Acoustical Testing, Consulting & Noise Assessment for Building Products

The Role of Acoustics in Building Design and Construction

In today's world, acoustics play a crucial role in building design and construction. Sound can significantly impact occupant comfort, health, productivity, and safety.

Building projects require expertise in noise control, vibration mitigation, and sound optimization to achieve optimal acoustic performance. Intertek, a global leader in quality assurance and testing, offers a comprehensive suite of building construction acoustical services that include testing, measurements, and consulting.

Acoustical Services

Comprehensive Testing for Standard Compliance - Expand your brand's reach through Intertek's world-class acoustical testing. Leveraging a global network of accredited laboratories and deep expertise in building product testing, Intertek empowers you to achieve optimal acoustic performance and extend your brand's reach throughout multiple markets across the globe. We test a wide range of building products and technologies, from traditional materials like walls and floors to cutting-edge solutions like noise-absorbing panels and smart acoustic systems.

Testing for Acoustics

Intertek offers a comprehensive suite of acoustical testing services to help you ensure that your building products meet the highest standards for sound performance. Our services include both lab and field testing to ensure your products will perform in real-world applications.

Acoustical Lab Testing

From cutting-edge sound transmission loss assessment to precise impact insulation calculations, Intertek's accredited acoustical lab testing offers an in-depth analysis of your building materials and assemblies.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, manned by experienced professionals, deliver reliable data and comprehensive reports, ensuring your products meet acoustic performance standards and contribute to a comfortable, well-designed soundscape in your final project.

Acoustical Field Testing

Test your product in the field with our mobile and easy-to-access field acoustic team. Apparent sound transmission loss, apparent impact isolation class, apparent indoor-outdoor transmission class, apparent noise isolation class. Like our laboratory tests, test results are delivered in real-time, with immediate tabular and graphical product performance analysis.

Related Field Test Ratings

Apparent Sound Transmission Classification (ASTC)
ASTC is a field-measured rating using the test method from ASTM E336.

 Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC)
OITC is a number rating of the sound transmission loss of a constructed assembly tested with lower frequencies to represent sound typical of modes of transportation.

 Apparent Impact Insulation Class (AIIC)
AIIC is the insulation index of the apparent impact noise of a floor/ceiling assembly on site. Since ASTM E1007-14 and ASTM E336-14 came to affect, details have been provided on how to measure and present the results of acoustic tests carried out on site.

 Noise Isolation Class (NIC)
NIC is a single number (like STC) expressing the actual degree of sound control between two adjoining areas measured at various frequency levels (pitches), on site in a building and is commonly referred to as a "Field Test". The higher the number the better the control.

Comprehensive Testing for Standard Compliance

Expand your brand's reach through Intertek's world-class acoustical testing. Leveraging a global network of accredited laboratories and deep expertise in building product testing, Intertek empowers you to achieve optimal acoustic performance and extend your brand's reach throughout multiple markets worldwide. We test a wide range of building products and technologies, from traditional materials like walls and floors to cutting-edge solutions like noise-absorbing panels and smart acoustic systems.

Accredited Testing for Quality Assurance

Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of acoustical testing in your building project. It signifies that a laboratory adheres to internationally recognized standards for equipment, calibration, personnel qualifications, and testing procedures. Intertek takes pride in holding accreditations from multiple recognized bodies, solidifying its position as a trusted leader in acoustical services.

Noise Assessment

Noise assessments, also known as noise impact assessments or noise surveys, are crucial for safeguarding the well-being and safety of workers, ensuring adherence to noise regulations, and mitigating the effects of noise on nearby communities and the environment. These evaluations are crucial for understanding and managing the impact of noise produced by various sources, including industrial activities, construction, transportation, and commercial operations.

Acoustical Consulting and Testing 

Intertek provides expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning and design to construction and post-occupancy evaluation. Our acoustical consulting and testing services can help you ensure that your building project meets all applicable acoustical needs and requirements.

Site Surveys and Assessments
Assessing existing noise levels and potential noise sources to inform design decisions.

