Variations in measured sound transmission loss due to sample size and construction parameters

The influence of the sample size on the measured transmission loss of several different sample constructions is assessed. The sound transmission loss of two different sized samples was evaluated for a wide range of different materials and constructions. The two sample sizes were; a 2400 mm × 4800 mm sample that is compliant with ISO15186-1 and a smaller non-compliant 1550 mm × 950 mm sample. The samples tested were single and double leaf wall systems, with and without studs, made from a gypsum plasterboard, plywood, and vinyl mass-loaded barriers. The results presented compare two sample sizes for all the samples tested. Further testing is performed to quantify the effect of the room arrangement on the sound transmission loss. Finally a qualitative analysis is performed to assess the influence of various factors on the sound transmission loss.