E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Evaluation of Environmental Noise—Environmental noise is evaluated by comparing a measurement or prediction of the noise to one or more criteria. There are many different criteria and ways of measuring and specifying noise, depending on the purpose of the evaluation. Some evaluations are limited to determining compliance with existing regulations or ordinances. Others are done in the absence of such requirements or to supplement regulatory evaluations where the regulations do not address fully or at all the issues of concern.  
4.2 Selection of Criteria—This guide provides information useful in selecting the appropriate criteria and measurement method to evaluate noise. In making the selection, the user should consider the following: regulatory or legal requirements for the use of a specific criterion; purpose of the evaluation (regulatory compliance, compatibility, activity interference, aesthetics, comfort, annoyance, health effects, hearing damage, etc.); types of data that are available or could be available (A-weighted, octave band, average level, maximum level, day-night level, calibrated recordings including .wav files from which various measurements could be made, etc.); and available budget for instrumentation and manpower to obtain that data. After selecting a measurement method, the user should consult appropriate references for more detailed guidance (1).7  
4.3 Objective versus Subjective Evaluations—This guide discusses objective sound criteria based on measurements and regulations based on such. Some local noise ordinances are based solely or partially on subjective judgements of noise. Enforcement of these can be easily challenged and, in some jurisdictions, they are not permitted. These are not further considered in this guide. One way to address such situations is to evaluate the sound based on reasonable objective criteria.  
4.4 Soundscape Methodology—The overall sound environment as perceived outdoors is often called a soundscape. Soundsc...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers many measurement methods and criteria for evaluating environmental noise, some of which are required to be used for specific purposes by governmental regulations. It is intended to provide users who may not be familiar with them with an overview of the wide variety of available methods and criteria. It includes the following:  
1.1.1 The use of weightings, penalties, and adjustment or normalization factors;  
1.1.2 Types of noise measurements and criteria, indicating their limitations and best uses;  
1.1.3 Sources of criteria;  
1.1.4 Recommended procedures for criteria selection;  
1.1.5 A catalog of sources of selected available criteria; and  
1.1.6 Suggested applications of sound level measurements and criteria.  
1.2 Criteria Selection—Thorough evaluation of noise issues requires consideration of many characteristics of both the sound and the environment into which it is introduced. This guide will assist users in selecting criteria for the following:  
1.2.1 Evaluating the effect of existing or potential outdoor sounds on a community considering the magnitude and other characteristics of the sound and environment;  
1.2.2 Establishing or revising local noise ordinances, codes, or bylaws, including performance standards in zoning regulations; and  
1.2.3 Identifying and evaluating compliance with regulatory requirements that do not specify an acoustical measurement method or criterion or which are unclear.  
1.3 Reasons for Criteria—This guide discusses the many reasons for noise criteria, ways sound can be measured and specified, and advantages and disadvantages of the most widely used types of criteria. The guide refers the user to appropriate documents for more detailed information and guidance. Users needing further general background on sound and sound measurement are directed to the books listed in the References section.  
1.4 Criteria in Regulations—Certain criteria are spe...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The material loss factor and modulus of damping materials are useful in designing measures to control vibration in structures and the sound that is radiated by those structures, especially at resonance. This test method determines the properties of a damping material by indirect measurement using damped cantilever beam theory. By applying beam theory, the resultant damping material properties are made independent of the geometry of the test specimen used to obtain them. These damping material properties can then be used with mathematical models to design damping systems and predict their performance prior to hardware fabrication. These models include simple beam and plate analogies as well as finite element analysis models.  
5.2 This test method has been found to produce good results when used for testing materials consisting of one homogeneous layer. In some damping applications, a damping design may consist of two or more layers with significantly different characteristics. These complicated designs must have their constituent layers tested separately if the predictions of the mathematical models are to have the highest possible accuracy.  
5.3 Assumptions:  
5.3.1 All damping measurements are made in the linear range, that is, the damping materials behave in accordance with linear viscoelastic theory. If the applied force excites the beam beyond the linear region, the data analysis will not be applicable. For linear beam behavior, the peak displacement from rest for a composite beam should be less than the thickness of the base beam (See X2.3).  
5.3.2 The amplitude of the force signal applied to the excitation transducer is maintained constant with frequency. If the force amplitude cannot be kept constant, then the response of the beam must be divided by the force amplitude. The ratio of response to force (referred to as the compliance or receptance) presented as a function of frequency must then be used for evaluating the damping.  
5.3.3 Data reduct...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method measures the vibration-damping properties of materials: the loss factor, η, and Young's modulus, E, or the shear modulus, G. Accurate over a frequency range of 50 Hz to 5000 Hz and over the useful temperature range of the material, this method is useful in testing materials that have application in structural vibration, building acoustics, and the control of audible noise. Such materials include metals, enamels, ceramics, rubbers, plastics, reinforced epoxy matrices, and woods that can be formed to cantilever beam test specimen configurations.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 ASTM standard test methods that involve sound attenuation and those test methods that involve absorption or decay rates use a noise signal to determine these quantities. The IR method using a sweep signal given in this standard practice can be referenced by these other standards to provide an alternative measurement technique. This alternative technique has the advantage of providing more reliable results in a shorter period of time.  
5.2 The results obtained with the noise and IR method are considered identical to within the typical measurement uncertainty for the noise method under repeatability conditions. A mandatory validation procedure is given in this practice to ensure a correct implementation of the IR method when developing software or hardware according to the requirements in this standard.  
5.3 To avoid ambiguity in the implementation of the IR method and to ensure consistent results across different users, this practice prescribes the values of methods and parameters to be used in the signal generation and post-processing. This is in contrast to similar standards describing this method, such as ISO 18233, which provide less guidance.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the impulse response measurement method using sweep signals, and its use to determine two important room-acoustical quantities: the difference in sound pressure levels between two positions, as used for example in standards determining transmission loss; and decay curves, as used in standards determining the decay rate or reverberation time.  
1.2 The practice shall be used in conjunction with test methods that use one or both of the quantities described in 1.1.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard defines measurement procedures for estimating the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among users of noise producing equipment. It is applicable to ground vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and mobile, transportable, and stationary equipment. The primary approach is to separately measure the sound level at operator ear locations for each normal operating condition. These levels can be combined with operational use scenarios and exposure criteria to define noise exposure severity. The data can also be used to define hearing protection requirements or administrative controls to preclude hearing hazards.  
5.2 The practice has the following limitations:  
5.2.1 The practice uses field portable measurement equipment.  
5.2.2 The practice produces data which may be compared with applicable criteria or limits if the limits are in terms of the quantities measured in this standard or which can be calculated from the measured data.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard defines noise measurement procedures for estimating the risk of hearing loss among users of noise producing equipment. It is applicable to ground vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and other mobile, transportable, or stationary equipment.  
1.2 This standard does not recommend noise exposure limit levels or criteria for any application discussed.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification is used to classify and aid in the selection of acoustical ceiling products.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers ceiling products that provide acoustical performance and interior finish in buildings. Products used in performance spaces and other special applications in some cases require more detailed specification than provided by this classification.  
1.2 This classification classifies acoustical ceilings by type, pattern, and certain ratings for acoustical performance, light reflectance, and fire safety. It does not cover the aspects of acoustical ceilings when used as a component of a system or assembly tested for fire endurance or floor/ceiling sound transmission.  
1.3 This classification does not include physical properties, such as structural hardness, friability, sag, linear expansion and contraction, and transverse strength, which affect the handling, installation, and use of acoustical ceiling products (see Test Methods C367).  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Measurement of the sound absorption of a room is part of the procedure for other acoustical measurements, such as determining the sound power level of a noise source or the sound transmission loss of a partition. It is also used in certain calculations such as predicting the sound pressure level in a room when the sound power level of a noise source in the room is known.  
5.2 The sound absorption coefficient of a surface is a property of the material composing the surface. It is ideally defined as the fraction of the randomly incident sound power absorbed by the surface, but in this test method it is operationally defined in 4.2. The relationship between the theoretically defined and the operationally measured coefficients is under continuing study.  
5.3 Diffraction effects4 usually cause the apparent area of a specimen to be greater than its geometrical area, thereby increasing the coefficients measured according to this test method. When the test specimen is highly absorptive, these values may exceed unity.  
5.4 The coefficients measured by this test method should be used with caution because not only are the areas encountered in practical usage usually larger than the test specimen, but also the sound field is rarely diffuse. In the laboratory, measurements must be made under reproducible conditions, but in practical usage the conditions that determine the effective absorption are often unpredictable. Regardless of the differences and the necessity for judgment, coefficients measured by this test method have been used successfully by architects and consultants in the acoustical design of architectural spaces.  
5.5 Field Measurements—When sound absorption measurements are made in a building in which the size and shape of the room are not under the operator's control, the approximation to a diffuse sound field is not likely to be very close. This matter should be considered when assessing the accuracy of measurements made under field conditions. (See Te...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room by measuring decay rate. Procedures for measuring the absorption of a room, the absorption of an object, such as an office screen, and the sound absorption coefficients of a specimen of sound absorptive material, such as acoustical ceiling tile, are described.  
1.2 Field Measurements—Although this test method covers laboratory measurements, the test method described in 4.1 can be used for making field measurements of the absorption of rooms (see also 5.5). A method to measure the absorption of rooms in the field is described in Test Method E2235.  
1.3 This test method includes information on laboratory accreditation (see Annex A1), asymmetrical screens (see Annex A2), and reverberation room qualification (see Annex A3).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The main part of this standard uses procedures originally developed for laboratory measurements of the sound transmission loss of partitions. These procedures assume that the rooms in which the measurements are performed have a sound field that reasonably approximates a diffuse field. Sound pressure levels in such rooms are reasonably uniform throughout the room and average levels vary inversely with the logarithm of the room sound absorption. Not all rooms will satisfy these conditions. Experience and controlled studies (1)6 have shown that the test method is applicable to smaller spaces normally used for work or living, such as rooms in multi-family dwellings, hotel guest rooms, meeting rooms, and offices with volumes less than 150 m3. The measures appropriate for such spaces are NR, NNR, and ATL. The corresponding single number ratings are NIC, NNIC and ASTC. The ATL and ASTC are measurable between larger spaces that meet a limitation on absorption in the spaces to provide uniform sound distribution.  
