Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies

TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 1 — Scope 56 ASTM C216-17a –Specification for Facing Brick

2 This Standard provides minimum requirements for 57 (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
3 rating masonry assemblies constructed using one or 58
4 more masonry units complying with Section 5.1 for 59 ASTM C270-14a – Specification for Mortar for Unit
5 sound transmission class, STC, and outdoor-indoor 60 Masonry
6 transmission class, OITC. These ratings are for 61
7 masonry assemblies in structures erected under the 62 ASTM C331/C331M-17 – Specification for
8 requirements of the legally-adopted building code of 63 Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry
9 which this Standard forms a part. In areas without a 64 Units
10 legally-adopted building code, this Standard defines 65
11 minimum acceptable methods to determine the STC 66 ASTM C476-18 – Standard Specification for Grout for
12 and OITC ratings of masonry assemblies. All masonry 67 Masonry
13 dimensions referred to in this standard are nominal 68
14 unless indicated otherwise. 69 ASTM C516-08(2013)e1 – Specification for Vermiculite
15 70 Loose Fill Thermal Insulation
16 71
17 2 — Reference Standards 72 ASTM C549-06(2012) – Specification for Perlite Loose
18 Standards of ASTM International and The Masonry 73 Fill Insulation
19 Society cited in this standard are listed below with 74
20 their serial designations, including year of 75 ASTM C652-17a – Specification for Hollow Brick
21 adoption or revision, and are declared to be part 76 (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
22 of this standard as if fully set forth in this 77
23 document. 78 ASTM C744-16 – Specification for Prefaced Concrete
24 79 and Calcium Silicate Masonry Units
25 ASTM C33/C33M-18 – Specification for Concrete 80
26 Aggregates 81 ASTM C920-14a – Specification for Elastomeric Joint
27 82 Sealants
28 ASTM C34-17 – Specification for Structural Clay 83
29 Loadbearing Wall Tile 84 ASTM C1405-16 – Specification for Glazed Brick
30 85 (Single Fired, Brick Units)
31 ASTM C55-17 – Specification for Concrete Building 86
32 Brick 87 ASTM C1634-16 – Specification for Concrete Facing
33 88 Brick
34 ASTM C56-13(2017) – Specification for Structural 89
35 Clay Nonloadbearing Tile 90 ASTM C1714/C1714M-16 – Specification for
36 91 Preblended Dry Mortar Mix for Unit Masonry
37 ASTM C62-17 – Specification for Building Brick 92
38 (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale) 93 ASTM E90-09(2016) – Test Method for Laboratory
39 94 Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission
40 ASTM C73-17 – Specification for Calcium Silicate 95 Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
41 Brick (Sand-Lime Brick) 96
42 97 ASTM E336-16a – Test Method for Measurement of
43 ASTM C90-16a – Specification for Loadbearing 98 Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in
44 Concrete Masonry Units 99 Buildings
45 100
46 ASTM C126-17 – Specification for Ceramic Glazed 101 ASTM E413-16 – Classification for Rating Sound
47 Structural Clay Facing Tile, Facing Brick, and 102 Insulation
48 Solid Masonry Units 103
49 104 ASTM E966-18 – Guide for Field Measurements of
50 ASTM C129-17 – Specification for Nonloadbearing 105 Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades
51 Concrete Masonry Units 106 and Facade Elements
52 107
53 ASTM C212-17 – Specification for Structural Clay 108 ASTM E1332-16 – Classification for Rating Outdoor-
54 Facing Tile 109 Indoor Sound Attenuation
55 110
111 TMS 602-16 – Specification for Masonry Structures

1
 Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1
2
3 3 — Notations
4 DSTC = the change in STC rating from a bare
5 concrete masonry assembly (dB)
6 d = the thickness of a single furring space;
7 where a furring space is provided on both sides of an
8 assembly, d shall be taken equal to the thickness of one
9 furring space layer, in. (mm)
10 FSTC = Field Sound Transmission Class (dB)
11 OITC = Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (dB)
12 STC = Sound Transmission Class (dB)
13 STL = Sound Transmission Loss (dB)
14 W = Average Assembly Weight per Surface
15 Area, psf (kg/m2)
16

