPL
(AIIC) to be determined.
1.5 Where a separating floor-ceiling assembly is composed of parts that are constructed differently on the receiving room (ceiling)
side, it is not possible to determine the ANISPL and AIIC of the individual elements or portions of the assembly. In this situation,
the measurement will be of the composite structure, not of an individual element.
1.6 Any single field measurement only represents the performance of the actual assembly tested and shall not be used alone to
accurately predict how an identical or similar assembly might perform.
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.9 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.
1.10 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
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
E989 Classification for Determination of Single-Number Metrics for Impact Noise
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
2.2 ANSI Standards:
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
2.3 ISO Standard:
ISO 16283 Acoustics – Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 2: Impact sound
insulation
2.4 IEC Standards :
IEC 60942 Electroacoustics – Sound Calibrators
IEC 61672–1 Electroacoustics - Sound Level Meters – Part 1:Specifications
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 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., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch.
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
E1007 − 21
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms pertaining to acoustics used in this test method, see Terminology C634.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 absorption normalized impact sound pressure level, ANISPL, (dB), n—into a receiving room of at least 40 m in a specified
frequency band, the impact sound pressure level (ISPL) normalized to a reference absorption of 10 m in the receiving room.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
10 m is equivalent to 108 Sabins
3.2.2 apparent impact insulation class, AIIC, n—a single-number rating derived from values of ANISPL in accordance with
Classification E989.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
field impact insulation class (FIIC) has been replaced with apparent impact insulation class (AIIC) to make clear that the quantity
includes flanking and to harmonize terminology with Test Method E336.
3.2.2.2 Discussion—
AIIC provides an estimate of the apparent sound insulating properties of a floor-ceiling assembly under tapping machine excitation
where sound power from associated support structures are attributed to the floor-ceiling assembly.
3.2.2.3 Discussion—
The absorption normalized impact sound pressure level (ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation class (AIIC) are analogous to
apparent transmission loss (ATL) and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC) for airborne measurements.
3.2.3 coupled space, n—a secondary space which is adjacent to and partially open to the receiving room and which meets spatial
and sound level distribution requirements sufficient to allow the secondary space to be included as part of the measurement space
with the primary space.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Coupled spaces are only pertinent when measuring and calculating ANISPL and AIIC.
3.2.3.2 Discussion—
To qualify as a coupled space in this standard the space must meet requirements specified in 10.4.2.
3.2.4 impact sound pressure level, ISPL, (dB), n—in a specified frequency band, the average sound pressure level in a specified
frequency band produced in the receiving room by the operation of the standard tapping machine on a floor-ceiling assembly,
averaged over each of the specified tapping machine positions.
3.2.5 impact sound rating, ISR, n—a single-number rating derived from values of ISPL in accordance with Classification
E989. (1).
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
ISR provides a measure of the isolation of the receiving room from the impact sound produced by the operation of the tapping
machine in the source room given the existing conditions (that is, sound absorption, reverberation time) in the receiving room at
the time of the test.
3.2.5.2 Discussion—
impact sound pressure level (ISPL) and impact sound rating (ISR) are analogous to noise reduction (NR) and noise isolation class
(NIC) for airborne measurements.
3.2.6 normalized impact sound rating, NISR, n—a single-number rating derived from values of RTNISPL in accordance with
Classification E989. (1).
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
NISR provides a measure of the potential isolation of the receiving room from the impact sound produced by the operation of the
tapping machine in the source room as if the receiving room had a reverberation time of 0.5 s. This reverberation time is typical
of many furnished small offices and furnished residential living rooms and bedrooms.
3.2.6.2 Discussion—
The reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure level (RTNISPL) and normalized impact sound rating (NISR) are
analogous to normalized noise reduction (NNR) and normalized noise isolation class (NNIC) for airborne measurements.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.
E1007 − 21
3.2.7 receiving room, n—a room below or near the source room in which the impact sound pressure levels are measured.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
Depending on the metric being measured, and size of the primary receiving room, the impact sound pressure levels are also
measured in ancillary spaces that are coupled to the receiving room.
