ASTM E497-99

Many of the benefits of walls with high sound transmission class ratings (STC), can be lost because of poor construction details or improper installation. Established reputable manufacturers of building materials and systems exercise great care to properly determine the acoustical performance of their products and, specifically, the ability of wall systems to attenuate sound. The laboratory-measured performance of partitions will not be achieved in buildings unless both the construction details of the acoustically rated wall and the installation details such as described in this procedure are strictly followed. This practice is intended to emphasize several factors that can substantially reduce the sound insulation of an otherwise good wall and to illustrate satisfactory solutions.

The STC rating of the partition alone does not necessarily determine the acoustic privacy of the total construction.

Note 1—Adherence to the precautions described in this recommended practice for control of sound leaks and flanking transmission should help achieve the noise reduction anticipated by laboratory tests. However, it is cautioned that the control of workmanship, materials, and site conditions is not as simple as it is in a laboratory.

1.1 This practice covers measures intended to prevent situations or conditions that will detract from the sound-insulating properties of acoustically-rated lightweight partitions. It is not intended to include all sound insulating constructions. Many acoustically-rated partitions are also fire rated and when being installed must be built in accordance with the construction details specified in the fire test construction. In any event, applicable building codes and regulations should be checked for possible conflicts.

1.2 Excluded from this scope are masonry type partitions having all or part of their construction from brick, concrete block, aggregate block, plaster block, poured concrete, etc. Also excluded are operable and demountable partitions (Operable are those partitions with a mechanism for easy movement; demountable partitions are those which are designed and installed with the intent of later being taken down and re-erected by a crew over a period of time, with the components being reusable). Not excluded are those partitions which are lightweight but have thin brick, tile, or plaster on one or both faces.

1.3 Plumbing wall and kitchen problems are excluded from this document.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.