2
 Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 4 — Definitions 58
2 Average assembly weight, W — The average 59 5.4 Joint Sealants
3 assembly weight based on the weight of the masonry 60 Joint sealants shall comply with the
4 units, the weight of mortar, grout, loose fill material in 61 requirements of ASTM C 920.
5 voids within the assembly, and the weight of plaster, 62
6 stucco, and paint. The weight of gypsum wallboard 63 5.5 Loose Fill Materials
7 shall not be included. 64 Loose fill materials used to fill voids in
8 65 masonry construction shall comply with ASTM
9 Coarse textured – a relative term referring to the 66 C33/C33M, ASTM C331/C331M, ASTM C516,
10 porosity of the matrix through the thickness of the 67 or ASTM C549.
11 masonry, which is related to the airflow through a 68
12 masonry unit. 69
13 70 6 — Construction
14 Field Sound Transmission Class, FSTC — Sound 71 Construction shall conform to the requirements of
15 transmission class calculated using values of field 72 TMS 602 for concrete masonry and clay masonry and
16 transmission loss. 73 shall conform to the requirements of this Standard
17 74 when applying the STC ratings of Section 7 or the
18 75 OITC ratings of Section 8.
19 Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class, OITC — A
76
20 single-number rating calculated in accordance with
77 6.1 Sealing penetrations and joints
21 ASTM E1332 using values of sound transmission
78 6.1.1 Through-wall and membrane
22 loss.
79 penetrations shall be sealed with joint sealant,
23
80 mortar, or grout. Prior to sealing around
24 Sound absorbing material - Fibrous materials,
81 penetrations, the perimeter space behind the
25 such as cellulose fiber, glass fiber, or rock wool
82 surface sealant shall be filled with foam,
26 insulation.
83 cellulose fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, or
27
84 mineral wool.
28 Sound Transmission Class, STC — A single-
85
29 number rating calculated in accordance with ASTM
86 6.1.2 Movement joints and joints between
30 E413 using values of sound transmission loss.
87 the top of masonry assemblies and roof or
31
88 floor assemblies shall be sealed with joint
32 Sound Transmission Loss, STL — A measure
89 sealant. The space behind the sealant shall be
33 equal to ten times the common logarithm of the ratio
90 filled with mortar, grout, foam, cellulose
34 of the airborne sound power, in a specified frequency
91 fiber, glass fiber, or mineral wool.
35 band, incident on the assembly to the sound power
92 Noncompressible filler materials shall not be
36 transmitted by the assembly and radiated on the
93 used in movement or expansion joints of clay
37 opposite side of the assembly .
94 masonry assemblies or at the top of
38
95 nonloadbearing partitions.
39
96
40
97 6.2 Surface coatings
41 5 — Materials
98 Coarse-textured concrete masonry
42 5.1 Masonry Units
99 assemblies shall be covered on or both faces with
43 Masonry units shall comply with the
100 gypsum wallboard attached directly to the surface
44 requirements of one of the following standards:
101 or shall be sealed on one or both faces with at least
45 ASTM C34, ASTM C55, ASTM C56, ASTM
102 one coat of acrylic latex, alkyd or cement based
46 C62, ASTM C73, ASTM C90, ASTM C126,
103 paint, plaster, or other suitable coating.
47 ASTM C129, ASTM C212, ASTM C216, ASTM
104
48 C652, ASTM C744, ASTM C1405, or ASTM
105
49 C1634.
106
50
51 5.2 Mortar
52 Mortar shall comply with the requirements of
53 ASTM C270 or ASTM C1714/C1714M.
54
55 5.3 Grout
56 Grout shall comply with the requirements of
57 ASTM C 476.

3
 Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 7 — Sound Transmission Class Ratings 57 assembly, the specified thickness of the

2 The sound transmission class, STC, ratings of 58 furring space, d, shall be identical on each
3 masonry assemblies shall be determined in accordance 59 side of the assembly.
4 with Section 7.1, 7.2, or 7.3. 60
5 61 For gypsum wallboard on one side of
6 7.1 Laboratory testing 62 the assembly with no sound absorbing
7 The STC ratings of masonry assemblies shall 63 material in the furring space:
8 be determined based on laboratory testing of an 64 DSTC = 2.8d - 1.22 Eq. 3
9 assembly that is representative of the actual 65 SI DSTC = 0.11d - 1.22
10 construction. Testing shall be conducted in accordance 66
11 with the requirements of ASTM E90 and STC values 67 For gypsum wallboard on both sides of
12 calculated in accordance with ASTM E413.7.2 68 the assembly and no sound absorbing
13 Field testing 69 material in the furring spaces:
14 The STC ratings of field-evaluated masonry 70 DSTC = 3.6d - 2.78 Eq. 4
15 assemblies shall be conducted in accordance with 71 SI DSTC = 0.14d - 2.78
16 the requirements of ASTM E336 and calculated 72
17 in accordance with ASTM E413. 73 For gypsum wallboard on one side of
18 74 the assembly with sound absorbing material
19 7.3 Calculation 75 in the furring space:
20 7.3.1 Clay Masonry Construction 76
21 The STC ratings for clay masonry 77 DSTC = 3.0d + 1.87 Eq. 5
22 assemblies shall be determined in accordance with 78 SI DSTC = 0.12d + 1.87
23 Eq. 1. The minimum nominal thickness of the clay 79
24 masonry assembly shall not be less than 3 in. (76 80 For gypsum wallboard on both sides of
25 mm). 81 the assembly and sound absorbing material
26 82 in the furring spaces:
27 STC = 19.6W 0.230 Eq. 1. 83 DSTC = 11.2d - 7.37 Eq. 6
28 SI STC = 13.6W 0.230 84 SI DSTC = 0.44d - 7.37
29 85
30 7.3.2 Concrete Masonry Construction 86 7.3.3 Multi-Wythe Masonry Construction
31 The STC ratings for concrete masonry 87 The STC ratings for multi-wythe
32 assemblies shall be determined in accordance with 88 assemblies consisting of concrete masonry and
33 Eq. 2. The minimum nominal thickness of the 89 clay masonry wythes shall be determined in
34 concrete masonry assembly shall not be less than 4 90 accordance with Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 using the total
35 in. (102 mm). 91 weight of all wythes for the average assembly
36 92 weight, W. The resulting STC rating shall be
37 STC = 20.5W 0.234 Eq. 2. 93 linearly interpolated between each independently
38 SI STC = 14.1W 0.234 94 calculated STC rating based on the relative weights
39 95 of the two materials in the assembly.
40 7.3.2.1 Effect of Gypsum Wallboard on 96
41 STC Ratings of Concrete Masonry 97
42 Assemblies When STC ratings are
43 determined by Eq. 2, gypsum wallboard
44 attached directly to the concrete masonry
45 shall be assumed to not change the STC
46 rating.
47
48 The change in the sound transmission
49 class, STC, ratings for 1/2-in. (13 mm) or
50 5/8-in. (16 mm) thick gypsum wallboard
51 attached to concrete masonry assemblies
52 with furring shall be determined using Eq.
53 3, 4, 5, or 6 as appropriate. Where sound
54 absorbing material is used, it shall fill the
55 entire furring space. When gypsum
56 wallboard is applied to both sides of the

