ASTM E90
A common test procedure for determining how much sound is lost through building partitions like walls, floors, and ceilings is ASTM E90. In order to maintain acoustic privacy and comfort in buildings, it is crucial to assess how well these structures can stop sound from moving between spaces.
Use of ASTM E90:
Acoustic Performance Evaluation: This standard is used by engineers, architects, and acousticians to evaluate how well building materials and assemblies insulate against sound.
Product Development and Certification: To ensure that their products meet the necessary sound transmission standards, manufacturers test and certify them using ASTM E90.
Regulatory Compliance: In order to comply with building codes that dictate the performance of sound insulation, this standard is frequently required.
Method of ASTM E90:
Preparing the Sample:
The test sample, which is usually a partition such as a wall or floor assembly, is built according to precise specifications that correspond to its intended purpose.
Environment for Testing:
A source room, where sound is produced, and a receiving room, where sound transmission is measured, are typically used in the controlled laboratory setting where the tests are carried out.
Method of Measurement:
Sound Generation: In the source room, a loudspeaker continuously produces a noise signal, usually pink noise.
Data collection: To gauge the sound pressure levels, microphones are positioned in both rooms. In both rooms, measurements are made at the same time.
Sound Transmission Loss Calculation: The sound levels recorded in the source and receiving rooms are compared to determine the sound transmission loss (TL).
Analyzing Data:
The sound transmission loss is expressed in decibels (dB) and plotted against frequency to provide a comprehensive analysis of the material’s performance across a range of frequencies.
The findings can be used to categorize the material’s sound insulation performance and determine how well the partition blocks sound.
Building assemblies must adhere to ASTM E90 in order to ensure proper sound isolation, which improves acoustic comfort and privacy in a variety of contexts, including homes, businesses, and institutions.