Executive Summary
Con-form Group's state-of-the-art acoustic testing facility, developed in collaboration with Pulse White Noise Australia (PWNA), represents a significant advancement in Australian acoustic testing capabilities. This facility enables comprehensive in-house testing of acoustic products, eliminating the need for overseas testing or CSIRO waiting periods while maintaining rigorous compliance with Australian and international standards.
Testing Facility Overview
Laboratory Specifications
The Con-form Group acoustic testing chamber has been meticulously designed by expert acoustic engineers who are members of the Australian Acoustical Society. Key specifications include:
- Reverberation Chamber: 200m³ volume with non-parallel surfaces
- Transmission Loss Suite: Dual chambers with 10m² test opening
- Background Noise Floor: NC-15 rating achieved through isolation mounting
- Frequency Range: 50Hz - 10kHz measurement capability
- Temperature Control: ±2°C stability for consistent measurements
Equipment and Instrumentation
Latest-generation testing equipment includes:
- B&K Type 2250 Sound Level Meters (Class 1)
- Omnidirectional sound sources (B&K Type 4292-L)
- Reference sound absorption materials calibrated to AS ISO 354
- Environmental monitoring systems for temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure
- Data acquisition systems with 24-bit resolution
Testing Methodologies
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) Testing
Following AS ISO 354:2006 standards, our NRC testing procedure involves:
- Empty Chamber Reverberation Time (T₀)
- Minimum 12 decay measurements per frequency band
- Spatial averaging across 6 microphone positions
- 3 source positions for adequate sound field diffusion
- Specimen Installation
- 10-12m² test specimen (Type A mounting per AS ISO 354)
- Edge sealing verification to prevent flanking transmission
- Photographic documentation of installation configuration
- Loaded Chamber Measurements (T₁)
- Identical measurement protocol to empty chamber
- Calculation of absorption coefficients: α = 0.161V/S × (1/T₁ - 1/T₀)
- NRC calculation as arithmetic mean of 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, and 2kHz bands
Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) Testing
Conforming to AS ISO 717.1:2004 and AS 1191:2002:
- Source Room Levels (L₁)
- Pink noise excitation at 100dB minimum
- Spatial averaging across 5 microphone positions
- Temporal averaging over 30-second periods
- Receiving Room Levels (L₂)
- Synchronized measurements with source room
- Background noise corrections applied when L₂ - Lb < 15dB
- Receiving room absorption corrections using Sabine equation
- Transmission Loss Calculation
- TL = L₁ - L₂ + 10log(S/A)
- Where S = specimen area, A = receiving room absorption
- Rw rating derived using reference curve fitting procedure
Acoustic+ Product Testing Results
Acoustic+ Wall© Performance Data
Comprehensive testing revealed exceptional performance across the frequency spectrum:
Frequency (Hz)TL (dB)Absorption Coefficient12518.20.4225023.50.6850028.70.75100033.40.82200036.80.73400039.20.71
Achieved Ratings: NRC = 0.75, Rw = 29dB (C; Ctr = -3; -8)
Acoustic+ UltraWall© Performance Data
Industry-leading results for data centre applications:
Frequency (Hz)TL (dB)Absorption Coefficient12522.40.5825028.10.9250034.61.05100039.81.12200042.31.08400044.70.95
Achieved Ratings: NRC = 1.05, Rw = 37dB (C; Ctr = -4; -10)
Real-World Performance Correlation
Field Validation Studies
Con-form Group has conducted extensive field measurements to validate laboratory results:
- Microsoft Data Centre, Eastern Creek
- Laboratory Rw: 37dB → Field OITC: 35dB
- 94.6% laboratory-to-field correlation
- Westfield Shopping Centre, Parramatta
- Laboratory NRC: 0.75 → Field NRC: 0.72
- 96% correlation despite HVAC turbulence
- Royal North Shore Hospital
- Laboratory performance maintained within 2dB
- Successful compliance with hospital noise criteria
Environmental Factors
Testing accounts for Australian conditions:
- Temperature cycling: -10°C to 50°C
- UV exposure: 1000 hours accelerated weathering
- Moisture resistance: 95% RH exposure testing
- Salt spray testing for coastal installations
Compliance and Certification
Standards Adherence
The facility maintains compliance with:
- AS ISO 354:2006 - Measurement of sound absorption
- AS 1191:2002 - Method for laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss
- AS ISO 717.1:2004 - Rating of sound insulation
- AS/NZS 1276.1:1999 - Methods for determination of sound transmission class
- ISO 3741:2010 - Determination of sound power levels
Quality Assurance
- Annual calibration of all measurement equipment
- Participation in round-robin testing programs
- ISO 17025 accreditation in progress
- Regular audits by Australian Acoustical Society members
Engineering Applications
Specification Development
Test data enables engineers to:
- Accurately predict installed performance
- Optimize surface density for specific frequencies
- Design composite systems for broadband attenuation
- Validate acoustic models using measured data
BIM Integration
Test results available in:
- IFC format with acoustic properties
- Revit family parameters
- ODEON and EASE acoustic modeling formats
- Manufacturer's acoustic data sheets (MADS)
Conclusion
The Con-form Group acoustic testing facility represents a significant investment in Australian acoustic engineering capability. Through collaboration with PWNA and adherence to international standards, we provide engineers with reliable, repeatable data for confident specification of acoustic solutions. The facility's ability to test full-scale specimens under controlled conditions ensures that laboratory results translate effectively to real-world performance.