5.2 Annex A1 was developed for use in spaces that are very large (volume of 150 m3 or greater). Sound pressure levels during testing vary markedly across large rooms so that the degree of isolation varies strongly with distance from the common (separating) partition. This procedure evaluates the isolation observed near the partition. The appropriate measure is NR, and the appropriate single number rating is NIC.  
5.3 Several metrics are available for specific uses. Some evaluate the overall sound isolation between spaces including the effect of absorption in the receiving space and some evaluate the performance or apparent performance of the partition being evaluated. The results obtained are applicable only to the specific location tested.  
5.3.1 Noise Reduction (NR) and Noise Isolation Class (NIC)—Describe the sound isolation found between two spaces. Noise reduction data are based on the space- and time averaged sound pressure levels meeting the require...
SCOPE
1.1 The sound isolation between two spaces in a building is influenced most strongly by a combination of the direct transmission through the nominally separating building element (as normally measured in a laboratory) and any transmission along a number of indirect paths, referred to as flanking paths. Fig. 1 illustrates the direct paths (D) and some possible structural flanking paths (F). Additional non-structural flanking paths include transmission through common air ducts between rooms, or doors to the corridor from adjacent rooms. Sound isolation is also influenced by the size of the separating partition between spaces and absorption in the receiving space, and in the case of small spaces by modal behavior of the space and close proximity to surfaces.
FIG. 1 Direct (D) and Some Indirect or Flanking Paths (F and Dotted) in a Building  
1.2 The main part of this test method defines procedures and metrics to assess the sound isolation between two rooms or portions thereof in a building separated by a common partition or the apparent sound insulation of the separating partition, including both direct and flanking transmission paths in all cases. Appropriate measures and their single number ratings are the noise reduction (NR) and noise isolation class (NIC) which indicate the isolation with the receiving room furnished as it is during the test, the normalized noise reduction (NNR) and normalized noise isolation class (NNIC) which indicate the isolation expected if the receiving room was a normally furnished living or office space that is at least 25 m3 (especially useful when the test must be done with the receiving room unfurnished), and the apparent transmission loss (ATL) and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC) which indicate the apparent sound insulating properties of a separating partition including both the direct transmission and flanking transmission through the support structure. The measurement of ATL ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The sound transmission loss provided by a material that covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical properties of the material but also on the type of structure to which it is mounted and the mounting method used.  
3.2 Naval and marine architects and design engineers require specific transmission loss characteristics of acoustical treatment materials as they would exhibit installed on a ship's structure. The mounting structure and procedures specified in these practices are intended to simulate such a shipboard environment.  
3.3 Test reports may refer to this mounting by Practices E1123 instead of providing a detailed description of the mounting used.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices describe test specimen mountings to be used for naval and marine ship applications during sound transmission loss tests performed in accordance with Test Method E90.  
1.2 The structure specified in these practices is intended for mounting of single-layer treatments or composite treatments consisting of various materials and configurations. Acoustical treatment materials may be combinations of acoustical absorbent materials, limp mass septums, and insulation materials.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This is an in situ method, that is, the measurements are made at the actual installation. The sound levels measured according to this test method should be representative for that installation and for the quantity of acoustical absorption actually, permanently present.  
5.2 The test method has the following limitations:  
5.2.1 The test method produces sound data which may be compared with applicable criteria or limits only if they are in terms of the quantities measured in this test method.  
5.2.2 The test method does not quantify certain subjective aspects of the sound environment that may be objectionable. These include pure tones, spectral content, and temporal distribution.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides guidance to the methodology used in the measurement of building interior sound levels.  
1.2 This test method describes procedures for measuring sound in enclosed residential spaces produced by built-in utilities and major appliances such as plumbing, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, and dish washers. The measured values may then be used to assess compliance, design, or habitation suitability.  
1.3 This test method does not promulgate or recommend acoustical criteria.  
1.4 This test method is not intended for obtaining data to evaluate indoor environments for:  
1.4.1 Commercial activities such as studios, communication centers, hospitals, and auditoria, and  
1.4.2 Effects from exterior sources such as aircraft, railroad operations, motor vehicles, mining operation, weapons fire, etc.  
1.5 This test method is not intended for evaluating sound transmission loss, sound absorption coefficient, or any other acoustical aspects of the space or structure.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The sound absorption of a material that covers a flat surface depends not only on the physical properties of the material but also on the way in which the material is mounted over the surface. The mountings specified in these practices are intended to simulate in the laboratory conditions that exist in normal use.  
4.2 Some of the specified mountings require special fixtures or minor deviations from normal practice. These fixtures or deviations are to be used only during laboratory tests and should not be specified for practical installations. They are noted in the specifications for the mountings in question by the phrase “for laboratory testing only.”  
4.3 Test reports may refer to these mountings by type designation instead of providing a detailed description of the mounting used.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices cover test specimen mountings to be used during sound absorption tests performed in accordance with Test Method C423.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The insertion loss of a pipe lagging system depends upon the lagging system materials, the method used to apply the materials, the pipe wall thickness, the size and shape of the bare and lagged pipe, and the mechanisms causing noise radiation from the pipe. Insertion losses measured using this test method should be used with some caution. In the laboratory, measurements must be made under reproducible conditions, but in practical usage in the field, the conditions that determine the effective insertion loss are difficult to predict and they may lead to slightly different results. Insertion losses measured with this test method can be used successfully for acoustical design purposes. Insertion losses measured with this test method are most useful for pipes and lagging systems which are similar to those used in the laboratory configuration.  
5.2 This test method may be used to rank-order pipe lagging systems according to insertion loss or to estimate the field insertion loss of pipe lagging systems installed in the field.  
5.3 This test method assumes that pipe wall stresses resulting from different methods of supporting the test pipe in the laboratory do not have a significant effect upon the measured insertion loss.  
5.4 Pipe lagging systems typically have small insertion loss, and sometimes negative insertion loss, at frequencies below 500 Hz. The results obtained at frequencies below 500 Hz may be somewhat erratic. Sound sources used with this test method normally have a low frequency limit in the range from 300 to 500 Hz. For these reasons, the lowest band of frequencies for which results are required is centered at 500 Hz.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the insertion loss of pipe lagging systems under laboratory conditions.  
1.2 A procedure for accrediting a laboratory for purposes of this test method is given in Annex A1.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The spectrum of the noise in the room below the test specimen is determined by the following:  
5.1.1 The size and the mechanical properties of the floor-ceiling assembly, such as its construction, surface, mounting or edge restraints, stiffness, or internal damping,  
5.1.2 The acoustical response of the room below,  
5.1.3 The placement of the object or device producing the impacts, and  
5.1.4 The nature of the actual impact itself.  
5.2 This test method is based on the use of a standardized tapping machine of the type specified in 8.1 placed in specific positions on the floor. This machine produces a continuous series of uniform impacts at a uniform rate on a test floor and generates in the receiving room broadband sound pressure levels that are sufficiently high to make measurements possible beneath most floor types even in the presence of background noise. The tapping machine itself, however, is not designed to simulate any one type of impact, such as produced by male or female footsteps.  
5.3 Because of its portable design, the tapping machine does not simulate the weight of a human walker. Therefore, the structural sounds, i.e., creaks or booms of a floor assembly caused by such footstep excitation is not reflected in the single number impact rating derived from test results obtained by this test method. The degree of correlation between the results of tapping machine tests in the laboratory and the subjective acceptance of floors under typical conditions of domestic impact excitation is uncertain. The correlation will depend on both the type of floor construction and the nature of the impact excitation in the building.  
5.4 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 so...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission of floor-ceiling assemblies using a standardized tapping machine. It is assumed that the test specimen constitutes the primary sound transmission path into a receiving room located directly below and that a good approximation to a diffuse sound field exists in this room.  
1.2 Measurements may be conducted on floor-ceiling assemblies of all kinds, 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 prescribes a uniform procedure for reporting laboratory test data, that is, the normalized one-third octave band sound pressure levels transmitted by the floor-ceiling assembly due to the tapping machine.  
1.4 Laboratory Accreditation—The requirements for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method are given in Annex A2.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method deals with methods and techniques which are well defined and which are understood by a trained acoustical professional. This test method has been prepared to provide a standard methodology which, when followed, will produce results which are consistent with requirements of government and industry, and which can be validated using information gathered and documented in the course of the measurement program.  
4.2 There are numerous situations for which outdoor sound level data are required. These include, but are not limited to the following:  
4.2.1 Documentation of sound levels before the introduction of a new sound source as a reference for assessment of the noise impact caused by a proposed facility and associated activities,  
4.2.2 Comparison of sound levels with and without a specific source (for example, assessment of the impact of an existing source), and  
4.2.3 Comparison of sound levels with criteria or regulatory limits (for example, indication of exceedance of criteria or non-compliance with laws).  
4.3 This test method provides a means for operating a sound analysis system which incorporates digital circuits for processing and storing sound level data, documenting conditions under which the measurements were performed, and reporting the results.  
4.4 This test method provides the user with information to (1) perform and document statistical analysis of outdoor sound level over specific time periods at specified places, and (2) make and document the physical observations necessary to qualify the measurements.  
4.5 This test method can be used by individuals, regulatory agencies, or others as a measurement method to collect acoustical data for many common situations. The data are collected in a format determined by the capabilities of the equipment, equipment operational options selected, and by post-processing options available.  
4.6 The user is cautioned that there are many factors that can strongly influence the resul...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of outdoor sound levels at specific locations using a digital statistical sound analysis system and a formal measurement plan.  
1.1.1 This test method provides basic requirements for obtaining either a single set of data or multiple sets of related data. However, because there are numerous circumstances and varied objectives requiring multiple sets of data, the test method does not address planning of the measurement program.  
