Element operates an advanced architectural acoustics testing laboratory to provide accurate sound transmission and sound absorption data that help achieve excellent acoustics and sound isolation in buildings. 

As environmental noise pollution increases with airport or highway noise, road construction or noise in apartment and condo living, the acoustic properties of buildings have become critical to their ability to perform their function. Knowledge of the acoustic absorption levels of architectural materials and the behavior of sound reverberation before construction can be vital. 

We provide laboratory acoustics testing to rate the effectiveness of a material to attenuate or absorb sound. Methods we apply include Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Sound Absorption Average (SAA), Sound Transmission Class (STC), and Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). Field testing can be conducted to measure the airborne sound attenuation between rooms in buildings and impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies.

For more information about our architectural acoustics testing, and the services we provide to the construction industry, contact us today. 

architectural acoustics testing

Sound Absorption Testing

The sound absorption test measures the ability of building products to control reflected sound and decrease noise levels. Testing is conducted per ASTM C423, E795, and ISO 354. 

Our architectural acoustics experts operate an A2LA accredited facility equipped with reverberation chambers that allow assessing the performance of absorption materials, such as: 

  • Acoustic wall panels
  • Baffles
  • Ceiling panels
  • Draperies
  • Fabrics
  • Highway and transportation barriers
  • Insulation materials
  • Office partitions
  • Window fashions

We measure sound absorption by measuring the decay rate in a reverberation room. Materials receive two different ratings: Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), the average of sound absorption coefficients at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz rounded, and Sound Absorption Average (SAA), a single number rating that uses the rounded sound absorption coefficients at the twelve one-third octave bands from 200 through 2500 Hz indicating the ability of a material to absorb sound.

architectural acoustics testing

Sound Transmission Loss Testing

The sound transmission loss test measures the ability of building products to attenuate sound. Testing is conducted per ASTM E90, E423, E1332, AAMA 1801, and ISO 10140. 

We evaluate airborne sound transmission loss of building elements and partitions and determine the acoustical performance of: 
  • Doors
  • Draperies
  • Fabrics
  • Glass
  • Highway and transportation barriers
  • Insulation material
  • Wall panels and assemblies
  • Windows and window fashions

We measure sound transmission loss through the Sound Transmission Class (STC) and the Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). STC is defined as a single number rating that is calculated using values of sound transmission loss (TL), providing an estimate of the performance of a partition. OITC relates to ground and air transportation noise like planes, trains, and cars, and provides a single number rating for building facades and facade elements like windows and doors.

architectural acoustics testing

Field Testing

In addition to laboratory acoustics testing services, we also offer on-site analysis of wall, ceiling and floor assemblies. Testing is conducted per ASTM E336 and E1007. 

Element's field testing is conducted to measure the airborne sound-insulating properties of wall, ceiling and floor assemblies and the impact sound isolation between rooms. Our services help architects, building officials and construction contractors to meet building code requirements.

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