3.2.7.2 Discussion—
The receiving room is typically the room below the floor-ceiling assembly being excited by the tapping machine, but some metrics
are measurable in receiving rooms on the same level, above, or diagonally above or below the source room, depending on the
metric being measured.
3.2.8 reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure level, RTNISPL, (dB), n—into a receiving room of less than 150 m ,
in a specified frequency band, the impact sound pressure level normalized to a reverberation time of 0.5 s in the receiving room.
3.2.9 separating floor-ceiling, n—the area of the floor-ceiling assembly that is common to both the source room and the room or
space immediately below the source room.
3.2.10 source room, n—the room or space containing the tapping machine.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—
An exterior location on a roof or a deck is a possible source room.
3.3 Symbols:
3.4 A —the total acoustical absorption in the receiving room measured in ⁄3 octave frequency bands, m .
3.5 T —the reverberation time in the receiving room measured in ⁄3 octave frequency bands, seconds.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A standard tapping machine is placed in operation on a floor-ceiling assembly. The transmitted impact sound is characterized
by the one-third octave band spectrum of the average sound pressure level produced by the tapping machine in the receiving room
located beneath or near the floor-ceiling assembly.
4.2 A complete test shall consist of one background noise level measurement, and four tapping level measurements, one for each
tapping machine position. The background noise measurement and each tapping level measurement are conducted in the same way,
whether by a single sweep or multiple measurements at fixed microphone positions.
4.3 If appropriate, the measured impact sound levels are adjusted for the background noise.
4.4 The adjusted impact sound pressure levels are used (1) without normalization, (2) normalized to a standard reverberation time,
or (3) normalized to a standard amount of absorption.
4.5 If normalized values are to be reported, the reverberation time (T ) or absorption (A ), or both, of the receiving room must
2 2
be determined. To determine absorption, the volume of the receiving room must also be calculated from measured room
dimensions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The spectrum of the noise produced in the receiving room by the standard tapping machine is determined by (1) the size and
the mechanical properties of the floor-ceiling assembly, such as its weight, surface properties, mounting or edge restraints, stiffness,
and internal damping; (2) the degree of flanking transmission through associated structures; and (3) the acoustical response of the
receiving room.
5.2 The standardized tapping machine specified in 6.1.1 produces a continuous series of uniform impacts at a uniform rate on a
floor-ceiling assembly to allow accurate and reproducible measurements of impact sound pressure levels in the receiving room.
The tapping machine is not designed to simulate any one type of impact, such as male or female footsteps or to simulate the weight
E1007 − 21
of a human walker. Also, measurements described in this method and ratings based on the results are restricted to a specific
frequency range. Thus the subjectively annoying creak or boom generated by human footfalls on a limber floor-ceiling assembly
is not adequately evaluated by this test method.
5.3 Laboratory Test Method E492 calls for highly diffuse sound fields and the suppression of flanking sound transmission in the
laboratory’s receiving room. This field test method does not permit efforts to suppress flanking. In field tests, acoustical
measurements are much more uncertain than in the laboratory since a great variety of receiving room shapes and sizes are
encountered in ordinary buildings. Highly diffuse fields are seldom found and the nature of structure-borne flanking transmission
varies widely. In addition, energy transmits laterally away from the receiving room. The amount of lateral transmission of energy
varies significantly between buildings. Consequently, good agreement between laboratory tests and field tests on similar
floor-ceiling assemblies is not expected.