1.2 The use of results of measurements performed using this test method include, but are not limited to, the following:  
1.2.1 To characterize the acoustical environment of a site,  
1.2.2 To characterize the sound emissions of a specific sound source which exhibits a temporal variation in sound output, and  
1.2.3 To monitor the effectiveness of a noise impact mitigation plan.  
1.3 This test method is intended to be used in conjunction with a measurement plan that references this test method. Changes or additions to the provisions of this test method shall be clearly stated in the plan.  
1.3.1 In the event it is necessary, for example, because of time constraints, to conduct measurements without first formalizing a plan, this test method can be used if an operator/observer whose qualifications are satisfactory to both the performing organization and the client is present at all times during the measurements and who complies, to the extent possible, with all the applicable requirements of this test method, including record keeping.  
1.4 The data obtained using this test method enable comparison of sound level data with appropriate criteria.  
1.4.1 The data obtained with this test method can be used in the derivation of loudness levels provided the necessary requirements regarding sample duration and signal bandwidth are observed in collecting the data. It is recommended that a specialist in the area of loudness evaluation be consulted in p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The acoustical impedance properties of a sound absorptive material are related to its physical properties, such as airflow resistance, porosity, elasticity, and density. As such, the measurements described in this test method are useful in basic research and product development of sound absorptive materials.  
5.2 Normal incidence sound absorption coefficients are more useful than random incidence coefficients in certain situations. They are used, for example, to predict the effect of placing material in a small enclosed space, such as inside a machine.  
5.3 Estimates of the random incidence or statistical absorption coefficients for materials can be obtained from normal incidence impedance data. For materials that are locally reacting, that is, without sound propagation inside the material parallel to its surface, statistical absorption coefficients can be estimated from specific normal acoustic impedance values using an expression derived by London (1).5 Locally reacting materials include those with high internal losses parallel with the surface such as porous or fibrous materials of high density or materials that are backed by partitioned cavities such as a honeycomb core. Formulas for estimating random incidence sound absorption properties for both locally and bulk-reacting materials, as well as for multilayer systems with and without air spaces have also been developed (2).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the use of an impedance tube, alternatively called a standing wave apparatus, for the measurement of impedance ratios and the normal incidence sound absorption coefficients of acoustical materials.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The noise reduction of an enclosure is a property of the enclosure, the location of the sound source used to measure noise reduction, and the space in which the enclosure is placed. It is not a property of the enclosure alone, and its measurement under different conditions can be expected to give different results. When the noise reduction is measured in accordance with this test method, the sound source is outside the enclosure and the sound field outside the enclosure approximates a diffuse sound field. Measurements made in accordance with this test method can be expected to be reproducible from one laboratory to another.  
5.2 The noise reduction measured in accordance with this test method may be used for the following purposes:  
5.2.1 To rank the order of sound-isolating enclosures according to noise isolation class, NIC.  
5.2.2 To estimate the highest one-third octave band sound pressure levels that can occur outside the enclosure without exceeding specified sound pressure levels inside the enclosure.  
5.2.3 To estimate the one-third octave band sound pressure levels that will occur inside the enclosure with specified sound pressure levels outside.  
5.3 The noise reduction measured in accordance with this test method may not estimate accurately the isolation that the enclosure will provide when it is used to isolate a noise source inside it from the space outside. The user should be cautious when using noise reductions measured by this test method to evaluate enclosures used to enclose noise sources.  
5.4 Sound-isolating enclosures are frequently made from prefabricated modular panels. The noise reduction measured by this test method applies to the complete enclosure and not to individual panels from which it is made and cannot be used to infer the sound transmission loss of the individual panels.  
5.5 Specifications for sound-isolating enclosures may include reference to noise reduction and noise isolation class measured in accordance with th...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the reverberation room measurement of the noise reduction of sound-isolating enclosures.  
1.2 The noise isolation class may be determined from the noise reduction measured in accordance with this test method.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The specific airflow resistance of an acoustical material is one of the properties that determine its sound-absorptive and sound-transmitting properties. Measurement of specific airflow resistance is useful during product development, for quality control during manufacture, and for specification purposes.  
5.2 Valid measurements are made only in the region of laminar airflow where, aside from random measurement errors, the airflow resistance (R = P/U) is constant. When the airflow is turbulent, the apparent airflow resistance increases with an increase of volume velocity and the term “airflow resistance” does not apply.  
5.3 The specific airflow resistance measured by this test method may differ from the specific resistance measured by the impedance tube method in Test Method E384 for two reasons. In the presence of sound, the particle velocity inside a porous material is alternating while in this test method, the velocity is constant and in one direction only. Also, the particle velocity inside a porous material is not the same as the linear velocity measured outside the specimen.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of airflow resistance and the related measurements of specific airflow resistance and airflow resistivity of porous materials that can be used for the absorption and attenuation of sound. Materials cover a range from thick boards or blankets to thin mats, fabrics, papers, and screens. When the material is anisotropic, provision is made for measurements along different axes of the specimen.  
1.2 This test method is designed for the measurement of values of specific airflow resistance ranging from 100 to 10 000 mks rayls (Pa·s/m) with linear airflow velocities ranging from 0.5 mm/s to 50 mm/s and pressure differences across the specimen ranging from 0.1 Pa to 250 Pa. The upper limit of this range of linear airflow velocities is a point at which the airflow through most porous materials is in partial or complete transition from laminar to turbulent flow.  
1.3 A procedure for accrediting a laboratory for the purposes of this test method is given in Annex A1.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4.1 Table 1 is provided for user to convert into cgs units.    
cgs acoustic ohm  
mks acoustic ohm (Pa·s/m3)  
105  
cgs rayl  
mks rayl (Pa·s/m)  
10    
cgs rayl/cm  
mks rayl/m (Pa·s/m2)  
103  
cgs rayl/in.  
mks rayl/m (Pa·s/m2)  
394  
mks rayl/in.  
mks rayl/m (Pa·s/m2)  
39.4  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Definitions—Terms and related definitions given in Section 4 are intended for use uniformly and consistently in all building and environmental acoustic test standards in which they appear.  
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to Each Standard:  
3.2.1 As indicated in Section 4, terms and their definitions are intended to provide a precise understanding and interpretation of the building and environmental acoustic test standards in which they appear.  
3.2.2 A specific definition of a given term is applicable to the standard or standards in which the term is described and used.  
3.2.3 Different definitions of the same term are acceptable provided each one is consistent with and is not in conflict with the standard definition for the same term, that is, the general concept the term describes.  
3.2.4 If a standard under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 specially defines a term, i.e. provides a definition different in any way from what is given in Section 4 of Terminology C634, that standard shall list the term and its description under the subheading, Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—The mandatory language of section 3.2.4 is consistent with the mandatory language from §E2 of Form and Style for ASTM Standards (April 2020) and with the ASTM Committee E33 bylaws in place when this standard was published; it reflects a situation that exists, it does not prescribe anything.  
3.3 Definitions for some terms associated with building and environmental acoustic issues and not included in Terminology C634 are found in ISO/TR 25417 or IEEE P260.4. When discrepancies exist, the definition in Terminology C634 shall prevail.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers terms, related definitions, and descriptions of terms used or likely to be used in building and environmental acoustics standards. Definitions of terms are special-purpose definitions that are consistent with the standard definitions but are written to ensure that a specific building and environmental acoustics standard is properly understood and precisely interpreted. The primary focus of this document is upon terms, definitions and descriptions found within standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33; however, terms, definitions and descriptions that are of general interest to the field of acoustics are also included.  
1.2 This building and environmental acoustics standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Acoustically absorptive materials are used for the control of reverberation and echoes in rooms. This standard provides a classification method for acoustically absorptive materials applied directly to surfaces by trowel or by spray.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers materials applied by trowel or spray to surfaces for the purpose of increasing their acoustical absorption.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification provides a single number rating for transmission loss or noise reduction data that have been measured or calculated. This rating is based on the difference between the overall A-weighted sound level of the sound spectrum given in Table 1 and the overall A-weighted sound level of the spectrum that results from arithmetically subtracting the transmission loss or noise reduction data from this spectrum. The spectrum shape is an average of three spectra from transportation sources (aircraft takeoff, road traffic, and diesel locomotive). A study showed that this classification correlated well with the A-weighted and loudness reductions (based on ISO 532:1975 in effect at the time) calculated for each of the individual spectra used in developing the rating for the one-third-octave band range of 50 Hz to 5000 Hz. The calculated numeric value of the rating is based on the sound transmission loss or noise reduction values for a particular specimen and depends only on that data and the shape of the reference source spectrum used in the calculation. The values shown in Table 1 have an arbitrary reference level. Use single-number ratings with caution. Specimens having the same rating can result in different indoor spectra depending on the variation of their transmission loss with frequency. Also, if the actual spectrum of the outdoor sound is different from that assumed in Table 1, the overall A-weighted outdoor-indoor noise reduction can be different from the OINIC. The strong low-frequency content of the spectrum in Table 1 means that specimen achieving a high rating must have strong low-frequency transmission loss. Use of this classification with the spectrum in Table 1 in situations where the source does not have a spectrum similar to Table 1 could result in requirements for more low-frequency transmission loss than is necessary for the application. Examples where this can occur are stage 3 jet aircraft, high-speed freeways with sound dominated by ti...
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this classification is to provide a method to calculate single-number ratings that can be used for assessing the isolation from outdoor sound provided by a building or comparing building facade specimens including walls, doors, windows, and combinations thereof, including complete structures. These ratings are designed to correlate with subjective impressions of the ability of building elements to reduce the penetration of outdoor ground and air transportation noise that contains strong low-frequency sound.2 These ratings provide an evaluation and rank ordering of the performance of test specimens based on their effectiveness at controlling the sound of a specific outdoor sound spectrum called the reference source spectrum.  
1.2 In addition to the calculation method, this classification provides the definition of the outdoor-indoor transmission class which is not defined elsewhere within ASTM standards. Other standards such as Guide E966 define additional ratings based on the method of this classification, one of which is discussed in this classification.  