Predictive Modeling
Utilizing specialized software to predict the acoustic performance of building materials and assemblies before construction begins.

Design Support
Recommending materials, layouts, and construction techniques to achieve desired acoustic goals.

Mockup Testing
Verifying the effectiveness of proposed designs before full-scale implementation.

Post-Construction Measurements
Ensure compliance with established standards and identify any potential concerns.

Acoustical Product Certification

Intertek helps manufacturers obtain independent verification of their products' acoustic performance through its ETL Certification program. This enhances product credibility and competitiveness in the market.

Acoustical Testing Standards

Intertek’s state-of-the-art testing facilities are accredited by various national and international standards bodies. They offer:

• Sound Transmission Loss (STL) Testing
  Measuring how well walls, floors, and ceilings block sound.
• Sound Absorption Testing
  Determining the ability of materials to absorb sound and reduce reverberation.
• Impact Sound Insulation (IIC) Testing
  Assessing the noise generated by footfall on various floor structures.
• Airborne Sound Insulation (STC) Testing
  Measuring the ability of walls and doors to block airborne noise.
• Field Testing
  Performing on-site measurements to verify compliance with project specifications and regulations

International Standards for Acoustics

ASTM International develops and publishes a wide array of standards for acoustical testing and measurement. These standards are used worldwide to ensure the quality and performance of building products and to create acoustically comfortable environments. Some of the key ASTM standards for acoustics include:

ASTM E90
Standard test method for laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions and elements.

ASTM E1107
Measures tapping machine impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies and associated support structures.

ASTM E492
Standard test method for laboratory measurement of impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies using the tapping machine.

ASTM E336
Standard test method for measurement of airborne sound attenuation between rooms in buildings.

ASTM E1007
Standard test method for measurement of tapping machine impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies and associated support structure.

ASTM E2179
Standard test method for laboratory measurement of the effectiveness of floor coverings in reducing impact should transmission through concrete floors.

ASTM E1414
Standard test method for airborne sound attenuation between rooms sharing a common ceiling plenum.

ASTM E2235
Standard test method for determination of decay rates for use in sound insulation test methods.

Acoustical Accreditations 

Reduce your risk with accredited testing. Having test results from an accredited laboratory strengthens your position when seeking regulatory approvals or demonstrating compliance with project specifications.

National Accreditation for Building Products

International Accreditation Service (IAS): IAS accreditation covers Intertek's acoustical testing capabilities for various standards, including ASTM International, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This demonstrates their competence in conducting a wide range of tests with adherence to rigorous international standards.

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP): NVLAP accreditation specifically recognizes Intertek's expertise in testing building products for compliance with national standards such as the International Building Code (IBC). This accreditation is crucial for manufacturers seeking to sell their products in the US market.

Global Accreditations

Accreditations recognized worldwide enhance the credibility of your test reports, facilitating trade and market access for building products.

Reduced Risk: Partnering with an accredited laboratory mitigates the risk of non-compliance and potential consequences like project delays or legal disputes.

Other Accreditations

Depending on your project's specific requirements, Intertek may hold additional accreditations from regional or industry-specific bodies. These could include the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), the European Organization for Technical Approvals (EOTA), or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Laboratory

Selecting an accredited laboratory for your acoustical testing offers several advantages:

Quality Assurance: Accreditation guarantees that the testing process adheres to established quality management systems, minimizing the risk of errors, and ensuring the accuracy of your results.

Intertek’s Comprehensive Solutions for Acoustics

Intertek will help to navigate your global compliance. Our team is intimately familiar with both national and international standards, ensuring your products comply with regulations in any market you target.

Global Market Access, understanding individual market requirements and testing accordingly, we help you navigate complex regulations and gain access to new markets worldwide.

Our global network of labs eliminates geographical barriers, facilitating efficient testing and certification regardless of your product's destination. Demonstrating compliance with international standards enhances your brand reputation and creates a competitive edge in global markets.

Contact us today to partner with a trusted industry leader, ready to ensure the health and safety of your employees and support your real estate development goals.