Acoustic engineering and sound proofing materials

Acoustic engineering and sound proofing materials

Acoustic testing measures how sound behaves in a space or through a material. It shows how much sound a material absorbs, how much a wall, floor or window blocks, how long an echo lasts in a room, and how clearly people can hear speech. Engineers then use these results to design quieter, clearer and more comfortable buildings. In addition, the data confirms whether a product meets its claimed performance.

METS LAB offers a wide range of acoustical, airflow and leakage testing services for your products. Our acoustic testing laboratory experience shows that designs based on actual test data are more likely to achieve the required performance without being excessively over or under designed. Lab testing is usually completed to show compliance with building regulations to investigate a proper or as part of the design process.

At METS Ajman, our acoustics team tests building products and materials for projects across the UAE. We measure how a product absorbs, blocks or reflects sound. As a result, designers and manufacturers get real numbers instead of assumptions.

Laboratory and Field Acoustic Testing

We provide laboratory acoustics testing to rate the effectiveness of a material to attenuate or absorb sound. Methods we apply include Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Sound Absorption Average (SAA), Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class( OITC). Field Testing can be conducted to measure the airborne sound attenuation between rooms in buildings and impact sound transmission through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies.

Rating Methods We Apply

Each rating method answers a different question about a material:

• Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): A single number that shows how well a material absorbs sound.
• Sound Absorption Average (SAA): A similar absorption rating that averages results across a wider range of frequencies.
• Sound Transmission Class (STC): A single number that rates how well a partition blocks airborne sound.
• Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC): A rating that shows how well a facade element blocks outdoor noise such as traffic.

Field Testing in Buildings

Lab results show how a product performs under controlled conditions. However, a finished building can behave differently because of gaps, flanking paths and workmanship. For that reason, we also measure sound between rooms and through floor-ceiling assemblies on site.

Sound Absorption Testing

Sound Absorption Testing:- The sound Absorption Test measures the ability oF building products to control reflected sound and decrease noise levels. Testing is conducted as per ASTM C423, E795,and ISO 354.

Absorption testing matters most in spaces where echo and reverberation hurt comfort or speech clarity. Examples include offices, classrooms, auditoriums and restaurants. We test to the following standards:

• Sound Absorption Testing (ISO 3382, ASTM C423)
• ASTM C423: Sound absorption testing for materials
• Reverberation Time Measurement (ISO 3382, ASTM C423)

Sound Transmission Loss Testing

Sound Transmission Loss Testing:- The Sound Transmission Loss test measures the ability of building products to attenuate sound. Testing is conducted as per ASTM E90, E423, E1332, AMMA 1801,and ISO 10140.

This test shows how much sound a wall, floor, door or window stops from passing through. Higher transmission loss means better privacy and lower noise between spaces. We cover the following standards:

• Airborne Sound Insulation & Transmission Loss Testing (ISO 140-3, ASTM E90, EN ISO 16283-1)
• Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings (ASTM E413)
• Sound Transmission Testing (ASTM E336, ISO 16283-1, EN ISO 10140 series)
• ASTM E90: Laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss
• ASTM E336: Measurement of airborne sound insulation in buildings
• ASTM E1332: Standard classification for rating outdoor-indoor sound attenuation

Facade Sound Insulation Testing

A facade is the first barrier against traffic, aircraft and industrial noise. Therefore, we test how well windows, walls and cladding reduce outside sound before it reaches the occupants. Our facade tests follow these standards:

• Facade Sound Insulation Testing (ISO 140-5, ASTM E966, EN ISO 16283-3)

Speech Intelligibility and Background Noise Testing

Good acoustics let people hear and understand speech clearly. At the same time, background noise must stay low enough that it does not mask conversation. We assess both with the following methods:

• Speech Intelligibility Testing, STI and RASTI (IEC 60268-16)
• Background Noise Level Assessment (ISO 1996-1, ASTM E336)

Venue-Specific Acoustic Testing

Every type of venue has its own acoustic needs. A concert hall needs a rich, lively sound, while a conference hall needs clear speech. For that reason, we match the test method to the space:

• Auditorium Acoustic Testing (ISO 3382, ASTM C423): We check reverberation and absorption, so speech and music stay clear across large seating areas.
• Music Studio Acoustic Testing (ISO 354, ASTM E336): We check the absorption of wall and ceiling treatments and the sound insulation that keeps a studio quiet.
• Theater Acoustic Testing (ISO 3382, ASTM E90): We check reverberation in the room and sound transmission loss through its walls and doors.
• Conference Hall Acoustic Testing (IEC 60268-16, ISO 1996-1): We check speech intelligibility and background noise, so every delegate can hear the speaker.

Products and Components We Test

Our highly trained and experienced experts prefer a wide range of noise, vibrating air flow and such noise measurements in our laboratory. Types of testing’s are test of sound insulation performance of floors, Acoustic simulation, facades and roofing materials, Doors and Windows, internal partitions, wall linings, electrical and electronics equipment, medical devices, walls and other components and materials, and floor impact sound reduction performance. 

For each product, we report the test method, the sample details and the measured results. As a result, your design team, consultant, or authority can review the data with confidence.

Why Acoustic Performance Data Matters

Evaluating acoustic behaviour allows us to know the level of sound power, sound absorption and acoustic transmission. To create a specific acoustic environment, it is necessary to understand the acoustic performance of the sound proof materials using. By testing these materials, we can understand the contribution that materials can make to the overall sound, in terms of absorption, reflection, impedance, admittance etc. At METS Lab, it's our goal to make your sound proofing products test and verify the efficiency to make sure your products meet the international standards and certify your products to protect your brand.

Test data also brings practical benefits:

• Right-sized design: You avoid paying for extra insulation you do not need.
• Lower risk: You catch weak points before a product reaches a building.
• Clear comparison: You can compare products on the same rating scale.
• Regulatory support: You get evidence for building regulation and project approvals.

Why Choose METS Ajman for Acoustic Testing?

Reliable acoustic data needs the right method and the right setup, and this is where we help:

• Full range of tests: We cover absorption, transmission loss, facade, reverberation, speech intelligibility and background noise.
• Lab and field in one place: We test samples in the lab and measure real buildings on site.
• Venue and product coverage: We test auditoriums, studios, theaters and conference halls, as well as floors, walls, doors, windows and linings.
• Standards-based reports: We test to ASTM, ISO, EN and IEC methods, so your results carry weight with consultants and authorities.

Conclusion

Acoustic performance affects comfort, privacy and compliance in every building. Testing your soundproofing materials and venues to recognised standards shows exactly how they perform, so you can design, specify and sell with confidence. METS Laboratories tests absorption, transmission loss, facade insulation, speech intelligibility and background noise at METS Ajman. Contact us today to discuss your acoustic testing needs.