4.4 How is sound insulation measured ?
Description
This article is from the Acoustics FAQ, by Andrew Silverman with numerous contributions by others.
4.4 How is sound insulation measured ?
The measurement method depends on the particular situation. There are standards for the measurement of the insulation of materials in the laboratory, and for a number of different field circumstances. Usually the procedures involve generating a loud sound of a specified type and monitoring the transmitted noise.
It is very useful to have a single number to characterize the insulation of a partition. Measurements are often conducted in third- octaves, and the reduction plotted on a graph. A reference curve is then fitted to the measurements using a specified procedure, and the value of this curve at 500 Hz is taken as the figure. There is a slight difference in procedure between the U.S. and ISO standards, but the methods are basically similar. The same is also true for impact noise transmission assessment, where a standard tapping machine is in use to hammer floors. Sound pressure levels in the room below are monitored.
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