ASTM E1503-97(2004)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E1503–97 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Test Method for
Conducting Outdoor Sound Measurements Using a Digital
Statistical Analysis System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1503; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (ε) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This is one of a series of standards on the measurement and evaluation of community noise. Others
in the series include Guide E 1014 which covers manual measurement, using a simple meter, and
analysis of the resulting data, Guide E 1779, which covers preparation of a measurement plan for
conducting outdoor sound measurements, and Guide E 1780, which covers measurement of sound
received from a nearby fixed source. Also, under consideration or in preparation as supporting
document,isadraftstandardguidefordeterminingthevalidityandsignificanceofdataobtainedusing
this test method.
1. Scope during the measurements and who complies, to the extent
possible, with all the applicable requirements of this test
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of outdoor
method, including record keeping.
sound levels at specific locations using a digital statistical
1.4 The data obtained using this test method enable com-
analyzer and a formal measurement plan.
parison of statistical sound level data with appropriate criteria.
1.1.1 This test method provides basic requirements for
1.4.1 The data obtained with this test method can be used in
obtaining either a single set of data or multiple sets of related
the derivation of loudness levels provided the necessary
data. However, because there are numerous circumstances and
requirements regarding sample duration and signal bandwidth
varied objectives requiring multiple sets of data, the test
are observed in collecting the data. It is recommended that a
method does not address planning of the measurement pro-
specialist in the area of loudness evaluation be consulted in
gram.
preparing a plan for measurements intended to produce data
1.2 Theuseofresultsofmeasurementsperformedusingthis
which will be used for this purpose.
test method include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
1.2.1 To characterize the acoustical environment of a site,
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
1.2.2 To characterize the sound emissions of a specific
information only.
sound source which exhibits a temporal variation in sound
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
output, and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2.3 To monitor the effectiveness of a noise impact miti-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gation plan.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.3 This test method is intended to be used in conjunction
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
with a measurement plan that references this test method.
Changes or additions to the provisions of this test method
2. Referenced Documents
should be clearly stated in the plan.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3.1 In the event it is necessary, for example, because of
C 634 Terminology Relating to Environmental Acoustics
time constraints, to conduct measurements without first for-
E 1014 Guide for Measurement of Outdoor A-Weighted
malizing a plan, this test method can be used if an operator/
Sound Levels
observer whose qualifications are satisfactory to both the
E 1779 Guide for Preparing a Measurement Plan for Con-
performing organization and the client is present at all times
ducting Outdoor Sound Measurement
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on
EnvironmentalAcousticsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeE33.09on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Community Noise. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2004. Published May 2004. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 1992 as E 1503–97. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1503–97 (2004)
E 1780 GuideforMeasuringOutdoorSoundReceivedfrom 3.2.8 measurement plan—external document covering re-
a Nearby Fixed Source quirements unique and specific to the objectives of the mea-
2.2 ANSI Standards: surement.
S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters 3.2.8.1 Discussion—These requirements address, for ex-
S1.11 Octave-BandandFractionalOctave-BandAnalogand ample, methods of selecting measurement times and locations,
Digital Filters, Specifications for number and length of measurement sets, and directions on
S1.13 Methods for the Measurement of Sound Pressure actions to be taken in case of major changes in environment
Levels during a measurement session. Such a plan is highly recom-
S1.40 Specification for Acoustical (Microphone) Cali- mended for use in conjunction with this test method.
brators 3.2.9 measurement set— set of acoustical and related data,
and analysis results, obtained at a single measurement location
3. Terminology
during a specific time period.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—The time period for a measurement set
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method see
Terminology C 634. is flexible but should be based on the purpose of the measure-
ment and specified in the measurement plan. If the purpose of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the measurements is to document the sound for a specific
3.2.1 barrier—any obstacle, in the lines of sight between
source operating condition or propagation condition, a mea-
the microphone and potential sound sources, that could block,
surement set should not extend beyond the time period in
or interfere with, the direct passage of sound from potential
sound sources to a receiver or a measurement location. which conditions affecting sound generation or propagation
remain reasonably constant.
3.2.2 digital statistical sound analysis system— combina-
tion of a sound level meter, either analog or digital, interfaced 3.2.10 noise floor—See self-noise.
3.2.11 percentile exceedance levels— measured level ex-
with a digital data storage device, and a digital statistical
analyzer, for sampling environmental sound levels over a ceeded a specific percent of the time in a measurement set.
3.2.12 self-noise—extraneous signal components, not part
specified timed interval.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—For the purposes of this test method, a of the sound field to be measured, generated, or induced in a
measurement system.
generic analyzer having the necessary features for the intended
measurement and meeting the requirements of ANSI S1.4 3.2.12.1 Discussion—The magnitude of the extraneous
component sets a lower limit, or floor, below which accurate
(1983), and ANSI S1.11 (1985), is assumed.
3.2.3 dummy microphone— microphone cartridge substitute measurements cannot be made. See the definition of back-
ground noise in Terminology C 634.
which has electrical characteristics identical to a functional
microphone,butwhichhasessentiallynosensitivitytoincident 3.2.13 statistics of sound level—results of statistical analy-
sis, performed simultaneously with the measurement or imme-
acoustic energy.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Used instead of a functional micro- diately following measurement of sound level, on the data in a
measurement set. Three representative types of sound-level
phone when evaluating the internal noise of an acoustic
statistics that may be derived from either frequency weighted
measuring system.
or un-weighted (flat) sound levels, or from fractional octave
3.2.4 equivalent sound level, L —obtained by integrating
eq
bands of sound are the equivalent sound level (see 3.2.4)
A-weighted sound level measured over a specific period of
time, or in the case of un-weighted (flat) sound pressure and percentile exceedance levels (see 3.2.11) and maximum and
minimum sound levels occurring during a measurement set.
fractional octave bands, equivalent sound pressure level. See
the definition of average sound pressure level inTerminology
4. Significance and Use
C 634.
