ASTM E336 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings

    ASTM E336 Introduction

    ASTM E336 is a convenient way to test the insulation of airborne sound in already completed buildings rather than laboratory settings. Acoustic comfort is an important idea in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Sound transmission between rooms is undesirable and can interfere with living privacy and productivity. The approach embraces the area variables such as workmanship, installation quality, and flanking paths that affect performance on real ground. The information obtained tests the assessment of compliance with acoustic standards, the quality of buildings, and the satisfaction with living.

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    ASTM E336 Test Method

    Test SetupA sound source (usually a loudspeaker with broad-spectrum noise) is placed in the source room.
    Source Room MeasurementSound pressure levels are measured at multiple positions in the source room.
    Receiving Room MeasurementSound levels are recorded in the adjacent receiving room at several positions.
    Background Noise CheckBackground noise levels in the receiving room are measured separately.
    Data CorrectionAdjustments are made for background noise and room absorption effects.
    Attenuation CalculationAirborne sound attenuation values are determined as the difference between source and receiving room sound levels.
    Rating AssignmentResults may be expressed as FSTC or NIC to provide a standardized performance rating.

    ASTM E336 Equipment and Sample Preparation

    Specimen DetailsBuilding partitions such as walls, floors, ceilings, or composite assemblies.
    Specimen PreparationTesting is conducted under as-built, field conditions.
    Specimen DimensionsFull-size room partitions as constructed in the building.

    ASTM E336 Results and Interpretation

    The outcomes give a quantitative estimate of the ability of a partition to reduce the transmission of airborne sound. Again, better acoustic isolation is shown by higher values. The resulting field sound transmission class (FSTC) and noise isolation class (NIC) ratings may be compared with design requirements, code standards, or acoustic standards. Laboratory rating versus field values point to the effects of workmanship, flanking transmission, and installation.

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    ASTM E90 is the laboratory test method for airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions, and ASTM E413 provides methods for calculating Sound Transmission Class (STC). 

    ASTM E336 Applications in Industry 

    This type of test is commonly used in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.  These techniques are employed by building owners and regulators to verify compliance with building codes and assure comfort to occupants of schools, hospitals, offices, and housing developments.

    ASTM E336 Materials Commonly Tested

    The technique is used on building partitions that include gypsum board walls, masonry walls, floor-ceiling assemblies, composite panels, and partitions that use insulation or resilient material. 

    ASTM E336 Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

    The difficulties with the implementation of this method are that background noise in the test environment needs to be controlled, the sound fields must be consistent, and flanking paths around the tested partition should be taken into consideration. Poor data could be the result of inaccurate microphones or a lack of sufficient measuring points. 

    ASTM E336 Safety and Best Practices

    It is a good practice to guarantee that electrical safety has been considered when using sound equipment, that the microphone calibration is proper, and that cables do not pose dangerous tripping risks during setup. It can be recommended when dealing with high sounds in the source room to use ear protection.

    Importance of ASTM E336 Test Method

    This is a crucial instrument in providing acoustics in the buildings. It allows filling the gap between laboratory measurements and actual performance, allowing stakeholders to determine whether assembled assemblies produce the desired degree of sound attenuation. This approach helps to enhance occupant comfort, productivity, and privacy in a variety of buildings by following standards and codes.

    Updated on September 17, 2026

    Davis Scott
    About Author
    Davis Scott
    Davis Scott is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer specializing in multidisciplinary validation, quality assurance, and comprehensive electro-mechanical testing.
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