5.4 Several metrics are available for specific uses:
5.4.1 absorption normalized impact sound pressure level (ANISPL) and apparent impact insulation class (AIIC)—These metrics
are intended to evaluate the performance of the floor-ceiling assembly and adjacent structures as installed (including
structure-borne flanking paths). For these metrics, sound power from associated support structures are attributed to the floor-ceiling
assembly. Because these are measures of the apparent performance of the nominally separating floor-ceiling, the receiving room
shall be the space directly under the tapping machine. ANISPL and AIIC are reportable when the receiving room meets minimal
requirements for volume and dimension. In rooms of 150 m or greater ANISPL and AIIC shall not be determined and reported
unless, in all frequency bands necessary to calculate the AIIC, the receiving room absorption, A , is within certain limits that are
determined by the volume of the room. Results are normally not identical to laboratory tests of the floor-ceiling assembly alone.
Because of the uncontrollable factors mentioned in 5.1 – 5.3, caution must be used when using test results to predict the
performance of other floor-ceiling assemblies with similar construction.
5.4.2 impact sound pressure level (ISPL) and impact sound rating (ISR)—These metrics are intended to assess the impact sound
isolation as it exists at the time of the test due to the mechanical excitation of the floor-ceiling assembly by the standard tapping
machine. The measurements are able to be performed in any space affected by the sound of the operating tapping machine. These
metrics do not represent the performance of the separating floor-ceiling. They represent the impact sound isolation between the
source floor and the receiving room. There are no receiving room absorption restrictions and no receiving room volume restrictions
other than being sufficiently large to accommodate the microphone positions described in 11.3.
5.4.3 reverberation time normalized impact sound pressure level (RTNISPL) and normalized impact sound rating (NISR)—These
metrics are intended to assess the impact sound isolation as if the receiving room had a reverberation time of 0.5 s. This
reverberation time is typical of many furnished small offices and furnished residential living rooms and bedrooms. RTNISPL and
NISR shall not be reported for receiving rooms of 150 m or larger.
6. Test Machine
6.1 Tapping Machine Specifications:
6.1.1 This test method is based on the use of a standardized tapping machine that conforms to the specifications given in ISO
16283 Part 2. The tapping machine shall have five hammers equally spaced in a line. The distance between centerlines of
neighboring hammers shall be 100 6 3 mm. Each hammer shall have an effective mass of 500 6 6 g which falls freely from a
height of 40 6 3 mm. The falling direction of the hammers shall be perpendicular to the test surface to within 6 0.5°. The part
of the hammer carrying the impact surface shall be cylindrical with a diameter of 30 6 0.2 mm. The impact surface shall be of
hardened steel and shall be spherical with a curvature radius of 500 6 100 mm. The time between successive impacts shall be 100
6 20 ms.
6.1.2 Since excessive friction in the hammer guidance system reduces the velocity of the hammer at impact resulting in uneven
impacts that can be measured or perceived, the tapping machine shall be checked for excessive friction between the hammers and
the guidance system. Any excessive friction found must be eliminated.
6.1.3 The bottoms of the machine supports shall be at least 100 mm from the nearest hammer.
NOTE 1—Investigations (12) involving light-frame floating floors have shown that both the resiliency of the tapping machine supports as well as their
spacing from the hammers significantly affect the impact sound pressure levels in frequency bands below 400 Hz.
E1007 − 21
6.1.4 Following adjustment of the hammer drop in accordance with 6.1.1 – 6.1.3 , the tapping machine is ready for use on any
floor, including those surfaced with soft or resilient materials.
6.2 Operational Noise—The sound pressure levels in the receiving room due to airborne transmission from the operating tapping
machine shall be at least 10 dB less than those due to hammer impacts transmitted structurally.
NOTE 2—A loudspeaker or other convenient airborne noise source is acceptable for use to evaluate the extent of airborne sound transmission between
the rooms (see Test Method E336).
6.3 Tapping Machine Positions—For purposes of this test method, the tapping machine positions described in 6.3.1 – 6.3.4 shall
be used (see Fig. 1).
6.3.1 Position 1—The middle hammer of the tapping machine shall be near the center of the area identified in 9.4. In joist or truss
construction, when the locations of the trusses or joists are identifiable, arrange the tapping machine so that all hammers are parallel
with and aligned with the joist or truss closest to this location.
