The acoustical performance of a wall assembly is measured using a single number rating system, where the higher the number the better the performance. This rating system is called STC, sound transmission classification. The intent is to categorize the relative performance of an assembly in impeding or attenuating sound energy as it passes through the wall. Partitions are laboratory tested according to ASTM E90 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements. The results from this are plotted and the partition is given a rating based on ASTM E413 Classification for Rating Sound Isolation. More information on the science of sound and testing can be found in the Technical Resources Section of this site.
The following are a sampling of assemblies that provide examples of the different types of panels and stud configurations. They illustrate the impact on the acoustical performance of the system by altering the systems components. More systems can be found in the Gypsum Association GA-600 Fire Design Manual and the Steel Framing Alliance: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies.
It is important to note that some occupancy types in the building code have specific requirements for sound control.
INTERIOR WALL – 36 – 40 STC
OPTION 1: 39 STC
REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 362S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-7/8″
INSULATION: Not applicable
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour (UL Des U419 – U465)
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-92-239
OPTION 2: 37 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA-100 Fire Resistive Assemblies, GA 600 Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
2” Solid 1:1-1/2 gypsum-sand plaster applied to 2.5 lb. metal lath wire tied to cold-rolled channel at 6” o.c.
FRAMING: Non-structural, 16 gauge ¾” cold-rolled channels at 16” o.c. meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing.
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 2″
INSULATION: Not applicable
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour OSU-T-129
TEST REFERENCE: NBS-523 F45, WP 1380
OPTION 3: 35-39 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: ½” 1:2 gypsum-sand plaster over 3/8” gypsum lath, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: ½” 1:2 gypsum-sand plaster over 3/8” gypsum lath, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-1/4″
INSULATION: Not applicable
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UC 12-21-65
TEST REFERENCE: RAL63-268
INTERIOR WALL – 41 – 45 STC
OPTION 1: 41 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA-100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard Type X meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Structural stud meeting ASTM C955 Standard Specification for Load-Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners (Tracks), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum Panel Products and Metal Plaster Bases. Minimum size 350S162-33 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-3/4″
INSULATION: 2” mineral wool insulation meeting both ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing and ASTM C553 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des U423 or U425
TEST REFERENCE: USG-810518
OPTION 2: 45 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA-100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” Gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 3-3/4″
INSULATION: 1-1/2” mineral wool insulation meeting both ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing and ASTM C553 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour CEG 8-11-83
TEST REFERENCE: RAL69-42
INTERIOR WALL – 46 – 50 STC
OPTION 1: 47 STC
REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 2 Layers 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard . Outer layer laminated to inner layer.
Side 2: 2 Layers 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard. Outer layer laminated to inner layer.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5″
INSULATION: Not applicable
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour ULC W414
TEST REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies.
OPTION 2: 48 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA-100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 3-3/4″
INSULATION: 2” mineral wool insulation at meeting both ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing and ASTM C553 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour ULC W414
TEST REFERENCE: SA-800422
OPTION 3: 45-49 STC
REFERENCE: GA Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 3/4” 1:2 gypsum-sand plaster with lime gauging finish on 3.4 lb. metal lath over 3/8” gypsum lath, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 3/4” 1:2 gypsum-sand plaster with lime gauging finish on 3.4 lb. metal lath over 3/8” gypsum lath, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-30 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-3/4″
INSULATION: 2” mineral wool insulation meeting both ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing and ASTM C553 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL U484
TEST REFERENCE: GA-600
OPTION 4: 50 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 3/4” proprietary gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 3/4” proprietary gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 350S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5″
INSULATION: 3” mineral wool Insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL Des U491
TEST REFERENCE: USG–910617
INTERIOR WALL – 51 – 55 STC
OPTION 1: 51 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 2 Layers 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 Layers 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5″
INSULATION: 2-1/2” mineral wool insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour GA-WP 1548
TEST REFERENCE: WP 1548
OPTION 2: 52 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: 2 rows of non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Gypsum gusset used to tie studs together. Minimum size 158S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-1/4″
INSULATION: 3-1/2” insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des U420
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-TL-76-155
OPTION 3: 52 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: Face layer ½” proprietary cementitious backer unit over 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 layers of 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Proprietary steel stud Size 3-5/8 inch at 16 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5-5/8″
INSULATION: 3” mineral wool Insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des V452
TEST REFERENCE: NGC 2099016
OPTION 4: 54 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard attached to horizontal resilient channels spaced 24″ o.c..
