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The
following are brief descriptions of the test methods used to determine
data published herein. For complete details of ASTM test methods write:
American
Society for Testing and Materials,
100 Barr Harbor Drive,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
www.astm.org
ASTM e 1264
Classification for Accoustical Ceiling Products
This standard applies to ceiling products that provide acoustical
performance and interior finish in buildings and assists in the
selection of acoustical ceiling products. This classification classifies
acoustical ceilings by type, pattern, and certain ratings for acoustical
performance, light reflectance, and fire safety.
ASTM C 423
Reverberant Room
Sound Absorption
This test measures the ratio of sound energy absorbed by a surface to
the energy striking the surface from all angles. This numerical measure
of the ability to absorb sound is known as an absorption coefficient.
Coefficients can take on any numerical value from 0 to 1.0. Coefficients
are generally presented for six standardized test frequencies over the
range of 125-4000 Hz. The single figure rating for a material is the
average of four coefficients from 250-2000 Hz inclusive. This is the
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). The NRC is expressed to the nearest
multiple of .05. It should be noted that a difference in NRC of less
than .10 is seldom detectable in a completed installation.
ASTM e 1414
Ceiling Sound Attenuation
This test provides a measure of the ability of an acoustical ceiling
material to attenuate (weaken) the intensity of sound energy passing
from one room to another via the pathway formed by a plenum space shared
by two adjacent rooms. Sound energy covering the frequency range of
125-4000 Hz is generated in one of the test rooms and the resulting
difference in sound pressure levels between the two rooms at 16
standardized center frequencies is measured. The resulting values are
known as sound attenuation factors. These data are used to calculate the
Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) in accordance with ASTM e 413.
ASTM e 119
(ANSI/UL 263, UBC 7-1, NFPA 251, CAN/ULC-5101M)
Fire Resistance
This testing method measures the ability of a construction to prevent
the spread of fire from one building compartment to another while
retaining the structural strength properties of the assembly.
Fire resistance
classifications are given in terms of the length of test time elapsing
before one or more limiting criteria are reached. It is important to
remember that classifications are established for entire system designs
and not for individual components within the design.
ASTM e 84 (UL
723, UBC 8-1, NFPA 255, CAN/ULC-5102M)
Surface Burning Characteristics
This test procedure is often referred to as the tunnel test method. The
purpose of this test is to determine, under controlled laboratory
conditions, the comparative surface burning characteristics of the
material under test. The flame spread and smoke developed values which
are determined by this test method are expressed as single number
designations comparing the test sample performance with that of red oak
which is 100 and inorganic reinforced cement board which is taken as 0.
Observations of
flame spread distance and time are recorded. The smoke density at the
outlet end of the tunnel is recorded during the test period and is used
to calculate the smoke developed values. Fire data provided is
determined under controlled laboratory conditions using the ASTM e 84
standard and may not be predictive of the materials performance in
actual use.
ASTM e 1477
Light Reflectance
This test method describes the evaluation of light reflectance of
acoustical material where the application is primarily for designing the
level of room illumination.
ASTM C 635 and
ASTM C 636 Composition and Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension
Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels
These two ASTM specifications cover the structural properties of metal
ceiling suspension systems and the proper installation techniques for
these systems.
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