Modem building codes are also starting to recognize the importance
of minimizing sound between tenant separations. 2012 Model
Residential Building Code requires that an STC of 50 be maintained
for multi-family residential dwellings. This requirement ensures that
sound transmission between occupied spaces is kept to a minimum.
Sound transmission is a growing concern in today’s construction
industry. Firestop products are being installed to not only restrict
the passage of fire and toxic gasses but also to minimize sound
transmission between occupied spaces. There are test standards
that are specifically designed, such as ASTM E-90 to evaluate the
performance of these products. Like ASTM test for firestopping, the
firestop product is part of an overall STC assembly. A separation
wall or floor that has an STC of 45 for example, can not be increased
to a 50 by just adding a firestop product that may have been tested
up to a 50 in accordance with ASTM E-90. The product can only
provide an equivalent rating up to its tested rating with the assembly
in which it is installed.
(Fig 6.2 Typical ASTM E-90 Configuration)
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