1.3 The rating does not necessarily relate to the perceived aesthetic quality of the transmitted sound. Different facade elements with similar ratings differ significantly in the proportion of low and high frequency sound that they transmit, and the spectra of sources can vary significantly. It is best to use specific sound transmission loss values, in conjunction with actual spectra of outdoor and indoor sound levels, for making final selections of facade elements.  
1.4 Excluded from the scope of this classification are applications involving noise spectra differing markedly from that shown in Table 1. Thus excluded, for example, would be certain industrial noises with high levels at frequencies below the 80 Hz one-third octave band, relative to levels at higher frequencies, and any source, including some transportation sources, that does not ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Acoustical performance is dependent on many factors (see Guide E1374 for a discussion on general office acoustical considerations). One of these factors is the masking sound. The masking spectrum shape and level must conform within specified tolerances throughout the treated area. The measurement and recording of these parameters are addressed in this test method.  
5.2 The results from this test method are used to determine if the masking sound meets a particular specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method specifies the procedure used to measure the masking sound in terms of A-weighted and one-third-octave-band sound pressure levels.  
1.2 The results of this test method can be used to determine if and where the masking sound meets (or does not meet) a particular specification.  
1.3 This test method does not evaluate the overall acoustical environment. It is intended only to measure and report the masking sound levels.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Knowledge of hardness is useful in the development and the quality control of acoustical tile and lay-in ceiling panels. Deviation from an established hardness range will assist in pointing out processing errors or defective raw materials, thereby aiding the maintenance of uniform product quality.  
4.2 This property is also useful in comparing the relative abilities of materials to resist indentations on the panel surface caused by impacts.  
4.3 Since the hardness varies with the thickness, only samples of the same thickness shall be directly compared.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the strength properties of prefabricated architectural acoustical tile or lay-in ceiling panels as follows:    
Tests  
Sections  
Hardness  
4 to 9    
Friability  
10 to 16  
Sag  
17 to 23  
Transverse strength  
24 to 30  
1.2 Not all of the tests described in these test methods are necessary to evaluate any particular product for a specific use. In each instance, it is necessary to determine which properties are required.  
1.3 These test methods specify procedures that are used in product development, manufacturing control, specification acceptance, and service evaluation.  
1.4 Properties determined by these test methods reflect the performance of the materials under the specific conditions of the test, and do not necessarily indicate performance under conditions other than those specified herein.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems will result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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.

ABSTRACT
This specification covers metal ceiling suspension systems used primarily to support acoustical tile or acoustical lay-in panels. Some suspension systems incorporate locking assembly details that enhance performance by providing some continuity or load transfer capability between adjacent sections of the ceiling grid. The structural classification or grade of ceiling suspension systems shall be determined by the capability of main runners or nailing bars to support a uniformly distributed load. These classifications shall be: light-duty systems; intermediate-duty systems; and heavy-duty systems. The structural classification of ceiling suspension systems shall be based on the load-carrying capacity of the main runners of the structural network. Suspension system structural members shall conform to the following tolerance requirements: metal thickness; straightness; length; overall cross-section dimensions; and section squareness.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers metal ceiling suspension systems used primarily to support acoustical tile or acoustical lay-in panels.  
1.2 Some suspension systems incorporate locking assembly details that enhance performance by providing some continuity or load transfer capability between adjacent sections of the ceiling grid. The test methods of Test Methods E3090/E3090M referenced in this specification do not provide the means for making a complete evaluation of continuous beam systems, nor for assessing the continuity contribution to overall system performance. However, the test methods can be used for evaluating primary structural members in conjunction with secondary members that interlock, as well as with those of noninterlocking type.  
1.3 While this specification is applicable to the exterior installation of metal suspension systems, the atmospheric conditions and wind loading require additional design attention to ensure safe implementation. For that reason, a specific review and approval should be solicited from the responsible architect and engineer, or both, for any exterior application of metal suspension systems in the construction of a new building or building modification.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Providing speech privacy in open-plan spaces depends upon many factors, the most significant of which are the following:  (1) the shadow zone of part-height space dividers and the diffraction of sound from the edges of space dividers; (2) the primary sound reflective properties of the ceiling system; (3) the level of masking sound present in the space; and (4) the distance between speaker and listener. Guide E1374 provides additional detail on the factors contributing to speech privacy in open-plan spaces.  
5.2 In this test method the third factor, masking sound, is eliminated and the fourth factor, the distance between speaker and listener, is standardized for all specimen types. For the measurement of ceiling systems, the first factor, the shadow zone, is also standardized for each divider height used. Experience has indicated that results obtained by this test method may not fairly represent the speech privacy that may be achievable with non-flat ceiling systems. For the measurement of furniture panels used as acoustical barriers, the second of these factors, the sound reflectance of the ceiling, is standardized. For the measurement of reflective and absorptive vertical surfaces used as wall finishings or furniture panels, the first and second factors are standardized and all paths between the speaker and listener reflecting only off of the ceiling are eliminated.  
5.3 This test method provides standardized techniques to assess the contribution of specific components of an open-plan space. The test method specifies an acoustical testing environment for each component type that isolates its contribution from the contribution of other components, which may in actual open-plan environments contribute significantly to the overall speech privacy.  
5.4 The significance of test results obtained by this test method must also be considered with regard to the attainable measurement accuracy. The attainment of speech privacy in the presence of masking sound is cri...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the interzone attenuation for three components of open-plan spaces:  
1.1.1 Ceiling systems when used in conjunction with partial-height space dividers. This arrangement is commonly used in offices to achieve speech privacy between work zones in the absence of full-height partitions. This test method is applicable to any ceiling configuration, including, for example, a pattern of sound-reflective panels in an otherwise sound-absorptive ceiling. This test method generally requires use of a fixed space divider height of 1.50 m [5 ft]. In recognition of trends toward alternate divider heights in open office environments, measurements with an alternate divider height may be conducted in accordance with this standard.  
1.1.2 Furniture panels used as acoustical barriers in open-plan spaces to provide speech privacy or sound isolation between working positions.  
1.1.3 Vertical panels, including wall finishes such as sound-absorbent panels, and furniture panels or screens which may reflect sound. It may not be applicable to such items as window finishes or furniture other than panels if these differ significantly from flat wall panels.  
1.1.4 The combination of results from the various components of an open-plan office is beyond the scope of this standard.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 Unless otherwise qualified, all dimensions specified in this test method shall be understood to have a tolerance of ±6 mm (±1/4 in.) The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.4 This standa...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 To fully understand the effects of a given treatment, five acoustical factors (transmission loss, acceptance, radiation efficiency, absorption, and damping) must be characterized. For example, only knowing the effect of a given treatment on transmission loss will not allow the acoustical designer or engineer to assess its impacts on propagation of vibration (among other effects), which is an important path to consider for large machinery items and propeller excitation.  
5.2 It is necessary to have a common definition of acoustical performance and test procedure to determine all five acoustical factors for ship’s treatments so that the performance of different treatment types, as well as the same treatment type from different manufacturers, can be compared.  
5.3 In some cases, particularly for damping treatments, the effect of the treatment will be dependent on the non-treated structure’s material and geometry and other non-acoustic factors such as environmental conditions (that is, temperature). To fully characterize a treatment it may be necessary to test a range of base constructions. For reasons of practicality, convenience, or economy, it may be sufficient to test only one to three constructions to achieve an understanding of the material performance in a range of practical situations. Additional discussion is provided in Annex A1.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of the acoustical effectiveness of treatments installed on ship bulkheads, decks, and side shells. Measurements are focused on assessing changes in transmission loss, radiation efficiency, and acceptance that occur when treatments are applied. Measurements of changes to absorption and damping are addressed in Appendix X1 and Appendix X2, respectively.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 Any material that is to be installed on a marine division must meet appropriate fire, combustibility, and other applicable SOLAS, USCG, IMO, Navy, or other required non-acoustical standards and specifications. See Appendix X3 for additional information.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech, radio, television, and similar sources of noise in offices and buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for sound sources with spectra significantly different from those sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, industrial processes, bowling allies, power transformers, musical instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains. For these sources, accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed analysis in frequency bands. A single-number sound transmission rating for building façade elements is given in Classification E1332.  
4.2 The single-number ratings obtained can be used to compare the potential sound insulation of partitions or floors tested in laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different suites in buildings (NNIC, NIC). The rating for a partition built and tested in a building may be lower than that obtained for a partition tested in a laboratory because of flanking transmission or construction errors.
Note 1: A similar rating procedure, described in ISO 717-1:2020, provides single figure sound insulation ratings with a frequency range that extends from 100 to 3150 Hz with no maximum deficiency specified at individual frequencies. For most partitions, the two ratings differ by only one or two points.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measurements of sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands.  
1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification.  
1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include:  
1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called sound transmission class (STC).  
1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC).  
1.3.3 Test Method E596—The single-number rating is called noise isolation class (NIC).  
1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is called ceiling attenuation class (CAC).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification describes the construction and installation of standard reference specimens for quality control of laboratory sound transmission loss measurements. The reference specimen is composed of framed steel panels. The required materials for fabrication and installation are as follows: galvanized sheets, frame, and panels. Four kinds of installation may be done: Installation A using a single layer reference specimen, Installation B using double layer reference specimen with a common plate, Installation C using double layer reference specimen with separate plates-empty cavity, and Installation D using double layer reference specimen with separate plates and added layer of sound-absorbing material in the cavity.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification describes the construction and installation of standard reference specimens for quality control of laboratory sound transmission loss measurements using Test Method E90.  
1.2 Laboratories may choose to construct and test all of the reference specimens described here or only a subset. Specific specimens may be required by a test method or an accrediting agency.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Load Carrying Capacity:  
4.1.1 Most architectural specifications contain a uniform load requirement based on Specification C635. Additionally, it is useful to know the uniform loads of cross runners to evaluate their suitability for various ceiling loads.  
