What is EN ISO 354:2018?

EN ISO 354:2018 is a technical standard that pertains to the measurement of sound absorption in an acoustic material. This international standard specifies the method for measuring the sound absorption coefficient and the specific sound absorption area of materials used in buildings.

Why is it important?

Understanding the sound absorption characteristics of materials is crucial in architectural design and construction. It helps architects, engineers, and designers create spaces with optimal acoustic performance, which is essential for various applications such as offices, schools, concert halls, and hospitals. Sound absorption affects factors like noise reduction, speech intelligibility, and overall comfort within a building.

How does EN ISO 354:2018 work?

The standard defines a measurement procedure using a reverberation chamber. In this chamber, the sound absorption properties of the test specimen are evaluated by analyzing the time decay of sound energy. The test is conducted at multiple frequencies, typically ranging from 100 Hz to 5000 Hz, to obtain a sound absorption coefficient curve. This curve provides insights into how a material interacts with sound waves across different frequency ranges.

Application and compliance

EN ISO 354:2018 is widely adopted and accepted across the globe. It helps manufacturers and suppliers provide accurate sound absorption data for their products. Architects and designers rely on this information when selecting materials to achieve desired acoustic performance in a given space. Compliance with this standard ensures transparency, consistency, and reliability in sound absorption ratings, enabling informed decision-making during the design and construction process.