4
 Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

0.224
1 8 — Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class 31 OITC = 17.4W Eq. 7.
2 Ratings 0.224
3 The Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class, OITC, 32 SI OITC = 12.2W
4 ratings of masonry assemblies shall be determined in 33
5 accordance with Section 8.1, 8.2, or 8.3. 34 8.3.2 Concrete Masonry Construction
6 35 The OITC ratings for concrete masonry
7 8.1 Laboratory testing 36 assemblies shall be determined in accordance with
8 The OITC ratings of masonry assemblies 37 Eq. 8. The minimum nominal thickness of the
9 shall be determined based on laboratory testing of 38 concrete masonry assembly shall not be less than 4
10 an assembly that is representative of the actual 39 in. (102 mm).
11 construction. Testing shall be conducted in 40
0.290
12 accordance with the requirements of ASTM E90 41 OITC = 14.7W Eq. 8.
13 and OITC values calculated in accordance with 0.290
42 SI OITC = 9.28W
14 ASTM E1332. 43
15 44 8.3.3 Multi-Wythe Masonry Construction
16 8.2 Field testing 45 The OITC ratings for multi-wythe
17 The OITC ratings of field-evaluated masonry 46 assemblies consisting of concrete masonry and
18 assemblies shall be conducted in accordance with 47 clay masonry wythes shall be determined in
19 the requirements of ASTM E966 and calculated 48 accordance with Eq. 7 and Eq. 8 using the total
20 in accordance with ASTM E1332. 49 weight of all wythes for the average assembly
21 50 weight, W. The resulting OITC rating shall be
22 8.3 Calculation 51 interpolated between each independently
23 52 calculated OITC rating based on the relative
24 8.3.1 Clay Masonry Construction 53 weights of the two materials in the assembly.
25 The OITC ratings for clay masonry 54
26 assemblies shall be determined in accordance with 55
27 Eq. 7. The minimum nominal thickness of the clay 56
28 masonry assembly shall not be less than 3 in. (76 57
29 mm).
30

5
 1 Commentary
2 Standard Method for Determining
3 Sound Transmission Ratings
4 for Masonry Assemblies
5 (TMS 0302-XX)
6
7
8 This commentary accompanies the Standard and provides an explanation of and justification for
9 the requirements of the Standard. This commentary is not intended to be part of the Standard.
10 The Standard is a concise statement of requirements and is intended to be adopted by reference
11 in construction documents, building codes, and other standards. This commentary provides
12 background information including illustrations and example applications of the requirements of
13 the Standard and is not intended to be adopted by reference in other documents. The commentary
14 is intended to assist the designer and other users of the Standard in applying the Standard and in
15 understanding the basis for specific requirements of the Standard.
16
17
18

