The problem with E90

Abstract

Wall constructions are typically evaluated at an accredited acoustical laboratory for sound transmission loss per the ASTM E90 standard and the STC determined per the ASTM E413 standard. In North America, there are several accredited acoustic laboratories where walls can be evaluated. Accredited acoustic laboratories are required by the ASTM E90 standard to demonstrate that their facility is in compliance with the standard by performing transmission loss testing utilizing a reference specimen outlined in the ASTM E1289 standard. This standard prescribes a series of reference assemblies based on sheet metal panels in a metal frame, all with STC values less than 30, to be used in demonstrating compliance. A recent study conducted at the Owens Corning Acoustic Research Center, an accredited acoustical laboratory, provided enough data to perform a gauge study on the E90 test. The results of that study will be presented in this paper.Wall constructions are typically evaluated at an accredited acoustical laboratory for sound transmission loss per the ASTM E90 standard and the STC determined per the ASTM E413 standard. In North America, there are several accredited acoustic laboratories where walls can be evaluated. Accredited acoustic laboratories are required by the ASTM E90 standard to demonstrate that their facility is in compliance with the standard by performing transmission loss testing utilizing a reference specimen outlined in the ASTM E1289 standard. This standard prescribes a series of reference assemblies based on sheet metal panels in a metal frame, all with STC values less than 30, to be used in demonstrating compliance. A recent study conducted at the Owens Corning Acoustic Research Center, an accredited acoustical laboratory, provided enough data to perform a gauge study on the E90 test. The results of that study will be presented in this paper.