Acoustical Testing:

Facts and
Misconceptions
Michael L. Mackereth
Architectural Testing

Presentation Outline

Basic Acoustics
Test Methods
Effects on Sound Transmission Loss
Codes and Regulations
Acoustical Lab

7/25/2011

OITC vs. STC

OITC (Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class)
Calculated
in
accordance
ASTM E 1332 (Published in 1990)

with

Created to provide a single number

rating for faades (exterior walls) and
faade elements (windows and doors)
that are subjected to transportation
noises
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The OITC is calculated over the

frequency range of 80 to 4000 hertz

OITC vs. STC

STC (Sound Transmission Class)
Calculated
in
accordance
ASTM E 413 (Published in 1970)

with

Created to provide a single number

rating for interior building partitions that
are subjected to noises from speech,
television, radio and office equipment
Note: ASTM E 413 specifically states that the STC calculation should not be
used to evaluate partitions exposed to machinery, industrial and
transportation noise such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains.

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The STC is calculated over the

frequency range of 125 to 4000 hertz

Basics of Sound
Transmission Loss

Source Room
SPL Level = 100 dB

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Average
Noise
Reduction
of 45 dB

Receive Room
SPL Level = 55 dB

Flanking Effects on
Sound Transmission Loss
Average
Noise
Reduction
of 35 dB

Source Room
SPL Level = 100 dB

Receive Room
SPL Level = 65 dB

Average Noise
Reduction of 45 dB

Average
Noise
Reduction
of 35 dB

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Chimney

Attic Fans or
Roof Vents

Gable Vents
Element #4 - Roof
Ceiling System

Oven
Fans

Roof
Soffits

Element #1
Exterior Wall

Element #3
Door

Element #2
Window

Floor System

Basement
Windows

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Sound Transmission Paths

Sound Pressure Level

Sound Pressure
N/m2 (Pa)
100,000
10,000
1,000
100
10
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.000002

Level, Lp
dB
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

Noise Sources
Saturn Rocket
After Burning Jet Engine
Jet Aircraft Engine
Threshold of Pain
Near Elevated Train
OSHA Limit
Industrial Noise
Normal Speech
Quiet Office
Whisper
Threshold of Hearing

Sound Pressure Level, Lp = 20 log10 (p(t) / pref )

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Where:
p(t) = instantaneous sound pressure, Pa
pref = reference sound pressure, standardized at
2 x 10-5 N/m2 (20uPa)

Sound Pressure Level vs.

Loudness

Change in
Decibels
1 dB
3 dB
5 dB
10 dB
15 dB
20 dB
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Change in
Perceptable Loudness
Imperceptable change
Just barely distinguishable
25% Change in Loudness
50% Change in Loudness
63% Change in Loudness
75% Change in Loudness

Estimated Window & Curtain Wall

Performance
Primary Glazing Only

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Window/Curtain Wall IG Glazing

OITC

STC

2.3 mm (3/32 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 2.3 mm (3/32 in)
annealed

20-22

25-27

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 3 mm (1/8 in) annealed

23-25

27-29

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 4.8 mm (3/16 in)
annealed

25-27

29-31

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 4.8 mm (3/16 in)
laminated

26-28

31-33

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 6 mm (1/4 in) annealed

26-28

31-33

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 6 mm (1/4 in) laminated

27-29

32-34

4.8 mm (3/16 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 4.8 mm (3/16 in)
annealed

25-27

30-32

6 mm (1/4 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 6 mm (1/4 in) annealed

26-28

31-33

6 mm (1/4 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 6 mm (1/4 in) laminated

28-30

34-36

6 mm (1/4 in) laminated, 12 mm (1/2 in) air space, 6 mm (1/4 in)

laminated

29-31

37-39

Estimated Window & Curtain Wall

Performance
Primary & Secondary Glazing

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Prime Window/Curtain Wall IG Glazing

Prime to
Secondary Air
Space

Secondary Window/
Curtain Wall
Glazing

OITC

STC

3 mm (1/8 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air

space, 3 mm (1/8 in) annealed

50 mm (2 in)

3 mm (1/8 in)
annealed

28-30

39-41

6 mm (1/4 in) annealed, 12 mm (1/2 in) air

space, 3 mm (1/8 in) annealed

50 mm (2 in)

6 mm (1/4 in)
annealed

32-35

42-44

6 mm (1/4 in) laminated, 12 mm (1/2 in) air

space, 3 mm (1/8 in) annealed

50 mm (2 in)

6 mm (1/4 in)
annealed

34-36

43-45

6 mm (1/4 in) laminated, 12 mm (1/2 in) air

space, 3 mm (1/8 in) annealed

50 mm (2 in)

6 mm (1/4 in)
laminated

35-37

44-46

Estimated Exterior Wall

Performance
Wall Construction

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Exterior Wall Construction

OITC
Rating

STC
Rating

Vinyl siding, OSB board, 2 x 4 wood studs, drywall, no insulation

22 - 24

34 - 36

Vinyl siding, OSB board, 2 x 4 wood studs, drywall, with R-13 insulation

24 - 25

36 - 38

Vinyl siding, OSB board, 2 x 6 wood studs, drywall, no insulation

34-35

Vinyl siding, OSB board, 2 x 6 wood studs, drywall, with R-13 insulation

37-38

Sound Transmission Loss

Variables
Mass of materials
Heavier materials have higher sound transmission loss.