C-1
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1
2 1 — Scope 51 4 — Definitions
3 Sound ratings of masonry assemblies are based on 52 The weight of the gypsum wallboard is not to be
4 field or laboratory testing in accordance with standard 53 included in the calculated sound rating of the
5 test methods or by calculation. Performance of 54 assembly. The effect of gypsum wallboard, a cavity
6 masonry assemblies in resisting sound transmission 55 and sound absorbing insulation is considered as an
7 depends on the frequency and magnitude of the sound, 56 adjustment to the STC rating of the bare masonry
8 detailing practices to mitigate the transmission of 57 assembly. The air space between the gypsum
9 sound, and the sound transmission loss characteristics 58 wallboard can resonate somewhat like the skin of a
10 of the masonry assembly. 59 drum and actually reduce the STC rating of the
11 60 assembly as reflected by Equations 3 and 4 and
12 Sound transmission loss, STL, is the decrease or 61 Commentary Table 7.3-5. When gypsum wallboard is
13 attenuation in sound energy expressed in decibels 62 attached directly to the surface of coarse-textured
14 (dB) of air borne sound as it passes through an 63 concrete masonry, it provides the same benefit for
15 assembly. Sound transmission loss is determined in 64 sound transmission loss as for sealing the surface but
16 accordance with ASTM E90 at specified frequencies. 65 provides no additional benefit due to its mass (ref. 7).
17 In general, STL for masonry assemblies increases as 66
18 the frequency of the sound increases. 67
19 Sound transmission class, STC, is determined by 68 5 — Materials
20 ASTM E413. It provides an estimate of the 69 No commentary.
21 performance of an assembly in certain common 70
22 sound insulation applications. Although STC is a 71 6 — Construction
23 convenient index to relative sound transmission, the 72 6.1 Sealing penetrations and joints
24 STL spectra should be studied in order to meet 73 Noncompressible materials, including mortar
25 particular sound transmission requirements. 74 and grout, should not be used for fillers for
26 Outdoor-indoor transmission class, OITC, is 75 expansion joints and the top of nonloadbearing
27 determined in accordance with ASTM E1332. ASTM 76 partition walls. Where roof or floor construction
28 E1332 presents a standard procedure to determine 77 is metal deck, use special shape foam filler strips
29 OITC based on measured sound transmission loss, 78 to seal the top of the assembly.
30 STL, across an assembly at frequencies from 80 to 79
31 4,000 Hz. OITC is calculated using tested STL values 80 The type and shape of penetrations and joints
32 and the sound spectrum of a reference sound source. 81 may greatly affect the sound transmission loss of
33 This reference sound spectrum is an average of typical 82 an assembly. (See Figure 6.2.1 for common
34 spectra from three transportation noise sources: 83 examples.) This variation is difficult to quantity
35 aircraft takeoff, freeway, and railroad passby. The 84 and so sealing all penetrations, joints, and other
36 reference sound spectrum is A-weighted to better 85 holes, cracks or voids not otherwise specified with
37 correlate with human hearing (A-weighting is a 86 the appropriate sealant is of utmost importance
38 frequency response adjustment that accounts for the 87 (see Figure 6.2.2).
39 changes in human hearing sensitivity as a function of 88 To act as an effective sound barrier, partitions
40 frequency). 89 should be carried to the underside of the floor or
41 90 roof. The joint between the underside of a floor or
42 91 roof and top of a partition should provide for slab
43 2 — Reference Standards 92 deflection and be sealed against sound
44 No commentary. 93 transmission. Fire-rated assemblies are also
45 94 required to meet fire resistive construction
46 95 requirements including fire stopping of through
47 3 — Notations 96 penetrations and fire-resistive sealing materials in
48 No commentary. 97 accordance with the legally-adopted building
49 98 code. Fire safety provisions of the legally adopted
50 99 building code may limit the type(s) of material(s)
100 permitted to be used in joints of fire rated
101 construction.
102 If roof or floor construction is metal deck rather
103 than concrete, it is not feasible to use joint sealants
104 alone to seal the top of masonry assemblies
105 because of the shape of the deck flutes. For fire

C-2
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 and smoke containment assemblies, safing 3

2 insulation is used instead of foam filler strips. 4

Transmission of Airborne Noise

Figure 6.2.1 — Acoustical Leaks (Ref. 1)

Joint Foam, fiber or

sealant mineral wool fill
Pipe
Mortar
Joint
sealant Sleeve, where
required
Pipe Joint sealant
Joint Foam, fiber or
sealant mineral wool fill
Mortar
Joint
Foam, fiber or
sealant
mineral wool fill
Electrical Electrical
conduit receptacle box

Figure 6.2.2 — Sealing Around Penetrations and Fixtures

C-3
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 6.2 Surface coatings 39 7 — Sound Transmission Class Ratings

2 Assemblies constructed of fine and medium 40
3 textured concrete masonry units and fired clay 41 7.1 Laboratory testing
4 masonry assemblies do not require additional 42 Representative masonry materials need not
5 surface treatments, however, assemblies 43 be from the same manufacturer.
6 constructed using coarse textured concrete 44
7 masonry units, which may allow airborne sound to 45 7.2 Field testing
8 enter the assembly, require a surface treatment to 46 No commentary.
9 seal at least one surface of the assembly. Coatings 47
10 of acrylic latex, alkyd or cement-based paint, or of 48 7.3 Calculation
11 plaster are acceptable. Other coatings are also 49 7.3.1 Clay Masonry Construction
12 acceptable provided they effectively seal the 50 Sound transmission class, STC, data of clay
13 surface of coarse textured concrete masonry units. 51 masonry assemblies (Ref. 2) are plotted against
14 There is substantial discussion about the 52 average assembly weight, W, in Figure 7.3-1. The
15 effect of porosity of concrete masonry units in 53 equation for the curve best fitting the data is STC
16 Reference 7. This reference included both 54 = 19.6W 0.230 (STC = 13.6W 0.230) with a
17 lightweight aggregate and what was termed very 55 correlation coefficient of 0.885. Figure 7.3-1 also
18 porous (wood aggregate) blocks in their study for 56 shows that a power curve fit is better than a linear
19 the purposes of comparison. The report indicated 57 fit of the data. Table 7.3-1 lists the reported STC
20 that leakage of sound was somewhat related to the 58 values of the various clay masonry assemblies
21 airflow resistivity of the units and that sealing of 59 tested. Table 7.3-3 lists various calculated STC
22 coarse-textured units on only one surface was 60 values for clay masonry assemblies.
23 effective. Normal weight blocks showed little or 61
24 no improvement in sound transmission resistivity 62 7.3.2 Concrete Masonry Construction
25 after sealing. Texture as used in this context does 63 STC data of concrete masonry assemblies
26 not refer to the surface roughness of the block but 64 (Ref. 3, 4, 5, and 6) are plotted against average
27 the matrix of the mix used in manufacturing the 65 assembly weight, W, in Figure 7.3-2. The
28 block. 66 equation for the curve best fitting the data is STC
0.234 0.234
29 The committee reasoned that, in most cases, 67 = 20.5W (STC = 14.1W ) with a correlation
30 sound rated assemblies with coarse-textured units 68 coefficient of 0.849. Figure 7.3-2 also shows that
31 would have a surface treatment on at least one 69 a power curve fit is better than a linear fit of the
32 surface, which is subsequently required by 70 data. Table 7.3-2 lists the reported STC values of
33 Section 6.2. Therefore, the data for unsealed 71 the various clay masonry assemblies tested. Table
34 coarse-textured masonry units was not included in 72 7.3-4 lists various calculated STC values for
35 developing the concrete masonry equations for 73 concrete masonry assemblies.
36 calculated sound transmission ratings. 74
37 75
38