NOTE 3—Joist locations and orientations are often not obvious in field situations. Building plans and nailing patterns provide assistance in the
determination of joist layout.
6.3.2 Position 2—Same as Position 1, except rotate the tapping machine 90° around the axis of the middle hammer.
6.3.3 Position 3—Displace the tapping machine laterally with respect to Position 1, so that the longitudinal axis of the machine
is centered midway between and parallel to the central joists and to Position 1. In the case of homogeneous floors of concrete slab
or solid deck construction without joists, the lateral displacement of the tapping machine shall be 0.6 m from that of Position 1.
6.3.4 Position 4—Position the tapping machine so that the longitudinal axis of the machine forms an angle of 45° with respect
to Position 1. Displace the machine laterally so that the middle hammer is 0.6 m from the midpoint of Position 1.
FIG. 1 Tapping Machine Positions
E1007 − 21
7. Measuring Equipment
7.1 Microphones, amplifiers, and electronic circuitry to detect, measure, process and analyze microphone signals shall satisfy the
requirements of ANSI S1.43 or IEC 61672-1 for class 1 sound level meters, except that B and C weighting networks are not
required.
7.2 Measurement quality microphones having a diameter of 13 mm or smaller shall be used.
NOTE 4—If measurements are to be made above 5000 Hz, a diffuse field (random-incidence) microphone or corrector is preferred.
7.3 If multiple microphones are used, they shall all be of the same make and model.
7.4 The measurement system filters shall for each test band conform to the specifications in ANSI S1.11 for a one-third-octave
band filter set, class 1 or better.
8. Calibration and Sensitivity Checks
8.1 A thorough calibration of acoustical instrumentation shall be performed by an accredited calibration laboratory at regular
intervals as this is necessary to help assure that the equipment is operating within instrument tolerances and manufacturer’s
specifications.
NOTE 5—The appropriate calibration interval depends on several factors including the complexity of the instrument, frequency of use, frequency of field
use and transportation, manufacturer recommendations, and history of reliability or problems as observed in prior calibrations.
8.2 If equipment is sensitive to line voltage variations, use a line-voltage regulator.
8.3 The field calibrator used for sensitivity checks shall be an acoustic or electro-acoustic calibrator meeting class 1 requirements
of ANSI S1.40 or IEC 60942.
8.4 Sensitivity checks of the entire measuring setup (including the microphone, all cables, and instruments) shall be performed
with the same field calibrator at the beginning and end of each test day. Additional checks shall be performed as deemed necessary.
If the sensitivity changes by more than 0.5 dB, the results since the last valid sensitivity check are invalid and the measurements
shall be repeated.
9. Test Site Conditions
9.1 Assembly Types—This test method is applicable to all types of floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of material,
including assemblies with floating floors or suspended ceilings.
9.1.1 In all cases the test assembly shall be installed in accordance with customary field practice including normal constraint and
sealing conditions at the perimeter and at the joints within the assembly.
9.2 Drying and Curing Period—The drying and curing period for construction materials shall be considered in the scheduling of
testing and reporting of results. The date of construction completion for elements under test shall be reported if within 30 days
before testing.
NOTE 6—Results have been found to be influenced by drying or curing time. Some typical drying and curing times for common materials are as follows:
masonry 28 days; gypsum concrete 14 days if less than 35 mm thick, 21 days otherwise; plaster 3 days if 3 mm or less thick, 28 days otherwise; wallboard
partitions 12 h with typical joint and finishing components, 3 days with non-water-based laminating adhesive, 14 days with water-based laminating
adhesive.
9.2.1 If construction of the separating partition was completed less than 30 days before testing report the date of construction
completion.
9.3 Installation of Floor-Surfacing Materials:
E1007 − 21
9.3.1 Floor-surfacing materials of significant weight, such as carpets and pads, exert a damping or restraining effect on the flexural
motion of lightweight floor-ceiling structures. For this reason, the entire area of the floor shall be covered with the floor surfacing
materials. Any exception to this shall be noted in the test report. A minimum area of 5 by 5 ft (1.52 by 1.52 m) shall be covered
with the surfacing materials under test so that all tapping positions described in 6.3 are accommodated on the covered portion.