4.1.2 The procedure detailed in this standard is intended to be used for the simple 4 ft span specified in Specification C635 but it can be used for simple spans other than 4 ft.  
4.1.3 Various concentrated load combinations can be similarly tested or they can be calculated from the uniform load results by engineering analysis.  
4.2 Connection Strength in Tension and Compression:  
4.2.1 Structural failure of grid systems under axial loading is controlled by the failure of connections between the grid members. Specification of the allowable axial loads is useful for designers and specifiers for determining which grid systems will be appropriate for specific job conditions.  
4.2.2 Connection strength is particularly important where the grid installation is expected to experience lateral loads due to earthquake or wind.  
4.2.3 Connection strength in both compression and in tension are specified in Practice E580 as mean ultimate test load in tension and in compression.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover metal ceiling suspension systems used primarily to support acoustical tile, acoustical lay-in panels, or suspended T-bar type ceiling systems.  
1.2 These test methods cover the determination of strength properties of suspended ceiling grid system components as follows:    
Tests  
Subsections  
Load Carrying Capacity  
5.1  
Connection Strength in Tension  
5.2.2; 5.2.4  
Connection Strength in Compression  
5.2.3; 5.2.5  
Wire Pullout Resistance  
5.3  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This practice covers acoustical ceiling suspension systems and their additional requirements for application in areas subject to light to moderate seismic disturbance such as Uniform Building Code Seismic Zone 2, the BOCA Basic National Building Code where Av is less than 0.20 but greater than 0.10, and the Standard Building Code (SBC) where Av is less than 0.20 but greater than 0.05. This practice also covers areas subject to moderate to severe seismic disturbance such as Uniform Building Code Seismic Zones 3 and 4, the BOCA Basic National Building Code where Av is greater than 0.20, and the SBC where Av is greater than 0.20. The application of this practice is to be determined by local authorities. Current seismic maps published by recognized authorities such as those previously mentioned, as well as related material such as Open File 82-1033 and MS-812 Seismicity Maps, should be consulted. This practice is not intended to stifle research and development of new products or methods which may simplify the application method specified herein. A variation, however, must be substantiated by verifiable engineering data. A ceiling area of 144 ft2 [13m2] or less, surrounded by walls that connect directly to the structure above shall be exempt from this practice.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice is a prescriptive set of installation methods to be used for suspended ceilings and is often used in lieu of designing a separate lateral restraint system. The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the applicability of this practice to local code requirements.  
3.2 This practice covers installation of suspended ceiling systems and related components in areas that require resistance to the effects of earthquake motions as defined by ASCE 7 and the International Building Code.  
3.3 The practice is broken into two main sections. The first section covers areas with light to moderate earthquake potential (Seismic Design Category C) while the second deals with severe earthquake potential (Seismic Design Category D, E & F).  
3.4 This practice includes requirements from multiple sources including previous versions of this practice, CISCA Seismic Recommendations for Direct-hung Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Ceilings, Seismic Zones 0-2 and CISCA Guidelines for Seismic Restraint for Direct Hung Suspended Ceiling Assemblies, Seismic Zones 3 & 4, suspended ceiling requirements from the International Building Code and ASCE 7. The purpose is to combine the requirements from these sources into a single comprehensive document.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the installation of suspended systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels and their additional requirements for two groups of buildings that are constructed to resist the effects of earthquake motions as defined by ASCE 7 and the International Building Code. These groupings are for Seismic Design Category C and Seismic Design Categories D, E and F.  
1.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the applicability of this practice.  
1.3 Test Methods E3090/E3090M, Specification C635, and Practice C636 cover suspension systems, their installation, and testing without special regard to seismic lateral restraint needs. They remain applicable and shall be followed when this practice is specified.  
1.4 Ceilings less than or equal to 144 ft2 [13.4 m2] and surrounded by walls connected to the structure above are exempt from the requirements of this practice.  
1.5 This practice is not intended to stifle research and development of new products or methods. This practice is not intended to prevent the installation of any material or prohibit any design or method of construction not prescribed in this practice, provided that any such alternative has been substantiated by verifiable engineering data or full-scale dynamic testing that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.  
1.6 Ceiling areas of 1000 ft2 [92.9 m2] or less shall be exempt from the...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The speech privacy between locations in an open plan space is determined by the degree to which intruding speech sounds exceed the ambient sound pressure levels at the listener's ear; a classic signal-to-noise ratio situation.  
5.2 The sound pressure levels at the listener's ear from intruding speech depend upon:  
5.2.1 The individual vocal effort and orientation of the talker,  
5.2.2 The attenuation of speech signals due to distance or intervening barriers, and  
5.2.3 The reinforcement of speech signals due to reflections from surfaces such as the ceiling, furniture panels, light fixtures, walls, or windows.  
5.3 The ambient sound levels within a space often must be increased in order to mask intruding speech using an electronic sound masking system. However, in certain locations and in specific frequency ranges, the building mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment, and the heating, ventilating, or air conditioning equipment (HVAC) may increase ambient sound levels or add tonal noise components that may require mitigation before tuning the masking sound.  
5.4 The primary purpose of this test method is to assess the speech privacy for an average speech spectrum using the standard Articulation Index method. This requires measurement of the relevant acoustical characteristics discussed in 5.2 and 5.3 for a pair of locations and calculation of the Articulation Index using an average speech spectrum. The average speech spectrum is for male talkers speaking with normal voice effort. In specific cases such as designated quiet work zones for ‘focused work’ where administrative measures have been taken to reduce speech levels, a ‘casual’ voice spectrum should be used to calculate speech privacy, whereas in designated group work zones for ‘collaborative work’ where lively discussion is expected, a ‘raised’ voice spectrum should be used to calculate speech privacy.  
5.5 The Articulation Index ranges from a low value of 0.00, where speech is gener...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a means of objectively assessing speech privacy between locations in open plan spaces. This test method relies upon acoustical measurements, published information on speech levels, and standard methods for assessing speech communication. This test method does not measure the performance of individual open plan components which affect speech privacy; but rather, it assesses the privacy which results from a particular configuration of components (1, 2).2  
1.2 This test method is intended to be a field test for the assessment of speech privacy in actual open plan spaces. However, this test method could be used in mock-up spaces and in environments arranged to simulate an open plan space.  
1.3 This test method is suitable for use in many open plan spaces including traditional open offices, focus areas, and collaboration spaces. In addition to office buildings, these types of spaces will also be found in healthcare buildings, institutional spaces, schools, etc. It is not directly applicable for measuring the speech privacy between open plan and enclosed spaces or between fully enclosed spaces.  
1.4 This test method relies upon the Articulation Index, which objectively predicts the intelligibility of speech. While both the Articulation Index and this test method can be expected to reliably predict speech privacy, neither predicts the specific effective speech privacy afforded to particular individual occupants.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard provides a method for testing the apparent sound insulating properties of doors in the field originally proposed by Morin (1).6 This allows doors to be evaluated with a result that has been found to be similar to the transmission loss.  
5.2 The results of this measurement are the normalized door insertion loss, NDIL, at individual frequencies, and the single-number rating door transmission class, DTC. The insertion loss is normalized by the small change in sound level which occurs on the source side when the door is opened and closed. The results are in theory the same when measured in each direction through the door, but differences have been observed in practice.  
5.3 Comparative measurements using this method and the method of Test Method E90 on the same door installations in a laboratory indicate good agreement between the transmission loss and normalized door insertion loss when the door is in a wall between two rooms and flanking is not significant. No similar verification has been done for corridors. See Appendix X1 and Ref (2).  
5.4 The fixed-microphone and scanning methods have been compared in the field. See Appendix X2.
SCOPE
1.1 The sound insulation properties of a door are measured in a laboratory as the sound transmission loss in accordance with Test Method E90. Using those data, the single-number rating sound transmission class (STC) is assigned. In the field, the rooms on one or both sides of a partition containing a door are often either too small or too large and absorptive to allow the apparent transmission loss (ATL) of the partition-door assembly to be measured. Even if that is not the case, the result measured is the composite ATL of the partition including the door, and not that of the door itself. Test Method E336 states that it is impossible to measure the ATL of a portion of a partition such as a door according to the procedures of that standard. This test method provides a method of evaluating doors in the field using a normalized insertion loss with a resulting single-number rating door transmission class, DTC. This method is intended primarily for hinged personnel doors with latching mechanisms and is limited to door openings of area less than 6 m2. The flanking effects of surrounding structure are reduced compared to Test Method E336 but not completely eliminated. In a laboratory environment, the DTC is close to or equal to the STC of the door, but in the field results less than the laboratory STC are to be expected due to flanking.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of the LIR rating is to describe the low-frequency impact noise, often referred to as “thudding,” primarily generated by footfall on lightweight structures. The rating increases as the impact sound attenuation of the floor-ceiling structure increases. This rating has been shown to correlate with subjective reaction3,4 and can be used to evaluate and compare the low-frequency impact noise performance of assemblies.  
4.2 The LIIC rating can be used for relative comparison and to rank-order the low-frequency performance of assemblies within a given test laboratory.5 The reproducibility of LIIC between laboratories has not been measured, and the relationship between laboratory and field ratings (LIIC and LIR) is not assumed or established.
Note 1: The tendency for measurement uncertainty to increase at low frequencies should be considered when utilizing metrics of classification standard.
Note 2: This classification does not replace Classification E989 (Impact Insulation Class) and is not interchangeable with it. For example, the LIIC rating of an assembly does not determine its IIC rating and cannot be used to show compliance with an IIC requirement. The expectation is that the low-frequency ratings would be reported alongside the existing ratings.  
4.3 This classification shall only be used with one-third-octave-band data.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification provides methods for calculating single-number ratings of low-frequency impact noise transmission, based on one-third-octave-band impact noise levels as described in Test Methods E492 and E1007.  
