Interior and Field Acoustic Testing

The Stork facility in St. Paul is home to an extensive acoustic laboratory system onsite, and is currently the only independent U.S. laboratory offering the services of a specially-constructed reverberation chamber designed to test noise emission of plumbing fixtures. This makes it possible for Stork scientists to measure "L_ap," or the dBA sound level produced by an appliance—a necessary rating for products marketed in Europe.

Stork acoustical chambers and personnel are qualified to evaluate:

• Sound Transmission Class, Indoor/Outdoor Sound Transmission Class STC Tests determine transmission of outdoor sound through windows, doors and wall constructions.
• Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) This test determines the sound absorption properties of materials such as acoustical ceiling products, draperies, carpets, etc.
• Sound Power/Sound Pressure Evaluations
  Sound power emissions of devices such as computer equipment, fans, pumps, or air conditions are determined.
• Noise Emission of Plumbing Appliances and Equipment  A program designed to ISO specifications for the purpose of determining the noise emitted by faucets, shower heads, valves, and other plumbing-related equipment. Many European countries currently apply L_ap  ratings to plumbing appliances.

Stork is also one of only a handful of laboratories approved by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for field acoustic testing (STC & IIC ratings).

Our field testing capabilities include:

• Field Sound Transmission Class (F-STC) and Field Impact Insulation Class (F-IIC) These tests evaluate compliance with the Uniform Building Code for sound and foot-fall transmission through party walls, floor/ceiling systems, doors, etc. associated with multi-family housing.
• Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC)
  Related to ground and air transportation noise, our staff evaluates building facades.
• Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)
  Noise Compliance Factories and other industrial sites are monitored, including dosimeter studies and consulting, to determine OSHA compliance.
• Environmental Noise Assessments Stork prepares environmental impact statements for submission to local, state and federal agencies.

Field and laboratory tests can be combined and adapted to fit the specifications of your project. As consultants, Stork  engineers and scientists can evaluate architectural drawings, construction sites, and industrial/business facilities.

Want to learn more about acoustic testing or other services we offer? Send us your question for a quick response. 

Locations for this service:

• Stork Twin City Testing - St. Paul, MN

Articles and case studies available for downloading for Acoustic Testing:

• Technical Article: Plumbing Appliance Noise Measurements

News about Acoustic Testing:

• Stork acquires East-West Technology of Jupiter, Florida