ISO 17497-1:2004/Amd 1:2014

Overview

ISO 17497-1:2004/Amd 1:2014 is an important amendment to the international standard focused on the measurement of sound-scattering properties of surfaces. Specifically, it addresses Part 1 of the standard, which details the measurement of the random-incidence scattering coefficient of surfaces in a reverberation room. This standard is published by ISO and maintained by ISO/TC 43/SC 2, the committee dedicated to building acoustics.

The amendment enhances the original 2004 edition by updating measurement methodologies, normative references, and technical specifications to improve accuracy and reliability. It also incorporates new insights on test sample preparation, signal requirements, and uncertainty estimation in measuring surface acoustic scattering.

Key Topics

• Random-incidence scattering coefficient – A key acoustic parameter describing how sound energy is scattered by surface materials under diffuse sound incidence. This metric is vital for characterizing surface acoustic behavior beyond simple absorption.
• Measurement environment – Use of a reverberation room setting to simulate diffuse sound fields, offering consistent and reproducible results.
• Test sample preparation – Guidelines on covering sample perimeters with rigid borders sized relative to the sample depth and turntable diameter to ensure proper test conditions.
• Sound absorption limitations – Specifies that the random-incidence absorption coefficient of samples should not exceed α = 0.50 to maintain measurement reliability.
• Test signal recommendations – Updated guidance to use periodic signals such as sine sweeps or Maximum Length Sequences (MLS) for obtaining impulse responses, referencing ISO 18233 for detailed signal characteristics.
• Measurement procedure – Continuous radiation of pseudo-random signals while the turntable rotates, with specific parameters ensuring complete surface coverage and valid data.
• Uncertainty and accuracy – Enhanced terminology and methodology for estimating combined standard uncertainty and expanded uncertainty with 95% confidence levels, improving transparency and confidence in test results.

Applications

• Building acoustics design – Engineers and architects use this standard to evaluate how interior surface materials scatter sound, directly influencing room acoustics, speech intelligibility, and listener comfort.
• Material testing and certification – Manufacturers apply the measurement procedures to characterize acoustic scattering of panels, coatings, and finishes, facilitating product performance claims and compliance with acoustic regulations.
• Acoustic research and development – Researchers leverage the standardized test method to analyze innovative materials and develop sound-scattering models for better acoustic simulation and design tools.
• Noise control engineering – Knowledge of scattering coefficients aids in noise reduction strategies by predicting sound diffusion and implementing effective surface treatments in noisy environments.

Related Standards

• ISO 9613-1 – Acoustics – Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors
• ISO 18233 – Acoustics – Application of new measurement methods in building and room acoustics (referenced for signal generation and processing techniques)
• ISO 17497-2 – Acoustics – Sound-scattering properties of surfaces – Part 2: Measurement of directional reflectivity in an acoustic test chamber (complementary method focusing on directional scattering)

Keywords: ISO 17497-1 amendment, sound-scattering properties, random-incidence scattering coefficient, reverberation room measurement, building acoustics standard, acoustic surface characterization, sound absorption, acoustic testing methods, reverberation chamber acoustics, acoustic uncertainty estimation.