1.2 This classification defines ratings that are not defined in other standards. Other standards may define additional ratings based on the methods of this classification.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The rating increases as the impact sound attenuation of the floor ceiling structure increases. The rating can be used by architects, builders, and specification and code authorities for acoustical design purposes in building constructions.  
4.2 The rating strictly only applies to excitation by the standard tapping machine defined in Test Methods E492 and E1007. It does not deal with low frequency sounds below 100 Hz that are typically generated below lightweight joist floors when they are walked on. Nor does it deal with the squeaking, crunching or rattling sounds that can occur in joist construction when elements in the construction are loose and occupants walk on the floor.  
4.3 This classification shall only be used with one-third octave band data.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification provides a method for determining a rating that can be used to compare the levels of impact noise generated by a standard tapping machine and transmitted through different floor-ceiling assemblies.  
1.2 The name given to the rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification.  
1.3 This classification is applicable only to one third octave band impact noise data obtained using the standard tapping machine described in Test Methods E492 and E1007.  
1.4 Test methods that invoke this classification include:  
1.4.1 Test Method E492 – the single-number rating is called impact insulation class (IIC).  
1.4.2 Test Method E1007 – the single-number ratings are called apparent impact insulation class (AIIC), impact sound rating (ISR), and normalized impact sound rating (NISR).  
1.4.3 Test Method E2179 – the single-number rating is called the change in impact insulation class (ΔIIC).  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Modern offices and other multipurpose buildings commonly have suspended acoustical ceilings installed over room dividing partitions. The test facility prescribed in this test method is useful for providing ceiling attenuation data on the relevant ceiling/partition elements and systems, to ensure that the transmission of sound through the ceiling and plenum space, or through the combination of ceiling, plenum space, and partition systems, provides a suitable degree of acoustical isolation.  
5.2 This test method is useful for rating and specifying, under standardized conditions, the sound attenuation performance of ceiling materials when mounted in a specified suspension system.  
5.3 This test method may be useful for selecting a wall-ceiling system for probable compliance with a performance specification for overall sound isolation between rooms. However, the actual field performance may differ significantly, particularly if the field plenum depth is not within the limits specified in this test method or if the plenum space contains large ducts, beams, etc., or both. (See Test Method E336.)  
5.4 The flexibility inherent in the test facility enables evaluation of the effects of penetrations, induced leakage paths, luminaire, and air diffuser installations and discontinuities in the ceiling suspension system at the partition line, including penetration of the partition into the ceiling plenum. The effect of installing plenum barriers at the partition line may also be investigated.  
5.5 With the concentration of sound absorbent area offered by a suspended sound absorbent ceiling installed in a room, it is not possible to obtain a good approximation to a diffuse sound field in that room. The plenum dimensions prevent the maintenance of a diffuse sound field above the test specimen. These factors affect the values of the measured ceiling sound attenuation and thus the measurements are not a fundamental property of the ceiling. The test method measures the acou...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method utilizes a laboratory space so arranged that it simulates a pair of horizontally adjacent small offices or rooms separated by a partition and sharing a common plenum space. The partition either extends to the underside of a common plenum space or penetrates through it. In the prescribed configuration, special design features of the facility ensure that the only significant sound transmission path is by way of the ceiling and the plenum space.  
1.2 Within the limitations outlined in the significance statement, the primary quantity measured by this test method is the ceiling attenuation of a suspended ceiling installed in a laboratory environment. By accounting for receiving room sound absorption, the normalized ceiling attenuation may be determined.  
1.3 The test method may also be used to evaluate the attenuation of composite ceiling systems comprised of the ceiling material and other components such as luminaires and ventilating systems.  
1.4 The field performance of a ceiling system may differ significantly from the results obtained by this test method (see Section 5, Significance and Use, and Test Method E336).  
1.5 The procedures may also be used to study the additional sound insulation that may be achieved by other attenuation measures. This would include materials used either as plenum barriers or as backing for all or part of the ceiling.  
1.6 The facility may also be used to study the performance of an integrated system comprising plenum, ceiling, and partition, tested as a single assembly.  
1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The impact sound rating for a floor assembly is determined both by the basic floor assembly and the floor covering on the upper surface. The same floor covering in combination with different basic floor assemblies will not always give the same impact insulation class (IIC) ratings. This test method is designed to provide data that characterize the floor covering alone when installed over concrete slab floors.  
5.2 The ΔIIC rating calculated in 13.4 is used to compare the effectiveness of different floor coverings on concrete floors.  
5.3 The impact insulation class (IIC) calculated for the reference concrete floor with a covering provides an indication of the impact sound insulation that the covering will provide with typical, monolithic concrete floors.  
5.4 When the normalized impact sound pressure levels below a bare concrete slab are known, the difference spectrum calculated in 13.1 may be used to estimate the impact sound pressure levels and hence the IIC that would result if the covering were installed on the slab.  
5.5 Warning: Difference spectra measured using this method shall not be used to estimate impact sound pressure levels for floors comprising only one or two lightweight floor layers such as oriented strand board or plywood. Such estimated impact sound pressure levels would be very inaccurate.
Note 1: The difference spectrum calculated in 13.1 gives unreliable estimates of the reduction in impact sound pressure levels due to the floor covering when it is placed on a joist floor incorporating a concrete topping (about 50 mm thick) poured directly on the plywood subfloor or steel deck. The estimated impact sound pressure levels are too low.3  
5.6 This test method closely follows that described in ISO 10140-1 (Annex H) except that the single number rating used is the impact insulation class (IIC) described in Classification E989. The description of the standard concrete floor also differs.
Note 2: The requirement in Classification E989...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a method for the laboratory measurement of the effectiveness of floor coverings in reducing impact noise from a standard tapping machine through concrete floors. The test results are not necessarily directly related to the subjective evaluations of the floor coverings.  
1.2 This test method applies to all floor coverings, whether single or multi-layered, as installed on a standard concrete floor. Multi-layered coverings may be factory-assembled or assembled at the test laboratory.  
1.3 The test method applies only to laboratory measurements. It does not apply to the measurement of the effectiveness of a floor covering in a field situation.  
1.4 Laboratory Accreditation—A procedure for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method is given in Method E492.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 There are numerous situations for which outdoor sound level data are required. These include, but are not limited to, the following:  
4.1.1 Documentation of sound levels before the introduction of a new sound source (for example, assessment of the impact due to a proposed use).  
4.1.2 Comparison of sound levels with and without a specific source (for example, assessment of the impact of an existing source).  
4.1.3 Comparison of sound levels with criteria or regulatory limits (for example, indication of exceedence of criteria or non-compliance with laws).  
4.2 This guide provides a means for selecting measurement locations, operating a sound level meter, documenting the conditions under which the measurements were performed, and recording the results.  
4.3 This guide provides the user with information to (1) make and document the sound level measurements necessary to quantify relatively steady or slowly varying outdoor sound levels over a specific time period and at specific places and (2) make and document the physical observations necessary to qualify the measurements.  
4.4 The user is cautioned that there are many nonacoustical factors that can strongly influence the measurement of outdoor sound levels and that this guide is not intended to supplant the experience and judgment of experts in the field of acoustics. The guide is not applicable when more sophisticated measurement methods or equipment are specified. This guide, depending as it does on simplified manual data acquisition, is necessarily more appropriate for the simpler types of environmental noise situations. As the number of sources and the range of sound levels increase, the more likely experienced specialists with sophisticated instruments are needed.  
4.5 This guide can be used by individuals, regulatory agencies, or others as a measurement method to collect acoustical data for many common situations. Criteria for evaluating or analyzing the data obtained are beyond the scope of th...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the measurement of A-weighted sound levels outdoors at specified locations or along particular site boundaries, using a general purpose sound-level meter.  
1.2 Three distinct types of measurement surveys are described:  
1.2.1 Survey around a site boundary,  
1.2.2 Survey at a specified location,  
1.2.3 Survey to find the maximum sound level at a specified distance from a source.  
1.3 The data obtained using this guide are presented in the form of either time-average sound levels (abbreviation TAV and symbol LAT, also known as equivalent sound level or equivalent continuous sound level abbreviated LEQ and with symbol LAeqT ) or A-weighted percentile levels (symbol LX).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Situations for which outdoor sound level data are required include, but are not limited to, comparison of sound levels with criteria or regulatory limits.  
4.2 This guide provides information to (1) measure outdoor sound level in the vicinity of outdoor fixed noise sources, and (2) document other observations necessary for the measurements. This guide provides a standard procedure for a trained acoustical professional that will produce results and documentation which are consistent with the purposes cited in 1.1.1 – 1.1.5.  
4.3 These sound measurements should be performed by or under the direction of a person experienced in the measurement and analysis of outdoor sound, and who is familiar with the use of the required equipment and techniques.  
4.4 This guide can be used by individuals, regulatory agencies, or others as a measurement guide to collect data on the sound level received from a fixed source within the constraints cited in Section 8 and Appendix X1 and Appendix X2.  
4.5 This guide can be used to establish compliance or noncompliance at the time, distance, and conditions during which the data were obtained. However, this guide is only a measurement procedure and does not address the problem of projecting the acquired data outside those conditions, other times of day, other distances, or comparison with specific criteria. In particular, for a given sound source level, distant noise levels will often be found to be greater at night than during the day.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the measurement of outdoor sound due to a fixed sound source such as a siren, stationary pump, power plant, or music amphitheater. Procedures characterize the location, sound level, spectral content, and temporal characteristics of that sound source at the time of measurement. Users should be aware that wind and temperature gradients can cause significant variations in sound levels beyond 300 m. With appropriate caution, the use of measurements resulting from this guide include but are not limited to:  
1.1.1 Assessing compliance with applicable regulations,  
1.1.2 Monitoring the effectiveness of a noise reduction plan,  
1.1.3 Verifying the effectiveness of measures for mitigation of noise impact,  
1.1.4 Validating sound prediction models, and  
1.1.5 Obtaining source data for use in sound prediction models.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method permits the evaluation of both the acoustical and mechanical performance of pneumatic exhaust silencers designed for quieting compressed gas exhausts (usually air). The data can be used by manufacturers to assess or improve their products, or by users to select or specify a silencer. The data acquired using this measurement method allow for performance comparisons of competitive products and aid in the selection of an appropriate device.  
