A brief history of optimization in the face of uncertainty in building sound transmission loss laboratory testing

Our research team, often in collaboration with various other organizations, has attempted to quantify and analyze uncertainty in ASTM E90 sound transmission loss (STL) laboratory testing since 2011. Translating material optimization in building assembly STL to performance requirements and specifications detailed in building codes and facilities guidelines is a challenging pursuit. Innovation in building materials constantly changes the sound isolation landscape. Standards and building codes evolve and adjust to modern construction needs. All standardized test measurement methods have uncertainty. As we began testing baseline assemblies and materials with known STL curves, we discovered that the assumptions around uncertainty in STL measurement were largely false. From dual laboratory comparisons to multi-laboratory studies, we has sought to quantify, understand causality, and explore how to adequately adapt to uncertainty in STL laboratory testing. This paper provides a brief history of our findings.