Resonant frequency of the materials or surfaces

Most materials will resonate at a certain frequency when they are
excited by sound waves or vibrations. The sound transmission loss will
decrease at that frequency and probably at some of the surrounding
frequencies.

Air space between materials or surfaces

Larger air spaces yield better performance.

Material stiffness
Limper materials provide better noise attenuation. Gypsum Board walls
need to be conditioned at 40-70% R.H. for at least 72 hours.

Structural coupling between materials and surfaces

Decoupling surfaces from each other improves sound transmission
loss. Fasteners can affect panel stiffness and coupling between
surfaces.

Cavity Insulation
Insulating stud cavities improves the noise reduction of wall systems.
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Dissimilar Materials
Use of dissimilar materials can reduce coincidence dip effects.

Acoustical Test Methods

AAMA 1801, Voluntary Specification for the Acoustical
Rating of Windows, Doors and Glazed Wall Sections

ASTM E 1425, Standard Practice for Determining the

Acoustical Performance of Exterior Windows and Doors

ASTM E 90, Standard Test Method for Laboratory

Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of
Building Partitions and Elements

ASTM E 336, Standard Test Method for Measurement of

Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings (Field Method Interior
partions or floor to floor)

ASTM E 966, Standard Guide for Field Measurement of

Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades and Facade
Elements (Field Method)
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Effects on Sound
Transmission Loss
Window Designs or Components

Glass Thickness
Air Infiltration
Type of Glass (Annealed, Laminated, etc.)
Type of Spacer
Insulating Glass Films
Air Space between Glass Lites
Type of Gas Fill
Edge Effects

Test Conditions
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Temperature (For Laminated Glass)

Glass Thickness Effect on

Transmission Loss
Fixed Window with 3/4" Insulating Glass
S o u n d T ran sm issio n L o ss, d B

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
1/8" & 3/32", OITC = 24, STC = 28
5

1/4" & 1/8", OITC = 27, STC = 31

0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Transmission Loss
Deterioration Due to
Air Leakage
Single Hung Window with Insulating Glass
(1/4" annealed, 3/8" Air, 3/32" annealed)

Sound Transmission Loss, dB

60

50

40

30

20

10
As Received, OITC = 24, STC = 26
Completely Sealed, OITC = 27, STC = 31
0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Tempered vs. Laminated Glass

Sliding Glass Door with Insulating Glass

60

Sound Transmission Loss, dB

50

40

30

20

1/4" Temp / 1/2" Air / 1/4" Temp, OITC = 27, STC = 33

10

1/4" Temp / 1/2" Air / 1/4" Lami, OITC = 30, STC = 35

1/4" Lami / 1/2" Air / 1/4" Lami, OITC = 31, STC = 38
0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Spacer Effect on
Transmission Loss
Single Hung Window with Insulating Glass
(1/4" annealed, 3/8" Argon, 1/8" annealed)

S ound Transm ission Loss, dB

60
50
40
30
20
10

U-Channel Spacer, OITC = 26, STC = 29

Foam Spacer, OITC = 26, STC = 31

0
10

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100

1000
Frequency, Hz.

10000

Transmission Loss of
Insulating Glass with
Suspended Films
Insulating Glass with Suspended Films

S o u n d T ra n s m is s io n L o s s , d B

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

IG without Film, OITC = 22, STC = 28

10.0

IG with One Film, OITC = 23, STC = 30

IG with Two Films, OITC = 24, STC = 31
0.0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Air Space Effect on

Sound Transmission Loss
Double Hung Window with
1/4" annealed and 1/4" annealed

S ound Transm ission Loss, dB

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

1/2" Air Space, OITC = 27, STC = 33

4" Air Space, OITC = 32, STC = 43

0.0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Argon vs. Air Filled

Insulating Glass
Fixed Window with Insulating Glass
(3/16" annealed, 9/16" space, 1/8" annealed)
S ound Transmission Loss, dB

60

50

40

30

20

10

Argon Filled, OITC = 24, STC = 30

Air Filled, OITC = 25, STC = 30

0
10

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100

1000

Frequency, Hz.

10000

Codes & Regulations

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Acoustical Requirements & Codes

It is important to verify the acoustical performance of the

whole assembly rather than just meeting the performance
requirements of the building or glazing elements alone.
The STC and OITC ratings of window and curtain wall
units (tested in the laboratory) have been known to be
anywhere from three to six points lower than the glass
alone data that is prevalent in the fenestration industry.
The difference between a laboratory tested product or
assembly and a field tested product or assembly can also
vary by three or more points if good construction
practices are not followed.

