ASTM E2249-19 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements Using Sound Intensity. This test method specifies procedures to measure airborne sound transmission loss of walls, floor‑ceiling assemblies, doors, windows, operable partitions and other space‑dividing building elements by measuring the sound intensity radiated from the specimen and deriving Intensity Transmission Loss (ITL) and Intensity Sound Transmission Class (ISTC).

Abstract

ASTM E2249-19 describes a laboratory test method using sound intensity techniques to determine the airborne transmission loss of building partitions. The method reports frequency‑band ITL values and a single‑number ISTC rating. The procedure is intended as an alternative to two‑room reverberation techniques (such as Test Method E90) when intensity measurements are advantageous or required; the standard notes known biases between intensity and reverberation methods and provides guidance on measurement surfaces, instrumentation and reporting.

General information

• Status: Active / Current edition.
• Publication date: Approved April 1, 2019 (published May 2019; effective April 1, 2019).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.120.20 (Acoustics in buildings — Sound insulation).
• Edition / version: E2249-19 (2019).
• Number of pages: 15.

Scope

The standard covers laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss for a wide range of building partitions and elements using sound intensity measurements. It defines the primary reported quantity as Intensity Transmission Loss (ITL) and the derived single‑number rating Intensity Sound Transmission Class (ISTC). The method can be used to map radiated sound intensity to reveal radiation characteristics or defects and may be used where traditional two‑room reverberation methods (Test Method E90) are impractical. Values are stated in SI units only, and the standard notes differences relative to ISO 15186‑1 and E90 that users should consider when seeking cross‑compliance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and reporting of Intensity Transmission Loss (ITL) and Intensity Sound Transmission Class (ISTC).
• Laboratory setup requirements: source and receiving room considerations, specimen mounting consistent with accuracy needs and E90 where applicable.
• Sound intensity measurement methods (discrete point mapping and surface construction to include/exclude specific energy paths).
• Frequency‑band measurement (one‑third‑octave bands) and single‑number rating derivation and reporting.
• Instrumentation, calibration, and procedural checks to ensure measurement quality and identify flanking or bias effects.
• Reporting requirements, including presentation of ITL spectra, ISTC, test conditions and any deviations or observed biases relative to reverberation methods.

Typical use and users

Used by acoustical testing laboratories, manufacturers of walls/doors/partitions and façade elements, building acousticians, researchers in architectural acoustics, product certifiers and consultants performing laboratory evaluations of sound transmission where intensity techniques are preferred or necessary. The method supports product development, performance verification, and troubleshooting of partition sound radiation behavior.

Related standards

Closely related to ASTM Test Method E90 (laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss using two‑room reverberation), ASTM E336 (measurement of airborne sound attenuation between rooms), ISO 15186‑1 (sound intensity measurement methods), ASTM E413 (classification/rating of sound insulation), and other E33 committee documents addressing sound transmission and building acoustics. Users often consult these documents together when specifying test programs or interpreting results.

Keywords

airborne transmission loss, intensity transmission loss, ITL, ISTC, sound intensity, partition acoustics, laboratory test method, building partitions, sound insulation, E2249-19.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2249-19 is a laboratory test method for measuring airborne transmission loss of building partitions and elements using sound intensity techniques; it defines ITL and ISTC as the primary reported quantities.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for measuring sound intensity radiated by partitions (walls, floors, doors, windows, operable partitions, panels, etc.), specifying measurement surfaces, instrumentation, frequency‑band reporting and derivation of a single‑number ISTC rating; it is intended as an alternative or complement to two‑room (reverberation) techniques when intensity methods are advantageous.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited acoustical laboratories, manufacturers, building acousticians, product testers, researchers and consultants involved in partition performance assessment and development.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is E2249-19, approved April 1, 2019 and published in 2019. As of February 21, 2026 there is no public record of a later revision replacing E2249-19; users should confirm on ASTM International’s document pages for any amendments or re‑approvals after this date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee E33 (Building and Environmental Acoustics) publications and is directly associated with other E33/E33.03 documents on sound transmission (for example, Test Methods E90 and E336 and classification standards such as E413).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Intensity Transmission Loss (ITL), Intensity Sound Transmission Class (ISTC), sound intensity, airborne transmission loss, partition acoustics, laboratory measurement.