C-4
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

60
58
56
54 y = 0.1939x + 37.74
R² = 0.8348
52 y = 19.561x0.2303
R² = 0.8849
50
STC

48
Clay Masonry
46
Linear (Clay Masonry)
44 Power (Clay Masonry)
42
40
20 40 60 80 100 120

Wall Weight, psf (1 psf = 4.88 kg/m2)

12
3 Figure 7.3-1 — Curve Fit for Clay Masonry
4
5
6
7 Table 7.3-1 — Data for Clay Masonry (Ref. 2)
8
Weight Reported STC
psf, (kg/m2)
22.3 (109) 39
25.3 (124) 41
38.7 (189) 45
40.6 (198) 45
42.4 (207) 50
55.8 (272) 51
57.7 (282) 49
60.8 (297) 53
63.8 (311) 50
81 (395) 50
83.3 (407) 52
84.1 (411) 55
86.7 (423) 53
94.2 (460) 59
116.7 (570) 59
9

C-5
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

60
58
56
54
52 y = 0.2339x + 38.7
R² = 0.7965 Concrete Masonry
50
STC

Linear (Concrete Masonry)

y = 20.505x0.2339
48 R² = 0.8487 Power (Concrete Masonry)

46
44
42
40
0 20 40 60 80 100
2
Wall Weight, psf (1 psf = 4.48 kg/m )
1
2
3 Figure 7.3-2 — Curve Fit for Concrete Masonry
4
5
6

C-6
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1
2 Table 7.3-2— Data for Concrete Masonry (Ref. 3, 4, 5, & 6)
Weight
Weight Class Finish psf, (kg/m2) STC Reference
Lightweight Bare 21 (103) 40 Ref. 4
Lightweight Bare 25 (122) 44 Ref. 4
Lightweight Bare 36 (176) 45 Ref. 4
Lightweight Bare 39 (190) 49 Ref. 4
Lightweight Bare 43 (210) 49 Ref. 4
Lightweight Paint 22 (107) 43 Ref. 4
Lightweight Paint 28 (137) 46 Ref. 4
Lightweight Paint 36 (176) 46 Ref. 4
Lightweight Paint 32 (156) 43 Ref. 3
Lightweight Paint 73 (356) 55 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 28 (137) 43 Ref. 3
Lightweight Plaster 30 (146) 48 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 32 (156) 49 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 38 (186) 52 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 42 (205) 50 Ref. 5
Lightweight Plaster 49 (239) 55 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 54 (264) 52 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 67 (327) 56 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 79 (386) 56 Ref. 4
Lightweight Plaster 81 (395) 58 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Paint 29 (142) 44 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Paint 33.5 (164) 48 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Paint 39 (190) 48 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Plaster 27 (132) 45 Ref. 5
Normal Weight Plaster 42 (205) 50 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Plaster 92 (449) 56 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Plaster 54 (264) 52 Ref. 5
Normal Weight Bare 26.5 (129) 41 Ref. 4
Normal Weight Bare 48.4 (236) 50 Ref. 6
Normal Weight Bare 53 (259) 52 Ref. 4

3
4
5
6

C-7
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1
2 Table 7.3-3 — Calculated STC Ratings for Clay Masonry Assemblies1
Nominal Assembly Hollow Units Grout Filled Sand Filled Solid Units
Thickness2
in. (mm)
Weight STC Weight psf, STC Weight psf, STC Weight psf, STC
psf, (kg/m2) (kg/m2) (kg/m2)
(kg/m2)
3 (75) Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 30 (146) 43
4 (100) 20 (98) 39 38 (186) 45 32 (156) 43 35 (171) 44
6 (150) 32 (156) 43 63 (308) 51 50 (244) 48 55 (269) 49
8 (200) 42 (205) 46 86 (420) 55 68 (332) 52 75 (366) 53
10 (250) 53 (259) 49 109 (532) 58 86 (420) 55 95 (464) 56
12 (300) 62 (303) 51 132 (644) 60 104 (508) 57 115 (561) 58
1
3 Based on the smallest specified unit dimension minus the specified tolerance, Clay density of 120 lbs/ft3
4 (586 kg/m3); Grout density of 144 lbs/ft3 (703 kg/m3), Sand density of 100 lbs/ft3.(488 kg/m3). STC values for grout
5 filled and sand filled units assume the materials completely occupy all void areas in and around the units. STC
6 values for solid units are based on bed and head joints solidly filled with mortar.
2
7 Dimensions in this column reflect equivalent nominal metric unit sizes as opposed to direct SI conversion.
8

