ASTM-E557:12(R2020) pdf free download – Standard Guide for Architectural Design and Installation Practices for Sound Isolation between Spaces Separated by Operable Partitions.
5.2.3 Generally, track systems for operable partitions are installed during the early phases of building interior construction. The panels are often among the last items installed in the building. The barrier above the track may be built between these two events. To level the track after the weight of the panels is applied, manufacturers and installers of operable partitions request access to the area above the track. This can conflict with the need to build a harrier in the same area. It is important to work out a design that provides an adequate acoustical barrier and allows access for adjustment of the track. If built-in access doors or removable gypsum lx)ard panels are used tor this purpose, they should he sealed at the periphery with solid or closed cell gaskets.
5.2.4 If doors or removable panels used to cover openings in a monolithic ceiling. to gain access for servicing partition drive train components. the openings should he sutlicienily large to permit all service operations without modihcation or damage to the ceiling. The covers should be sealed at the periphery with solid or closed cell gaskets. Fig. 3 shows the recommended locations of access panels. The doors or removable access panels should have a sound transmission loss equal to or greater than the ceiling transmission loss. Seals should he provided in the header wall at penetrations such as for ducts and pipes.
5.3 Floor !klobt’ Purlilion:
5.3.1 Some types of floors are intentionally designed with hollow spaces below (for example. some gymnasium wood floors or computer room access floors). Where there is a hollow space under the operable partition. sound may pass down through the floor on one side and up through the floor on the other, or flank through a light floor structure. A harrier should be erected directly below the operable partition. The harrier, in conjunction with the floor, should have a sound transmission loss equal to or greater than that of the partition (see Fig. 4, (a) and (b)). Wood or other light floor structures should have a break in them under the partition to limit flanking through the floor surface.
5.3.2 11 the floor is carpeted, it will he difficult to obtain a good seal at the bottom of the operable partition. It is preferable to replace the carpet with a strip of smooth material, such as metal, wood, or vinyl, where the bottom seals make contact with the floor (see Fig. 5 (a) and (h)).
5.3.3 The seals at the bottom of the partition should make airtight contact with the floor. The floor immediately under the partition should not vary from a smooth level surface by more than ± ½ in. (±3.2 mm) in 12 ft (3.7 m) non—accumulative. A steel member, such as a standard terrazzo strip, can be placed in a concrete floor to ensure this accuracy (see Fig. 5 (h)). Test Methods E1155 and E1155M are test methods ftr measuring floor flatness and levelness.