Airborne sound transmission loss characteristics of wood-frame construction

Abstract

This report summarizes the available data on the airborne sound transmission loss properties of wood-frame construction and evaluates the methods for predicting the airborne sound transmission loss. The first part of the report comprises a summary of sound transmission loss data for wood-frame interior walls and floor-ceiling construction. Data bases describing the sound transmission loss characteristics of other building components, such as windows and doors, are discussed. The second part of the report presents the prediction of the sound transmission loss of wood- frame construction. Appropriate calculation methods are described both for single-panel and for double-panel construction with sound absorption material in the cavity. With available methods, single-panel construction and double-panel construction with the panels connected by studs may be adequately characterized. For double-panel construction with the panels unconnected (double-row-of-stud construction), however, the available prediction methods significantly overestimate the measured sound transmission loss performance. A new prediction method has been developed that appears to yield better results than previously available theoretical methods. This new prediction method is described and illustrated using several examples. Technical appendices are included that summarize laboratory measurements, compare measurement with theory, describe details of the prediction methods, and present sound transmission loss data for common building materials.