4.1 This test method deals with methods and techniques
3.2.5 exceedance level—See 3.2.11.
which are well defined and which are understood by a trained
3.2.6 impulse sound—brief, intrusive sound, such as that
acoustical professional. This test method has been prepared to
associated with a tire blowout, operation of a power press, the
provide a standard methodology which, when followed, will
discharge of a firearm, or a shout. (See ANSI S1.13.)
produce results which are consistent with requirements of
3.2.7 interference—any activity or event, occurring near the
government and industry, and which can be validated using
measurement location, that could produce anomalous measure-
information gathered and documented in the course of the
mentresults,ordatawhicharenotrepresentativeinthecontext
measurement program.
of the measurement objectives.
4.2 There are numerous situations for which outdoor sound
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Examples of interference are air turbu-
leveldataarerequired.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedtothe
lence generated by the wind at, or near the microphone, people
following:
or animals making sounds in the vicinity of the microphone, or
4.2.1 Documentationofsoundlevelsbeforetheintroduction
the presence of surfaces which alter the normal sound propa-
of a new sound source as a reference for assessment of the
gation path. See Section 7 for additional details and precau-
noise impact caused by a proposed facility and associated
tions.
activities,
4.2.2 Comparison of sound levels with and without a
specific source (for example, assessment of the impact of an
Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th
Floor, New York, NY 10036. existing source), and
E1503–97 (2004)
4.2.3 Comparison of sound levels with criteria or regulatory engaging in activities which create extraneous sounds. Ex-
limits (for example, indication of exceedance of criteria or amples of activities to be avoided while measurements are in
non-compliance with laws). progress are talking, walking on gravel, leaves, or twigs, use of
4.3 Thistestmethodprovidesameansforoperatingasound radio-telephones (electromagnetic interference), or operating
analysis system which incorporates digital circuits for process- vehicle engines.
ingandstoringsoundleveldata,documentingconditionsunder
5.2 Effects of Wind:
which the measurements were performed, and reporting the
5.2.1 Interaction of the wind with the microphone may
results.
influence the results of sound level measurements even with a
4.4 This test method provides the user with information to
windscreen in place. Even for wind speeds below 20 km/h (12
(1)performanddocumentstatisticalanalysisperformedduring
mph) special care must be used if sound levels are very low or
measurement of outdoor sound level over specific time periods
if measuring fractional band, C-weighted, or flat frequency-
at specified places, and (2) make and document the physical
weighted levels. Higher wind speeds can be tolerated for
observations necessary to qualify the measurements.
high-sound levels or if a windscreen designed for high-wind
4.5 This test method can be used by individuals, regulatory
speeds is used. Manufacturer’s instructions for operation in
agencies, or others as a measurement method to collect
wind should be followed. Appropriate guidelines for measure-
acoustical data for many common situations. The data are
ments in wind are included in Guide E 1779.
collected in a format determined by the capabilities of the
5.2.2 If maximum wind speeds are not addressed in the
equipment, equipment operational options selected, and by
measurement plan, manufacturer’s instructions shall be fol-
post-processing options available.An example would be tables
lowed with respect to analyzer limitations under windy condi-
of statistical sound levels.
tions.
4.6 The user is cautioned that there are many factors that
5.3 Effects of Moisture and High Humidity:
canstronglyinfluencetheresultsobtainedduringmeasurement
5.3.1 Measurable precipitation almost always influences
of outdoor sound levels and that this test method is not
outdoor sound levels. For example, tires rolling on a paved
intended to supplant the experience and judgment of experts in
surface produce higher sound levels when the pavement is wet.
the field of acoustics. This test method is intended to facilitate
Fallen snow may affect the propagation of sound. Data
communication between sound measurement professionals and
obtainedundersuchconditionsshouldberetainedbutcarefully
individuals who are responsible for administering regulations,
marked so that its use in subsequent analysis is used advisedly.
or are otherwise involved in decisions involving sound mea-
5.3.2 High relative humidity, generally over 90 %, can
surements. Measurements should be performed only under the
influence certain preamplifiers and microphones, especially
direction of people who are experienced in the measurement
air-condenser microphones. Microphone manufacturer’s in-
andanalysisofoutdoorsound,andwhoarethoroughlyfamiliar
structions should be followed under high-humidity conditions.
with the use of the equipment and techniques involved.
5.4 In situations involving impulse sound events, the user
4.7 This test method is only a measurement procedure and,
should be aware that the fast and slow exponential time
as such, does not address the methods of comparison of the
weighting typically used to measure continuous sound do not
acquireddatawithspecificcriteria.Noproceduresareprovided
appropriately quantify impulsive sound. To obtain accurate
within this test method for estimating the influences of two or
measurement of impulsive sounds, other methods (for ex-
more simultaneously measured sounds. This test method can
ample, seeANSI S1.13) shall be used in conjunction with this
be used, with an appropriate plan, in establishing compliance
test method. The presence of impulsive sounds shall be noted
when the measured data are below a specified limit, or
in the report. Any measurements in which data other than a
conversely, establishing noncompliance when any of the data
narrative description of the impulse(s) are obtained shall
are above a specified limit.
require a measurement plan which prescribes the sampling
5. Interferences rate
...