9.3.2 The installation or application of floor-surfacing materials shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction, if
available, especially in regard to cleaning and priming of the subfloor.
9.3.3 Certain floor-surfacing materials are intended to be applied with adhesive. For testing purposes, such materials shall not be
loosely laid. They shall be firmly adhered to the subfloor.
NOTE 7—Although most floors are ready for immediate use after being installed, it is recommended that measurements on floors with adhesive-applied
surfacing materials be deferred for at least 24 h after installation to allow the adhesive to cure.
9.4 Identification of Separating floor-ceiling and Tapping Location—The separating floor-ceiling and location of the tapping
positions as described in 6.3 will depend on whether the space below is partially divided and whether the floor-ceiling assembly
(including flooring surface) is consistent over the space below.
9.4.1 Separating floor-ceiling—The separating floor-ceiling will be the area of the floor-ceiling assembly that is common to both
the upper and lower spaces.
9.4.1.1 If either the space above or the space below is partially divided into different usage areas (such as living, dining, or kitchen
areas that are largely open to each other) with some minimal but clearly identifiable partial dividers, consider each usage area to
be a separate space for purposes of defining the separating floor-ceiling.
9.4.2 Tapping Locations:
9.4.2.1 If the floor-ceiling assembly construction and surface are consistent over the separating floor-ceiling, locate the tapping
positions described in 6.3 near the center of the separating floor-ceiling.
9.4.2.2 If the floor-ceiling construction differs over the extent of the separating floor-ceiling, consider each construction separately.
Examples of such a difference are a different flooring surface, a difference in framing, or a lowered ceiling in a portion of the space.
Locate the tapping positions described in 6.3 near the center of each construction type for which results are desired.
9.4.2.3 If tapping is to be conducted on the ground floor then the boundaries of the spaces on that level shall be used to determine
the location of the tapping machine.
9.4.2.4 The report must clearly and explicitly describe where the tapping was conducted.
10. Receiving Room Selection
10.1 Determine the space in which the sound level measurements will be performed.
10.1.1 In partially divided spaces, the floor-ceiling construction is often consistent over a usage area but different over adjacent
areas. In those circumstances, when measuring in a specific usage area, it is possible that sound radiated over an adjacent area is
stronger than in the area under the separating floor-ceiling, and it is likely it will strongly influence or even dominate the sound
in the area of the measurements. This is most likely to occur with concrete floor construction when there is a separate ceiling in
the receiving room space but not in the adjacent space. In such cases the measured sound levels and corresponding metrics are
potentially greater in the adjacent area than in the area directly below the separating floor-ceiling. When such conditions are
apparent the report shall clearly state that the results shown do not represent the worst case scenario.
10.2 ISPL and ISR:
10.2.1 The ISPL and ISR are measurable and reportable between any two specific rooms or usage areas where (1) the source room
area is large enough to accommodate the tapping positions described in 6.3 and (2) the receiving room volume is sufficiently large
to accommodate the microphone positions described in 11.3.
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10.2.2 There are no absorption limits for measuring these metrics.
10.2.3 Even in great rooms with no partial dividers between areas, if usage areas are clearly visible, measurements are able to be
made and reported between these usage areas.
10.2.4 The report shall clearly and explicitly describe where the measurements were performed in the receiving space.
10.2.5 If there is an area directly below the tapping machine and if this area is not included in the measurements, the report shall
clearly state that the results shown do not represent the area directly below the tapping.
10.3 RTNISPL and NISR:
10.3.1 RTNISPL and NISR are able to be measured and reported in the same circumstances as ISPL and ISR if the receiving room
3 3
is less than 150 m . RTNISPL and NISR shall not be reported if the receiving room has a v
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