Acoustical Performance Testing

Value

Today, growing concern about the effect of sound on human performance is leading to increased regulation. Consequently, accurate acoustical performance measurement is critical for certification of building products, materials, and appliances, as well as for providing valid data for architects, facility owners, and consultants.

The following acoustical characteristics can be evaluated by Architectural Testing:

• Sound Absorption – measures a material’s ability to control reflected sound and reduce noise levels, control reverberation, and improve listening environments. Random incidence sound absorption is measured in a reverberation room for large objects (i.e. wall panels, ceiling panels, office screens, bass traps, baffles, highway concrete barriers, and theater or airplane seats). Normal incidence sound absorption is measured in a two-microphone impedance tube for automotive and aerospace materials or R&D work. Specimens can be tested in three different 1/3 octave band frequency ranges (50 – 1600 Hz, 200 – 3150 Hz, or 400 - 6300 Hz).
• Sound Power – is a measure of the sound energy that is radiated from specific sources such as appliances, power tools, office equipment, or any other device that emits noise.
• Sound Transmission Loss – is a measurement of the attenuation of sound through a building element or system. These elements could consist of windows, doors, interior or exterior wall configurations, curtain walls, louvers, highway barriers, office panels, or other sound barrier materials. Composite systems or building mock-ups up to 14' wide by 10' high can also be evaluated to determine compliance to project specifications.

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Innovations

Laboratory Test Equipment

The Architectural Testing acoustical laboratory is comprised of a control room, a sound source room (207 cubic meters), and a receiving reverberation chamber (231 cubic meters). To meet customer demand for turnaround times as fast as 14 days, Architectural Testing can employ up to seven test frames to facilitate the testing of multiple specimens up to 14’ wide x 10’ high x 12” deep. Sound Pressure Levels are captured by a Hewlett Packard Dynamic Signal Analyzer, and they are processed automatically by a computer.

To ensure that the correct glazing has been installed in fenestration products, Architectural Testing will laser-test the glass prior to testing. An infrared device is also used to ensure that products containing viscoelastic materials (such as laminated glass) are at the proper temperature prior to testing.

Architectural Testing maintains 100 mm, 57 mm, and 29 mm impedance tubes to cover the 1/3 octave band frequency ranges of 50 to 1600 hertz, 200 to 3150 hertz, and 400 to 6300 hertz respectively. An airflow resistance test apparatus can also be utilized to determine the porosity of acoustical materials.

Acoustical Field Test Equipment

Architectural Testing laboratories in Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth), Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Illinois (Chicago) and Pennsylvania (York) can deploy field-testing vans to perform acoustical field measurements. Each van is equipped with a Norsonic NOR 121 sound analyzer, several microphones & preamplifiers, loudspeakers, a tapping machine, a reference sound source, plus devices to measure environmental variables, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Field sound transmission loss tests can be performed on interior wall partitions or on floor/ceiling systems between adjacent rooms. Outdoor-indoor sound transmission loss tests can be conducted on building facades or facade elements such as windows, doors, curtain walls, etc. Field impact sound transmission loss tests can be performed on floor/ceiling systems or floor topping materials.

Site noise assessments can also be conducted to determine if existing noise levels exceed local, state, or federal noise limitations.

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Insights and Possibilities

To ensure the highest degree of confidence, Architectural Testing acoustical laboratories are fully accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Architectural Testing has an accredited Acoustical Certification Program for the certification and labeling of acoustical products.

Typical Test Methods

Laboratory Tests AAMA 1801 ASTM C423 ASTM C522 ASTM E90 ASTM E596 ASTM E1050 ASTM E1222 ASTM E1425 ANSI 12.51/ISO 3741 SAE J1400 ASTM E 492 ASTM E 2179 ASTM E 1111 ASTM E1414 ISO 140-18 ISO 15665

Field Tests ASTM E336 ASTM E996 ASTM E1007 ASTM C423 OSHA compliance Site assessments

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