C-8
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1
2 Table 7.3-4—Calculated STC Values for Concrete Masonry Assemblies1
3
Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC
2 Hollow 2
Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m Grout Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
2 Sand Filled Solid Units 2 Sand Filled Solid Units
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 80 (1281) 40 45 43 43 4 (100) 85 (1362) 40 45 44 44
6 (150) 80 (1281) 41 51 48 48 6 (150) 85 (1362) 42 51 48 48
8 (200) 80 (1281) 44 54 51 51 8 (200) 85 (1362) 44 55 52 52
10 (250) 80 (1281) 46 58 54 54 10 (250) 85 (1362) 46 58 55 55
12 (300) 80 (1281) 47 60 57 56 12 (300) 85 (1362) 48 61 57 57

Nominal Density
Density pcf STC Nominal Density
Density pcf STC
2 2
Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
2 Sand Filled Solid Units 2 Sand Filled Solid Units
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 90 (1442) 41 45 44 44 4 (100) 95 (1522) 41 46 44 45
6 (150) 90 (1442) 42 51 49 49 6 (150) 95 (1522) 43 51 49 49
8 (200) 90 (1442) 45 55 52 52 8 (200) 95 (1522) 45 55 52 53
10 (250) 90 (1442) 47 58 55 55 10 (250) 95 (1522) 48 58 55 56
12 (300) 90 (1442) 48 61 57 58 12 (300) 95 (1522) 49 61 58 58

Nominal Density
Density pcf STC Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC
Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units
2 2
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 100 (1602) 42 46 45 45 4 (100) 105 (1682) 42 46 45 46
6 (150) 100 (1602) 43 52 49 50 6 (150) 105 (1682) 44 52 50 50
8 (200) 100 (1602) 46 56 53 54 8 (200) 105 (1682) 46 56 53 54
10 (250) 100 (1602) 48 59 56 56 10 (250) 105 (1682) 49 59 56 57
12 (300) 100 (1602) 49 61 58 59 12 (300) 105 (1682) 50 62 58 60

Nominal Density
Density pcf STC Nominal Density
Density pcf STC
Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units
2 2
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 110 (1762) 43 47 45 46 4 (100) 115 (1842) 43 47 46 46
6 (150) 110 (1762) 44 52 50 51 6 (150) 115 (1842) 45 52 50 51
8 (200) 110 (1762) 47 56 53 55 8 (200) 115 (1842) 47 56 54 55
10 (250) 110 (1762) 49 59 56 58 10 (250) 115 (1842) 50 59 57 58
12 (300) 110 (1762) 51 62 59 60 12 (300) 115 (1842) 51 62 59 61

Nominal Density
Density pcf STC Nominal Density
Density pcf STC
2 Hollow Grout 2 Hollow Grout
Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m Unit Size pcf 3)
(kg/m
2 Sand Filled Solid Units 2 Sand Filled Solid Units
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 120 (1922) 43 47 46 47 4 (100) 125 (2002) 44 48 46 47
6 (150) 120 (1922) 45 53 50 52 6 (150) 125 (2002) 45 53 51 52
8 (200) 120 (1922) 48 57 54 56 8 (200) 125 (2002) 48 57 54 56
10 (250) 120 (1922) 50 60 57 59 10 (250) 125 (2002) 50 60 57 59
12 (300) 120 (1922) 52 62 59 61 12 (300) 125 (2002) 52 63 60 62

Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC
Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units
2 2
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 130 (2082) 44 48 47 48 4 (100) 135 (2162) 45 48 47 48
6 (150) 130 (2082) 46 53 51 53 6 (150) 135 (2162) 46 53 51 53
8 (200) 130 (2082) 49 57 55 57 8 (200) 135 (2162) 49 57 55 57
10 (250) 130 (2082) 51 60 57 60 10 (250) 135 (2162) 51 60 58 60
12 (300) 130 (2082) 52 63 60 62 12 (300) 135 (2162) 53 63 60 63

Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC Nominal Density
Density pcf STC
Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units
2 2
in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled in. (mm) (kg/m ) Unit Filled
4 (100) 140 (2243) 45 48 47 48 4 (100) 145 (2323) 45 49 48 49
6 (150) 140 (2243) 46 54 51 54 6 (150) 145 (2323) 47 54 52 54
8 (200) 140 (2243) 49 58 55 57 8 (200) 145 (2323) 50 58 55 58
10 (250) 140 (2243) 52 61 58 61 10 (250) 145 (2323) 52 61 58 61
12 (300) 140 (2243) 53 63 60 63 12 (300) 145 (2323) 54 64 61 64
1 Based on grout density of 140 lb/ft3 (2243 kg/m 3 ), sand density of 90 lb/ft3
Nominal Densitypcf
Density STC (1442 kg/m3 ), mortar density of 130 lb/ft3 (2082 kg/m3 ). Percentage solid of units
Unit Size2 pcf 3)
(kg/m Hollow Grout
Sand Filled Solid Units used from mold manufacturers’ literature for typical masonry units 4 in. (100
in. (mm) (kg/m2) Unit Filled mm) (73.8% solid), 6 in. (150 mm) (55.0% solid); 8 in. (200 mm) (53.0% solid);
4 (100) 150 (2403) 46 49 48 49 10 in. (250 mm) (51.7% solid); 12 in. (300 mm) (48.7% solid). STC values for
6 (150) 150 (2403) 47 54 52 54 grout filled and sand filled units assume the materials completely occupy all void
8 (200) 150 (2403) 50 58 56 58 areas in and around the units. STC values for solid units are based on bed and
10 (250) 150 (2403) 53 61 59 62 head joints solidly filled with mortar.
2 Dimensions in this column reflect equivalent metric unit sizes as opposed to
12 (300) 150 (2403) 54 64 61 64
direct SI conversions.

