Repeatability and reproducibility of field impact insulation class testing

Field impact sound insulation in the United States is typically quantified in terms of field impact insulation class, which is defined in ASTM E1007. According to the method, the precision of this test method has not been established, and to our knowledge there have been no studies attempting to evaluate the precision of this type of measurement. Precision is typically defined in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, which will have different definitions for field and laboratory applications. Repeatability in the field may be thought of as the variation in acoustical performance when the test is repeated for the same specimen in the same location. Reproducibility in the field may be thought of as the variation in acoustical performance of the same design, constructed in different locations but in the same manner and with the same personnel and materials. The repeatability and reproducibility of a number of field tests of similar assemblies are calculated, and the precision of field impact testing is evaluated.