E90 round-robin—Status and path forward

Abstract

A good understanding of the uncertainty of a test method is necessary to interpret the results of said test. The ASTM E90 test has many potential sources of variation that can lead to significant uncertainty in the test results, but this uncertainty is not well documented in the precision and bias statement within ASTM E90. The current precision and bias statement provides some limited repeatability data for a wood joist floor and a concrete slab and only provides reproducibility data for the ASTM E1289 reference specimen. The E1289 reference specimens are simple steel plates in single and double-layer configurations that yield STC ratings far below those of the wall and floor/ceiling assemblies that are commonly tested. The authors are in charge of a new round-robin that aims to provide more detailed repeatability and reproducibility data using common wall designs with STC ratings in the range more commonly seen in building code requirements and design guidelines. In this presentation, the authors will cover their proposed plan for the round-robin and will give an update on its status.