ASTM E 492—09 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine (PDF Download)

1.1 This test method covers the laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission of floor-ceiling assemblies using a standardized tapping machine. It is assumed that the test specimen constitutes the primary sound transmission path into a receiving room located directly below and that a good approximation to a diffuse sound field exists in this room. 1.2 Measurements may be conducted on floor-ceiling assemblies of all kinds, including those with floating-floor or suspended ceiling elements, or both, and floor-ceiling assemblies surfaced with any type of floor-surfacing or floor-covering materials. 1.3 This test method prescribes a uniform procedure for reporting laboratory test data, that is, the normalized one-third octave band sound pressure levels transmitted by the floor-ceiling assembly due to the tapping machine. Laboratory Accreditation. The requirements for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method are given in Annex A2. 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 the safety concerns, if any, 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.

This standard is referenced in the 2012 International Building Code® and the International Residential Code®.