5.2 Flow rate is an important parameter to consider when the application involves machinery or equipment that requires compressed air or other gases to be exhausted rapidly. For example, in an automatic pneumatic press, compressed air must be exhausted rapidly to avoid a premature second cycle. For this reason, flow ratio is reported in addition to acoustical performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of both the acoustical and mechanical performance of pneumatic exhaust silencers designed for quieting compressed gas (usually air) exhausts from orifices connected to pipe sizes up to 3/4 in. NPT. This test method is not applicable for exhausts performing useful work, such as part conveying, ejection, or cleaning. This test method evaluates acoustical performance using A-weighted sound level measurements.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification provides a family of single-number ratings for describing high-frequency impact sound insulation. “High-frequency” in this context refers to the third-octave bands from 400 to 3150 Hz, which is approximately the upper half of the frequency range of interest in building acoustics measurements. Common sources of high-frequency impact sound include the impact of hard-heeled shoes, dragging furniture, dog toenails, and dropping objects on hard-surfaced flooring.  
4.2 The high-frequency impact sound insulation of an assembly is primarily determined by the characteristics of the floor topping, largely independent of the other details of the assembly.3 For many assemblies, the existing ratings (such as IIC) become controlled by frequency bands below 400 Hz. For these assemblies, the existing ratings are not representative of the impact insulation at high frequencies. The high-frequency ratings defined here have been shown to accurately represent the behavior of assemblies at high frequencies.4,5 These ratings are intended to aid the acoustical professional in evaluating the high-frequency insulation of an assembly, and in evaluating, rank-ordering, and specifying floor topping products that will affect the level of high-frequency impact sound.  
4.3 The ratings in this classification have similar numerical range and behavior as the existing ratings of Classification E989. Further, the ratings in this classification can be calculated from existing test reports without additional testing. This was done to take advantage of the existing test results and body of knowledge.  
4.4 This classification describes only the high-frequency range of impact sound and no other aspects of impact noise. It does not address impact sound below 400 Hz, such as thudding from footfalls, and additional ratings are required to describe impact sound in these frequency ranges. This classification does not replace Classification E989 (Impact Insulation Class) and is not i...
SCOPE
1.1 This classification provides methods for calculating single-number ratings of high-frequency impact sound transmission, based on one-third-octave-band impact sound pressure levels generated by the standard tapping machine as described in Test Methods E492, E1007, and E2179.  
1.2 This classification defines ratings that are not defined in other standards. Within their purview, other standards shall define additional ratings based on the methods of this classification.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Specimens tested using this standard, for example, duct silencers, are used to control sound propagation through ventilation ducts. The results gathered from testing specimens to this standard can be used to estimate the reduction in fan sound levels in ducted airflow systems caused by including a sound attenuating device in the system. The device can be a component in a source-path-receiver analysis where calculations are performed to determine the resultant sound level in an occupied space. Correct selection of a sound attenuating device can enable a designer to achieve in-space background noise criteria.  
5.2 The insertion loss of a silencer varies with frequency and with the direction and speed of airflow. Because silencers partially obstruct the air path and provide resistance to airflow, two other effects must be quantified: pressure drop and airflow-generated noise. Both increase with increasing air speeds; thus data are required for several airflows to correctly characterize performance.  
5.3 The aerodynamic results from testing specimens to the standard can be used as information for the system design engineer to determine the amount of static pressure drop resistance to be overcome by the system fan(s). Guidelines for appropriate maximum allowable pressure drop for a sound attenuating element have been established in the design community and are based on the procedures described herein.  
5.4 As stated previously in 1.4 of this test method, the actual performance of a sound attenuating device as installed in an air duct system may be significantly different than reported based on the test procedure herein. This standard does not provide guidance to the user on these system effects.  
5.5 Silencers are often designed to be used under conditions which do not duplicate the test set-ups of this standard. Mock-ups and specialized test set-ups to determine performance of sound attenuating devices in non-standard configurations may be based on this test...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory testing of some of the acoustical properties of sound attenuating devices including duct liner materials, integral ducts, and in-duct absorptive straight and elbow silencers used in the ventilation systems of buildings. Procedures are described for the measurement of acoustical insertion loss, airflow generated noise, and pressure drop as a function of airflow.  
1.2 Excluded from the scope are reactive mufflers and those designed for uses other than in ventilation systems, such as automobile mufflers.  
1.3 This test method includes a provision for a simulated semi-reflective plenum to fit around thin-walled duct and silencer test specimens, since the acoustical environments around such thin-walled specimens can affect the measured insertion loss.  
1.4 This method tests the performance of the specimen in well-defined and controlled conditions. If the specimen is installed in the field in any different manner, the results may be different. This standard does not provide estimating procedures for determining the actual installed performance of the specimen under field conditions.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Rooms formed by operable partitions often need to be isolated acoustically. Sound-isolating properties of operable partitions are specified by architects in terms of sound transmission class (STC) and so advertised by the manufacturer on the basis of laboratory tests in accordance with Test Method E90 and Classification E413.  
3.2 Because normal building design and construction practices are not the same as those used in acoustical laboratories, actual field performance of partitions, including operable partitions, will probably be less than that of test specimens. Sound transmission between areas to be isolated will occur through all of the connecting building components in addition to the operable partition, that is, floor and ceiling slabs, ceiling plenums, common walls, etc. All possible paths between the areas being isolated should have a sound insulation performance at least equal to the operable partition. Unless good acoustical practice is followed in both building design and installation, there may be a significant discrepancy between the sound isolation expected and that achieved.  
3.3 Because of the complex nature of the sound flanking paths adjacent to operable partitions, it is highly recommended that all related construction details be reviewed by a person qualified in acoustical design and construction.  
3.4 This guide does not specify requirements. However, persons desiring to write installation and construction specifications may find the contents useful in developing requirements for the building design site preparation, and installation practices necessary to minimize leakage and flanking sound around the operable partition.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides design details that should be considered in the design of buildings that include operable partitions. Operable partitions are those that can be quickly put in place or removed and stored to provide flexibility in the size of spaces typically used for meetings or social functions.  
1.1.1 The guide primarily discusses details in the building design required to limit leakage of sound around an operable partition.  
1.1.2 The guide also discusses some factors that affect the performance of the partitions themselves.  
1.1.3 This guide is neither a specification for operable partitions nor a document intended to be imposed as a requirement on manufacturers of operable partitions.  
1.2 Excluded from this guide are those partitions that are classified by the building products industry as demountable. Demountable partitions are those that are designed and installed with the intent of later being taken down and re-erected by a crew over a period of time, with the components being reusable.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Several ASTM test methods to evaluate the sound-insulating properties of building elements require the measurement of room sound absorption as part of the procedure. The room sound absorption in these standards appears in an equation in the form 10 log (x/A), where x is a quantity with the same units as A, m2. Room sound absorption is calculated from the decay rate using Eq 1.  
5.2 The requirements of this standard have been chosen so the uncertainty associated with the measurement of room sound absorption will be acceptably small so long as the logarithm of the absorption is being used in calculations.  
5.3 Other test methods should specify explicitly that they make use of this test method.  
5.4 Where measurement requirements in the parent standard differ from those given here, the requirements in the parent standard shall be satisfied.  
5.5 This test method shall not be used when room sound absorption or decay rate is to be used directly to satisfy some criterion, for example in a room that must not be overly reverberant so speech will be intelligible.
Note 1: The uncertainty of the room sound absorption obtained will usually be too high and additional measurements are necessary.  
5.6 Any companion standard may specify the use of the procedures in this method for determining whether the decay rates in a room are slow enough to satisfy the requirements of the companion standard. The measured decay rates shall still be used only to calculate the logarithm of the room absorption.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of sound decay rate in rooms and the calculation of the sound absorption of the room and its contents. The sound absorption so calculated may be used in calculations in sound insulation test methods.  
1.2 The method shall be used only in conjunction with other test methods where the logarithm of the sound absorption is used in formulas. It is not sufficiently precise for use in situations where room sound absorption is to be used without taking logarithms.  
1.3 For laboratory measurements of the sound absorption of materials and objects, Test Method C423 should be used.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 There are several purposes of this test:  
5.1.1 For transmission loss: (a) to characterize the sound insulation characteristics of materials in a less expensive and less time consuming approach than Test Method E90 and ISO 140-3 (“reverberant room methods”),  (b) to allow small samples tested when larger samples are impossible to construct or to transport, (c) to allow a rapid technique that does not require an experienced professional to run.  
5.1.2 For transfer matrix: (a) to determine additional acoustic properties of the material; (b) to allow calculation of acoustic properties of built-up or composite materials by the combination of their individual transfer matrices.  
5.2 There are significant differences between this method and that of the more traditional reverberant room method. Specifically, in this approach the sound impinges on the specimen in a perpendicular direction (“normal incidence”) only, compared to the random incidence of traditional methods. Additionally, revereration room methods specify certain minimum sizes for test specimens which may not be practical for all materials. At present the correlation, if any, between the two methods is not known. Even though this method may not replicate the reverberant room methods for measuring the transmission loss of materials, it can provide comparison data for small specimens, something that cannot be done in the reverberant room method. Normal incidence transmission loss may also be useful in certain situations where the material is placed within a small acoustical cavity close to a sound source, for example, a closely-fitted machine enclosure or portable electronic device.  
5.3 Transmission loss is not only a property of a material, but is also strongly dependent on boundary conditions inherent in the method and details of the way the material is mounted. This must be considered in the interpretation of the results obtained by this test method.  
5.4 The quantities are measured as a functio...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the use of a tube, four microphones, and a digital frequency analysis system for the measurement of normal incident transmission loss and other important acoustic properties of materials by determination of the acoustic transfer matrix.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method can be applied to measure sound absorption coefficients of absorptive materials at normal incidence, that is, 0°. It also can be used to determine specific impedance and admittance ratios. The properties measured with this test method are useful in basic research and product development of sound absorptive materials.  
