4.1 This classification provides a single number rating for transmission loss or noise reduction data that have been measured or calculated. This rating is based on the difference between the overall A-weighted sound level of the sound spectrum given in Table 1 and the overall A-weighted sound level of the spectrum that results from arithmetically subtracting the transmission loss or noise reduction data from this spectrum. The spectrum shape is an average of three spectra from transportation sources (aircraft takeoff, road traffic, and diesel locomotive). A study showed that this classification correlated well with the A-weighted and loudness reductions (based on ISO 532:1975 in effect at the time) calculated for each of the individual spectra used in developing the rating for the one-third-octave band range of 50 Hz to 5000 Hz. The calculated numeric value of the rating is based on the sound transmission loss or noise reduction values for a particular specimen and depends only on that data and the shape of the reference source spectrum used in the calculation. The values shown in Table 1 have an arbitrary reference level. Use single-number ratings with caution. Specimens having the same rating can result in different indoor spectra depending on the variation of their transmission loss with frequency. Also, if the actual spectrum of the outdoor sound is different from that assumed in Table 1, the overall A-weighted outdoor-indoor noise reduction can be different from the OINIC. The strong low-frequency content of the spectrum in Table 1 means that specimen achieving a high rating must have strong low-frequency transmission loss. Use of this classification with the spectrum in Table 1 in situations where the source does not have a spectrum similar to Table 1 could result in requirements for more low-frequency transmission loss than is necessary for the application. Examples where this can occur are stage 3 jet aircraft, high-speed freeways with sound dominated by tire noise, emergency vehicle sirens, and train passes with sound dominated by horns.6

4.2 This classification requires data in one-third octave bands from 80 to 4000 Hz of sound transmission loss (TL) for outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC), outdoor-indoor noise reduction (OINR(θ)) for outdoor-indoor noise isolation class (OINIC(θ)), or other data based on the rating definition for other ratings based on this classification.

4.3 Due to accuracy limitations given in Test Method E90 and Guide E966 (related to the volume of enclosed measurement spaces), measurements below the 100 Hz one-third-octave band were not reported prior to the development of this classification. Studies have shown that data in the 80 Hz one-third octave band are necessary to obtain acceptable correlations for transportation sound sources. Test Method E90 (when testing façade elements or exterior doors or windows) and Guide E966 now require the reporting of data in the 80 Hz one-third-octave band. For the purposes of this classification, such data are deemed to be of acceptable accuracy.

4.4 The low frequency measurements of sound transmission loss can be affected by the test specimen size or the specimen edge restraints, or both, particularly for small modular specimens such as doors or windows. Consequently, the outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC) can also be affected by these factors, resulting in some uncertainty of the field performance of assemblies bearing a rating number using this classification, but to what extent is unknown.

1.1 The purpose of this classification is to provide a method to calculate single-number ratings that can be used for assessing the isolation from outdoor sound provided by a building or comparing building facade specimens including walls, doors, windows, and combinations thereof, including complete structures. These ratings are designed to correlate with subjective impressions of the ability of building elements to reduce the penetration of outdoor ground and air transportation noise that contains strong low-frequency sound.2 These ratings provide an evaluation and rank ordering of the performance of test specimens based on their effectiveness at controlling the sound of a specific outdoor sound spectrum called the reference source spectrum.

1.2 In addition to the calculation method, this classification provides the definition of the outdoor-indoor transmission class which is not defined elsewhere within ASTM standards. Other standards such as Guide E966 define additional ratings based on the method of this classification, one of which is discussed in this classification.

1.3 The rating does not necessarily relate to the perceived aesthetic quality of the transmitted sound. Different facade elements with similar ratings differ significantly in the proportion of low and high frequency sound that they transmit, and the spectra of sources can vary significantly. It is best to use specific sound transmission loss values, in conjunction with actual spectra of outdoor and indoor sound levels, for making final selections of facade elements.

1.4 Excluded from the scope of this classification are applications involving noise spectra differing markedly from that shown in Table 1. Thus excluded, for example, would be certain industrial noises with high levels at frequencies below the 80 Hz one-third octave band, relative to levels at higher frequencies, and any source, including some transportation sources, that does not have a spectrum similar to that in Table 1. However, for any source with a spectrum similar to that in Table 1, this classification provides a more reliable ranking of the performance of partitions and facade elements than do other classifications such as Classification E413.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.