4
5
6

C-9
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

48 spaces with and without sound-absorbing

1 7.3.2.1 Effect of Gypsum Wallboard on STC 49 material in the furring space.
2 Ratings of Concrete Masonry Assemblies 50
3 The effect of gypsum wallboard 51 Currently, there is no test data documenting
4 attached directly to the surface of normal 52 the performance of gypsum wallboard over clay
5 weight concrete masonry without a furring 53 masonry assemblies. As such, the calculation
6 space has very little effect on the sound 54 procedures only address the impact of gypsum
7 transmission class (STC) rating of the 55 wallboard over concrete masonry assemblies.
8 assembly. Gypsum wallboard directly 56 7.3.3 Multi-Wythe Masonry
9 attached to lightweight concrete masonry 57 Construction
10 generally improves the STC rating by 58 The amount of acoustical testing on multi-
11 partially sealing of the surface. The more 59 wythe assemblies containing wythes of concrete
12 porous the masonry, the better the 60 masonry and clay masonry is limited. Much
13 improvement in STC ratings. The amount 61 higher STC values can be achieved by using
14 of improvement is not quantifiable and 62 materials other than wire ties to connect the two
15 therefore is not included in the calculated 63 wythes, varying the cavity depth and the type of
16 STC rating procedure. (Ref. 7 & 8). 64 insulation used in the cavity (Ref. 6).
17 65
18 Significant increases in STC ratings in a 66 For multi-wythe walls constructed of both
19 concrete masonry assembly can be 67 concrete masonry and clay masonry units, the
20 achieved by adding gypsum wallboard and 68 determination of the STC requires the use of both
21 sound insulation in the furring space. Three 69 Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 from Section 7.3 based on the total
22 factors govern the amount of improvement 70 combined assembly weight and then linearly
23 in STC: 71 interpolating between the two calculated values
24 • The method of support. The best 72 based on the relative assembly weight of each
25 method of support for the gypsum 73 material. For example, consider a masonry cavity
26 wallboard is the use of independent 74 wall with an 8 in. (203 mm) concrete masonry
27 studs that have no direct connection to 75 backup having an installed weight of 55 lb/ft2
28 the concrete masonry. Resilient metal 76 (269 kg/m2) and a 4 in. (102 mm) clay masonry
29 furring may also be used by itself or in 77 veneer having an installed weight of 35 lb/ft2 (171
30 combination with wood furring. 78 kg/m2).
31 • The depth of the furring space (distance 79
32 between the gypsum wallboard and the 80 Total Assembly Weight = 55 + 35 = 90 lb/ft2
33 concrete masonry surfaces). 81 (439 kg/m2)
34 • The use of sound absorbing material in 82 Calculated STC by Equation 1 =
35 the furring space. (Ref. 7) 83 (19.6)(90)0.230 = 55.2
36 84 Calculated STC by Equation 2 =
37 Mass-air-mass resonance at low 85 (20.5)(90)0.234 = 58.8
38 frequencies and narrow furring spaces can 86
39 cause the STC ratings to drop, particularly 87 Linearly Interpolated STC Based on Relative
40 if that condition exists on both sides of the 88 Assembly Weight
41 concrete masonry assembly. Under these 89 = (55.2)(35/90) + (58.8)(55/90)
42 conditions vibrational energy transfers 90 = 21.5 + 35.9 = 57.4
43 from the gypsum board through the air 91
44 space to the assembly more effectively than 92
45 it does through the bare concrete masonry 93
46 assembly. Table 7.3-5 presents the results 94
47 of Eqs. 3 through 6 for various furring 95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102

C-10
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 Table 7.3-5—Change in STC Using the Furring Space Depth Indicated and a Single Layer of Gypsum
2 Wallboard
3
Furring Space Condition Sides Furring Space, in. (mm)
0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
(13) (19) (25) (38) (64) (64) (76) (89)
No sound-absorbing material One 0.2 0.9 1.6 3.0 4.4 5.8 7.2 8.6
in the furring space Both -1.0 -0.1 0.8 2.6 4.4 6.2 8.0 9.8
Furring space filled with One 3.4 4.1 4.9 6.4 7.9 9.4 10.9 12.4
sound-absorbing material* Both -1.8 1.0 3.8 9.4 15.0 20.6 26.2 31.8
4
5 *Fibrous materials, such as cellulose fiber, glass fiber or rock wool insulation, are good materials for absorbing
6 sound; closed-cell materials, such as expanded polystyrene, are not, as they do not significantly absorb sound.
7
8