5.2 Normal incidence sound absorption coefficients can be quite useful in certain situations where the material is placed within a small acoustical cavity close to a sound source, for example a closely-fitted machine enclosure.  
5.3 This test method allows one to compare relative values of sound absorption when it is impractical to procure large samples for accurate random-incidence measurements in a reverberation room. Estimates of the random incidence absorption coefficients can be obtained from normal impedance data for locally-reacting materials (2).
Note 2: The classification, “locally-reacting” includes fibrous materials having high internal losses. Formulas have been developed for converting sound absorption properties from normal incidence to random incidence, for both locally-reacting and bulk-reacing materials (3).  
5.4 Measurements described in this test method can be made with high precision, but these measurements may be misleading. Uncertainties of greater magnitude than those from the measurements may occur from other sources. Care should be exercised to sample nonuniform materials adequately (see 11.1).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the use of an impedance tube, two microphone locations, and a digital frequency analysis system for the determination of normal incidence sound absorption coefficients and normal specific acoustic impedance ratios of materials.  
1.2 Laboratory Accreditation—A procedure for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method is given in Annex A1.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification states the requirements for sound sources used for measuring the speech privacy between open offices or for measuring the laboratory performance of acoustical components. The sound source shall be a loudspeaker enclosed in a box that has a maximum dimension of 0.30 m (1 ft) on a side, to reduce spurious sound reflections. The measurements shall be carried out in a free sound field. The measurement microphone, amplifier, and level meter used to measure sound pressure levels shall satisfy the requirements prescribed. When the sound source is driven with the qualification signal, the sound output shall be adequate to maintain one-third octave-band sound pressure levels at least 10 dB above the corresponding background noise in each band at each measurement location. The directivity of the sound source shall be verified by driving the source with the qualification signal and measuring the sound pressure levels at measurement points.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification states the requirements for sound sources used for measuring the speech privacy between open offices and for measuring the laboratory performance of acoustical components (see Test Methods E1111 and E1130).  
1.2 The sound source shall be a loudspeaker located in an enclosure driven with an appropriate test signal.  
1.3 This specification describes the sound source and method of qualifying it using a special qualification signal. Test signals required by open office test methods may differ.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This practice covers the standard procedures for the installation of metal ceiling suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. Here, specifications are provided for the installation of individual components such as hangers, carrying channels, main runners, cross runners, splines, assembly devices, and ceiling fixtures. Specifications are also given for possible interference of ceiling related components, and the lighting and appearance.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the installation of suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panels. It is applicable to contractors whose services are utilized for installing acoustical ceilings and to other trades if their activities are responsible for interference with ceiling components or performance as defined in this recommended practice.  
1.2 While the practices described in this document have equal application to fire-resistive suspension systems, many systems impose additional requirements to obtain the fire endurance classification of particular floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies. These details are available from the listing agency and from the manufacturers.  
1.3 Similarly, additional detailing is often necessary to meet sound attenuation requirements when ceiling plenums extend over contiguous rooms. Obtain these from the manufacturer of the acoustical material employed.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.5 While many of the practices described in this practice have application to the installation of metal suspension systems in exterior environments, the specific design of exterior ceiling installations requires the review and approval of the architect or engineer, or both, who are responsible for the construction of the building or modifications to an existing building. While recommendations from the manufacturer are solicited, it remains the final responsibility of the architect/engineer to ensure proper application of the materials in question.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method can be used to obtain an estimate the transmission loss of building elements in a laboratory setting where the source room and the specimen mounting conditions satisfy the requirements of Test Method E90. The acceptability of the receiving room will be determined by a set of field indicators that define the quality and accuracy of the intensity estimate.  
5.2 By appropriately constructing the surface over which the intensity is measured it is possible to selectively exclude the influence of sound energy paths including the effects from joints, gaps as well as flanking sound paths. This method may be particularly useful when accurate measurements of a partition can not be made in an Test Method E90 facility because the partition sound insulation is limited by flanking transmission involving facility source and receiver room surfaces, (for example, the path from the source room floor to the receiver room floor via the isolators and the slab supporting the two). Annex A3 discusses this in detail.  
5.3 The discrete point method allows the mapping of the radiated sound intensity which can be used to identify defects or unique features (2) of the partition.  
5.4 Current research reported in the literature indicate that there exists a bias between measures of transmission loss obtained using the intensity technique and those obtained using the conventional two room reverberation technique (for example, Test Method E90,  (3) and (4)). Appendix E provides estimates of the bias that might be expected. Despite the presence of a bias, no corrections are to be applied to the measured data obtained by this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the 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 building elements. It may also be have applications in sectors other than the building industry, although these are beyond the scope.  
1.2 The primary quantity reported by this standard is Intensity Transmission Loss (ITL) and shall not be given another name. Similarly, the single-number rating Intensity Sound Transmission Class (ISTC) derived from the measured ITL shall not be given any other name.  
1.3 This test method may be used to reveal the sound radiation characteristics of a partition or portion thereof.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: The method for measuring the sound intensity radiated by the building element under test defined by this ASTM standard meets or exceeds those of ISO 15186-1. Special consideration will have to be given to requirements for the source room and specimen mounting if compliance with ISO 15186-1 is also desired as they differ from those of this standard.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Each weighting factor given in Table 1 represents the fraction of overall speech intelligence contained within the associated one-third octave frequency band.  
4.2 The weighting factors in Table 1 are obtained by multiplying each individual one-third octave band weighting factor of ANSI S3.5-1969 by 300. Articulation class (AC) values are thus related to but distinctly different from articulation index (AI) values. In particular, the AC considers only the effect of signal attenuation; while the AI considers such additional factors as speech level and spectrum and background sound level and spectrum.
Note 2: The AC is similar to the DAI rating proposed by Warnock6 and has been shown to correlate with AI values derived from ANSI S3.5, except where the AI approaches 1 or 0 (AI values range between 1 and 0 and approach 0 with increasing privacy and nonintelligibility). Articulation class values give the reverse. They usually exceed 100 and increase with increasing privacy and nonintelligibility. Extensive comparison between AC ratings and subjective judgments of open-plan speech privacy has not yet been accomplished.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification provides a single figure rating that can be used for comparing building systems and subsystems for speech privacy purposes. The rating is designed to correlate with transmitted speech intelligence between office spaces.  
1.2 Excluded from the scope of this classification are applications involving female speakers or children,2 languages other than English, and sound spectra other than speech. Thus excluded, for example, would be comparisons of building systems or subsystems for their effectiveness in reducing transmitted noise from machinery, industrial processes, bowling alleys, music rooms, places of entertainment, and the like.  
Note 1: Published work by Pearsons, et al, may eventually permit the restriction on female speakers to be relaxed.3  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The best uses of this guide are to measure the OINR and the AOITL(θ) or OITL(θ) at specific angles of incidence. By measuring the AOITL(θ) or OITL(θ) at several loudspeaker sound incidence angles, by energy-averaging the receiving room sound levels before computing results, an approximation of the diffuse field results measured with Test Methods E90 and E336 may be obtained.  
5.2 The traffic noise method is to be used only for OINR measurements and is most suitable for situations where the OINR of a specimen at a specific location is exposed to an existing traffic noise source.  
5.3 The OINR, AOITL(θ), and OITL(θ) produced by the methods described will not correspond to the transmission loss and noise reduction measured by Test Methods E90 and E336 because of the different incident sound fields that exist in the outdoors (1)4. All of these results are a function of the angle of incidence of the sound for two reasons.  
5.3.1 The transmission loss is strongly influenced by the coincidence effect where the frequency and projected wavelength of sound incident at angle, θ, coincides with the wavelength of a bending wave of the same frequency in the panel  (2, 3, 4, 5). This frequency and the angle of least transmission loss (greatest transparency) both depend on specimen panel stiffness, damping and area mass. In diffuse-field testing as in the laboratory, the effect is a weakness at the diffuse field average coincidence frequency that is dependent on material and thickness, often seen around the frequency of 2500 Hz for drywall and glass specimens. Thick wood panels, such as doors, and masonry wall exhibit lower coincident frequencies while thinner sheet steel exhibits higher coincidence frequencies. For free field sound coming from one direction only, the coincidence frequency varies with incidence angle and will differ from the diffuse-field value  (5). Near or at grazing (θ close to 90°) it will be much lower in frequency than the diffuse field (E90 and E33...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide may be used to determine the outdoor-indoor noise reduction (OINR), which is the difference in sound pressure level between the free-field level outdoors in the absence of the structure and the resulting sound pressure level in a room. Either a loudspeaker or existing traffic noise or aircraft noise can be used as the source. The outdoor sound field geometry must be described and calculations must account for the way the outdoor level is measured. These results are used with Classification E1332 to calculate the single number rating outdoor-indoor noise isolation class, OINIC. Both OINR and OINIC can vary with outdoor sound incidence angle.  
1.2 Under controlled circumstances where a single façade is exposed to the outdoor sound, or a façade element such as a door or window has much lower transmission loss than the rest of the façade, an outdoor-indoor transmission loss, OITL(θ), or apparent outdoor-indoor transmission loss, AOITL(θ), may be measured using a loudspeaker source. These results are a function of the angle of incidence of the sound field. By measuring with sound incident at many angles, an approximation to the diffuse field transmission loss as measured between two rooms can be obtained. The results may be used to predict interior sound levels in installations similar to that tested when exposed to an outdoor sound field similar to that used during the measurement. The single number ratings of apparent outdoor-indoor transmission class, AOITC(θ), using AOITL(θ) and field outdoor-indoor transmission class, FOITC(θ), using OITL(θ) may be calculated using Classification E1332. These ratings also may be calculated with the data obtained from receiving room sound pressure measurements performed at several incidence angles as discussed in 8.6.  
1.3 To cope with the variety of outdoor incident sound field geometries that are encountered in the field, six testing techniques are presented. These te...