A proposed new ASTM International standard will be helpful to the construction industry in designing acoustic properties for buildings. ASTM WK37294, Test Method for the Laboratory Measurement of Mechanical Impedance of Building Elements and Prediction of the Sound Transmission Loss Performance, is currently being developed by Subcommittee E33.03 on Sound Transmission, part of ASTM International Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics.

ASTM WK37294 measures the loss factor and equivalent bending rigidity modulus of composites, drywall, plywood and similar building elements, with the aim of comparing the damping properties of building elements.

Properties derived from the test method will be used to predict the sound transmission loss, thus allowing consultants and engineers to predict the sound transmission loss performance of a wall incorporating these materials.

Peter Jackson, technical director, Ward Process, and an E33 member, says that all interested parties, particularly manufacturers of damped construction materials, are welcome to participate in the ongoing development of ASTM WK37294.

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-construction or follow us on Twitter @ASTMBuildings.

ASTM Committee E33 Next Meeting: April 15-16, 2013, April Committee Week, Indianapolis, Ind.
Technical Contact: Peter Jackson, Ward Process, Holliston, Mass., Phone: 774-233-7011; p.jackson@aapusa.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Steve Mawn, Phone: 610-832-9726; smawn@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9316