To simplify and standardize evaluation of the acoustical performance of materials and systems, various rating systems have been adopted. The best known and most widely used are those published by ASTM, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Partitions, Floor-Ceiling Assemblies, and Barriers. Insulation (or isolation) of airborne sound provided by a barrier is usually expressed as its sound transmission class (STC). For a specific construction, STC is determined from a soundtransmission- loss curve obtained from a standardized test of a large-scale specimen.
This curve is compared with a standard contour, and a numerical rating is assigned to the specimen (ASTM E90 test procedure and ASTM E413, Determination of Sound Transmission Class).
Table 11.27 lists typical STC ratings of several partition, wall, and floor-ceiling components or assemblies. Published data for almost any type of construction can be obtained from various sources.
A difference of one or two points between two similar constructions is rarely significant. Normally, constructions tend to fall into groups or classes with their median values about five points apart. In Table 11.28, the italic number represents the median of a performance group which includes the numbers on either side of the median.
The impact insulation (or isolation) provided by floor-ceiling assemblies is usually expressed as their impact noise rating (INR) or impact insulation (IIC). Like STC, INR and IIC values are obtained by comparing the curve of the sound spectrum obtained in a test with a standard contour (except that for INR and IIC the sound pressure level is measured in the room below the noise source). The entire procedure is controversial and far from widely accepted; but its use is so widespread that designers and builders should be aware of it. (See ASTM RM 14-4.) Table 11.29 lists the impact isolation provided by several types of construction.
Note particularly the enormous effect of certain floor coverings on the performance of the construction. (While IIC values are shown in Table 11.29, they can be converted to INR values by subtracting 51 points; for example, IIC 60 = INR 9, and IIC 45= INR -6, etc.)
Acoustical Absorbents. Sound absorption coefficients and noise reduction coefficients of acoustical absorbents, including carpets and other furnishings, are usually readily available from manufacturers. The coefficients are normally obtained from laboratory tests of panel specimens of about 72- to 80-ft2 area, tested according to ASTM C423. It is imperative that the test specimens be as nearly identical as possible, in construction system and detail, with actual field installations, since construction details enormously affect acoustical performance.
Table 11.30 lists performance ranges of typical absorbent materials. For specific data on specific materials or systems, always refer to specific tests by accredited test agencies.
The sound transmission loss through an acoustical ceiling (up and over a barrier) when the ceiling is used as a continuous membrane is often an important rating.
As might be expected, the effectiveness of acoustical absorbents as acoustical barriers is limited, and supplementary barriers or isolation are frequently required in normal construction.
Other Acoustical Materials. Performance ratings of damping materials, duct linings, vibration isolation materials and devices, etc., are available from various sources. Use of such materials is somewhat complex and specialized.
