Overview
EN ISO 18233:2006 (ISO 18233:2006) - "Acoustics - Application of new measurement methods in building and room acoustics" - provides guidelines and mandatory requirements for applying modern deterministic measurement methods in building and room acoustics. It defines how to select excitation signals, perform signal processing, control environmental conditions and verify system properties (linearity and time‑invariance) so that new methods can reliably substitute classical techniques.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to airborne sound insulation (between rooms and façades), reverberation time and other room acoustic parameters, sound absorption in reverberation rooms, vibration level differences and loss factor.
- Intended as substitutes for classical methods specified in standards such as ISO 140 (all parts), ISO 3382 (all parts) and ISO 17497‑1.
- Designated methods
- Maximum length sequence method - designated ISO 18233–MLS
- Swept‑sine method - designated ISO 18233–SS
- Signal and processing requirements
- Guidance for selection of deterministic excitation signals (MLS, swept‑sine) and processing to obtain impulse responses and frequency response functions.
- Definitions and use of effective signal‑to‑noise ratio and peak‑to‑noise ratio as measures for result reliability.
- System and environmental requirements
- Requirements to confirm the system under test is sufficiently linear and time‑invariant for these methods.
- Guidance on environmental control and sensitivity to time‑variations (e.g., background noise, changing conditions) to avoid unreliable results.
- Normative references
- Cross‑references include IEC 61260 (fractional‑octave filters) and IEC 61672‑1 (sound level meters).
Practical applications and users
Who uses EN ISO 18233:2006:
- Acoustic consultants and field test laboratories performing building acoustic measurements.
- Manufacturers of acoustic measurement instruments and DSP software (to implement MLS and swept‑sine methods in compliant equipment).
- Building designers, façade engineers and regulatory authorities requiring reproducible sound insulation and reverberation measurements.
Practical benefits:
- Improved measurement range and noise immunity compared with some classical methods.
- Faster acquisition and enhanced processing options when measuring impulse responses and frequency response functions.
- Clear criteria to judge result validity and when classical methods remain preferable.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 18233:2006, ISO 18233:2006, acoustics, building acoustics, room acoustics, measurement methods, MLS, swept‑sine, reverberation time, sound insulation, signal processing.