C-11
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 8 — Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class Ratings 26 STL values at 80 Hz were not reported, the 80 Hz
2 8.1 Laboratory testing 27 STL was assumed equal to the 100 Hz STL.
3 Representative masonry materials need not 28 OITC data of clay masonry assemblies (Ref.
4 be from the same manufacturer. 29 2) are plotted against assembly weight, W, in
5 30 Figure 8.3-1. The equation for the curve best
6 8.2 Field testing 31 fitting the data is OITC = 17.4 W 0.224 (OITC =
7 No commentary. 32 12.2 W 0.224) with a correlation coefficient of
8 33 0.8453.
9 8.3 Calculation 34 OITC data of concrete masonry assemblies
10 Many ASTM E90 sound transmission loss 35 (Ref. 3, 4, 5, and 6) are plotted against average
11 tests have been performed on a wide variety of 36 assembly weight, W, in Figure 8.3-2. The
12 concrete masonry assemblies. Outdoor-Indoor 37 equation for the curve best fitting the data is
13 Transmission Class, OITC values for some of 38 OITC = 14.7W 0.290 (OITC = 9.28W 0.290) with a
14 these assemblies have been calculated in 39 correlation coefficient of 0.8024.
15 accordance with ASTM E1332 from E90 test 40 Section 8 does not include options for
16 data, and are presented in Table 8.3-2. In general, 41 assessing the impact of gypsum wallboard on the
17 for masonry assemblies, heavier assemblies have 42 calculated OITC rating of a masonry assembly.
18 higher OITC values. Note that the ASTM E1332 43 Given the lack of available research data, it is
19 OITC calculation requires transmission loss, STL, 44 unknown as to whether the OITC values would
20 test data from 80 Hz to 4,000 Hz, while ASTM E 45 increase, decrease, or remain unaffected by the
21 90 test reports often do not include STL values at 46 presence of gypsum wallboard. Users should
22 80 Hz. Test reports that do include 80 Hz show 47 consider the relative benefits of adding gypsum
23 that the STL value of masonry assemblies at 80 Hz 48 wallboard to exterior walls when OITC is a design
24 is typically about the same or higher than that at 49 consideration.
25 100 Hz. For the purposes of this Standard, where
50

54
52
y = 17.354x0.2242
50
R² = 0.8453
48
46
44
OITC

42 Clay Masonry

40 Power (Clay Masonry)

38
36
34
32
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Wall Weight, W, psf (1 psf = 4.88 kg/m2)
51

52 Figure 8.3-1 — OITC Curve Fit for Clay Masonry

53

C-12
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 Table 8.3-1— OITC Data for Clay Masonry (Ref. 2)

Weight OITC
psf, (kg/m )
2

22.3 (109) 34
25.3 (124) 36
38.7 (189) 38
40.6 (198) 39
42.4 (207) 43
55.8 (272) 44
57.7 (282) 43
60.8 (297) 46
63.8 (311) 44
81 (395) 43
83.3 (407) 45
84.1 (411) 48
86.7 (423) 45
94.2 (460) 51
116.7 (570) 52
2

70.0
65.0
60.0 y = 14.712x0.2895
R² = 0.8024
55.0
OITC

50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
0 20 40 60 80 100

Assembly weight, W, psf

3
4
5 Figure 8.3-2 — OITC Curve Fit for Concrete Masonry
6
7

C-13
 Commentary to
TMS Standard TMS 0302-XX

1 Table 8.3-2— OITC Data for Concrete Masonry (Ref. 4 & 6)

Weight
2
Weight Class* Finish** psf, (kg/m ) OITC Reference

L 0 20.7 (101) 32 Ref. 4

N 1 26.5 (129) 36 Ref. 4
N 2 32.0 (156) 42 Ref. 4
N 2 42.0 (205) 42 Ref. 4
L 2 36.2 (177) 43 Ref. 4
L 0 25.1 (123 37 Ref. 4
L 2 54.0 (264) 45 Ref. 4
L 0 36.2 (177) 39 Ref. 4
N 1 33.5 (164) 40 Ref. 4
L 1 36.2 (177) 42 Ref. 4
N 0 48.4 (236) 42 Ref. 6
L 2 38.0 (186) 45 Ref. 4
L 2 67.0 (327) 50 Ref. 4
L 2 49.0 (239) 48 Ref. 4
L 2 81.0 (395) 50 Ref. 4

*Weight class **Finish:

L=Lightweight 0=bare
N=Normal weight 1=paint
2=plaster
2
3
4 References
5
1. Berendt, R. D. & Winzer, G. E., “Airborne, 5. Sound Transmission Loss Through Concrete and
Impact and Structural Borne Noise,” U. S. Concrete Masonry Walls. Portland Cement
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., Association, Skokie, IL, 1978.
September 1967.
6. Sound Transmission Loss Measurements on 190
2. “Sound Insulation-Clay Masonry Walls,” and 140 mm Single Wythe Concrete Block Walls
Technical Notes on Brick Construction, No. 5 A, and on 90 mm Cavity Block Walls, Report for
Brick Industry Association (formerly known as Ontario Concrete Block Association. National
the Brick Institute of America), Reston, VA, June Research Center of Canada Report No. CR-
1970. 5588.1, 1989.

3. “Sound Transmission Class Ratings for Concrete 7. Controlling Sound Transmission through Concrete
Masonry Walls,” NCMA TEK, 13-1, National Block Walls, Construction Technology Update No.
Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, VA, 13. National Research Council of Canada, 1998.
1990.
8. Sound Transmission Loss Measurements Through
4. A Guide to Selecting Concrete Masonry Walls for 190 mm and 140 mm Blocks with Added Drywall
Noise Reduction. National Concrete Masonry and Through Cavity Block Walls, Internal Report
Association, TR81, Herndon, VA, 1970. No. 586. National Research Council of Canada,
1990.

C-14