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Acoustical Requirements &

Codes (contd)
It is evident that in order to meet the owner's
performance expectations, laboratory testing of
proposed building elements and field testing of installed
assemblies is essential.
It is only at the field testing phase of the process can the
true acoustical performance of the assembly can be
determined.

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International Building Code

SECTION 1207 - SOUND TRANSMISSION

1207.1 Scope. This section shall apply to common interior walls, partitions and
floor/ceiling assemblies between adjacent dwelling units or between dwelling
units and adjacent public areas such as halls, corridors, stairs or service areas.
1207.2 Air-borne sound. Walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies
separating dwelling units from each other or from public or service areas shall
have a sound transmission class (STC) of not less than 50 (45 if field tested) for
air-borne noise when tested in accordance with ASTM E 90. Penetrations or
openings in construction assemblies for piping; electrical devices; recessed
cabinets; bathtubs; soffits; or heating, ventilating or exhaust ducts shall be
sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings.
This requirement shall not apply to dwelling unit entrance doors; however, such
doors shall be tight fitting to the frame and sill.
1207.3 Structure-borne sound. Floor/ceiling assemblies between dwelling
units or between a dwelling unit and a public or service area within the structure
shall have an impact insulation class (IIC) rating of not less than 50 (45 if field
tested) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 492.

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International Residential Code

APPENDIX K - SOUND TRANSMISSION

AK101.1 General.Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating dwelling units
including those separating adjacent townhouse units shall provide air-borne
sound insulation for walls, and both air-borne and impact sound insulation for
floor-ceiling assemblies.
SECTION AK102 - AIR-BORNE SOUND
AK102.1 General. Air-borne sound insulation for wall and floor-ceiling
assemblies shall meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 45 when
tested in accordance with ASTM E 90. Penetrations or openings in construction
assemblies for piping; electrical devices; recessed cabinets; bathtubs; soffits; or
heating, ventilating or exhaust ducts shall be sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise
treated to maintain the required ratings. Dwelling unit entrance doors, which
share a common space, shall be tight fitting to the frame and sill.
SECTION AK103 - STRUCTURAL-BORNE SOUND
AK103.1 General. Floor/ceiling assemblies between dwelling units or between a
dwelling unit and a public or service area within a structure shall have an Impact
Insulation Class (IIC) rating of not less than 45 when tested in accordance with
ASTM E 492.

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LEED for Classrooms

Intent
Provide classrooms that are quiet and in which teachers can speak to the class without straining their voices and
students can effectively communicate with each other and the teacher.
Requirements
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to meet the Reverberation Time (RT) requirements of ANSI
Standard S12.60-2002, Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for Schools. Also,
design classrooms and other core learning spaces to meet the Sound Transmission Class (STC) requirements,
excepting windows, which must meet an STC rating of at least 35.
AND
OPTION 1
Using the methodology described in annexes B through D of ANSI Standard S12.60-2002, achieve a maximum
background noise level in classrooms and other primary learning spaces of 45 dBA.
OR
OPTION 2
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces using the methodology listed in the 2003 HVAC Applications
ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47 on Sound and Vibration Control, and achieve an RC (N) Mark II level of 37.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Design considerations include reducing noise from exterior to interior spaces, between spaces within the building,
and within the classroom space. External to internal noise transmission can be reduced by orienting classrooms
away from external noise sources and using thick and/or massive materials in walls and roofs. Also, windows
should be well sealed and have adequate air gaps between sheets of glass.

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Housing & Urban Development

U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development

Specification No.

24 CFR Part 51

Site Acceptability Standards listed in table below:

Day-Night Equivalent Sound
Level in Decibels (Ldn)
Acceptable

Not exceeding 65 dB

Normally Unacceptable

Above 65 dB but not

exceeding 75 dB

Unacceptable

Above 75 dB

Figure 2.6 HUD site acceptability criteria

In Figure 2.6, ranges of Ldn are correlated with various dispositions that classify HUD approval procedures and identify
the need for noise abatement, either at the site property line or in the construction of the building exterior. These have
been devised to achieve the HUD goal for interior noise levels of a day-night equivalent noise level not exceeding 45
dB

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Environmental Protection
Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Specification NEPA Pub. No. 550/9-79-100 (November 1978)
Sound Pressure Level
Effect

Ldn

Hearing

Leq (24 hrs)

< 70 dBA

Outdoor
Activity
< 55 dBA

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All areas (at the ear)

Outdoors in residential areas and farms and other areas where
people spend widely varying amounts of time and other places in
which quiet is a basis for use.

< 55 dB

Indoor
Activity

Area

Outdoor areas where people spend limited amounts of time such

as school yards, playgrounds, etc.
Indoor residential areas

< 45 dB
< 45 dBA

Other indoor areas with human activities such as schools, etc.

Acoustical Laboratory
Control Panel

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Large Reverberation
Chamber

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Rotating Vane in Large

Reverberation Chamber

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TL Test Frame for Single

and Double Doors

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4060 Window Installed

in Test Opening

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Questions?

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