Element Materials Technology

Element operates an advanced acoustic testing laboratory and employs experienced staff to provide accurate and reliable noise emission and sound emission data to our customers. Element is also one of only a handful of laboratories approved by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for field acoustic testing (STC & IIC ratings).

Element's acoustic laboratory services

Element acoustical chambers and acoustic testing experts are qualified to evaluate in the lab:

• Sound Transmission Class/R_w or STC. In Element's test chamber built from standard construction materials for accurate results, Element measures transmission of outdoor sound through windows, doors and wall constructions. This measure is used to rate the effectiveness of a material to attenuate sound. STC or Sound Transmission Class is generally defined as the decibel reduction in noise a partition can provide, abbreviated 'dB'. The dB scale is a logarithmic one and the human ear perceives a 10dB reduction in sound as roughly halving the volume - a 40 dB noise subjectively seems half as loud as a 50 dB one.

• Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class or OITC. Relating to ground and air transportation noise, Element experts evaluate building facades.

• Noise Reduction Coefficient or NRC. This test determines sound absorption properties of materials such as acoustical ceiling products, draperies, carpets, etc. NRC or Noise Reduction Coefficient is an arithmetic value average of sound absorption coefficients at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz indicating a material's ability to absorb sound.

• Noise Emission: Sound Power/ Sound Pressure Evaluations. Noise emissions of devices such as computer equipment, fans, pumps, or air conditioners are measured.

• Noise Emission of Plumbing Appliances and Equipment. This test is designed to ISO 3822 specifications for the purpose of determining the noise emitted by faucets, shower heads, valves, and other plumbing-related equipment. Element scientists measure "Lap," or the dBA sound level produced by an appliance—a necessary rating for products marketed in Europe.

Field acoustic testing services

Element is one of only a handful of labs approved by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for field acoustic testing. Element's field testing capabilities include:

• Field Sound Transmission Class (A-STC), Sound Reduction Index (ISO 140-3), and Field Impact Insulation Class (F-IIC)
  These tests evaluate compliance with the Uniform Building Code for sound and foot-fall transmission through party walls, floor/ceiling systems, doors, etc. associated with multi-family housing.

• Occupational Safety and Health Association OSHA Noise Compliance
  Factories and other industrial sites are tested, including dosimeter studies and consulting, to determine compliance.

• Environmental Noise Assessments
  Element prepares environmental impact statements for submission to local, state and federal agencies.

Field and laboratory tests can be combined and adapted to fit the specifications of your project. As consultants, Element  engineers and scientists can evaluate architectural drawings, construction sites, and industrial/business facilities.

Acoustic Test Methods and Procedures