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 362S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5-3/8″
INSULATION: 3” Mineral Wool Bat meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des U451
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-TL-84-141
OPTION 5: 55 STC
REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 250S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5″
INSULATION: 2-1/2” glass fiber insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL Des U411
TEST REFERENCE: NRC TL 93-037
INTERIOR WALL – 56 – 60 STC
OPTION 1: 57 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA 100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 2 layers 5/8” wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Gypsum gusset used to tie studs together. Minimum size 158S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 12″
INSULATION: 3-1/2” insulation on one side meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL Des U420
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-TL-76-156
OPTION 2: 58 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA-100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard attached to horizontal resilient channel spaced 24″: o.c..
Side 2: 2 layers of 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 350S125-30 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5.5″
INSULATION: 3” mineral wool insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1-1/2 Hour UL Des U452
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-TL-83-215
OPTION 3: 58 STC
REFERENCE: USG SA 100 Fire Resistive Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: Face layer ½” proprietary cementitious backer unit with ¼” ceramic tile over 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: Face layer ½” proprietary cementitious backer unit with ¼” ceramic tile over 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 358S125-30 at 16 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 6-1/8″
INSULATION: 3” mineral wool insulation on one side meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL Des U443
TEST REFERENCE: SA-851028
OPTION 4: 59 STC
REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 3 layers 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 3 layers of 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 158S125-18 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 4-5/8″
INSULATION: 1-1/2” mineral wool insulation meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 3 Hour UL Des U419
TEST REFERENCE: RAL-TL-83-215
INTERIOR WALL – 61 – 65 STC
OPTION 1: 61 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard attached to horizontal resilient channels spaced 24″ o.c..
Side 2: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Structural stud meeting ASTM C955 Standard Specification for Load-Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners (Tracks), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum Panel Products and Metal Plaster Bases. Lateral bracing included. Minimum size 350S162-33 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 6-1/2″
INSULATION: 3” mineral wool insulation in both stud cavities meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des U440
TEST REFERENCE: SA-830628
OPTION 2: 62 STC
REFERENCE: SFA: A Guide to Fire and Acoustical Data for Steel Floor, Wall, & Roof Assemblies
CLADDING:
Side 1: 4 layers 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 4 layers of 1/2” proprietary gypsum wallboard meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: Non-structural stud meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 158S125-30 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 5-5/8″
INSULATION: 1-1/2” mineral wool insulation on one side meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 4 Hour UL Des W417
TEST REFERENCE: SA-830113
OPTION 3: 64 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: 2 staggered rows non-structural studs meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 358S125-30 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 10-1/8″ (Sound)
INSULATION: 3-1/2” glass fiber insulation in both stud cavities meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 1 Hour UL Des U493
TEST REFERENCE: USG STC-050817
INTERIOR WALL – 66 – 70 STC
OPTION 1: 66 STC
REFERENCE: GA 600 Fire Resistance Design Manual
CLADDING:
Side 1: 2 Layers 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
Side 2: 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum wallboard, Type X, meeting requirements of ASTM C1369 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard.
FRAMING: 2 staggered rows non-structural studs meeting ASTM C645 Standard Specification for Non-Structural Steel Framing. Minimum size 358S125-30 at 24 inches o.c..
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS: 10-3/4″ (Sound)
INSULATION: 3-1/2” glass fiber insulation in both stud cavities meeting ASTM C665 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
FIRE RESISTANCE: 2 Hour UL Des U493
TEST REFERENCE: USG STC-050819
While reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we assume no liability for any errors or omissions on these pages. Please verify all information with the organizations mentioned above. It is the right and responsibility for the architect of record to make final material/system selection.