Does DASM provide sound insulation testing for walls and partitions? What standards are applied? What’s the cost?

As living and working standards continue to rise, soundproofing in residential and industrial buildings becomes increasingly important. From homes, hotels, offices to hospitals, schools, and studios – all require effective sound insulation to ensure quietness, privacy, and efficient space usage. However, soundproofing effectiveness cannot be accurately assessed by perception alone. This is why professional sound insulation testing following international standards is essential.
DASM – The No.1 Acoustic Testing Unit in Vietnam for ASTM C423 Sound Absorption Coefficient Testing
In Vietnam, DASM (DASM Acoustic Institute) is one of the pioneering institutions offering professional acoustic testing services for walls, partitions, ceilings, floors, doors, and composite structures, equipped with advanced measurement devices, experienced engineers, and internationally standardized procedures.
What types of sound insulation testing does DASM offer?
DASM currently offers two types of sound insulation testing, depending on your condition and purpose:
Laboratory testing
This is conducted in a controlled environment with standardized samples installed between two test chambers. It provides high accuracy and is suitable for material manufacturers needing to certify product performance.
Applicable standards:
- ISO 10140-2: Measurement of airborne sound insulation of building elements in a laboratory setting.
- ISO 717-1: Analysis and normalization of results into indices Rw, C, Ctr.
Test results:
- Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index): Standardized sound insulation value in decibels (dB).
- C / Ctr: Spectrum adaptation terms for interior or traffic noise adjustment.
On-site / Field testing
Ideal for completed constructions where real-life acoustic performance needs to be evaluated – typically used for project handover, tender requirements, or in-situ material assessment.

Applicable standards:
- ISO 16283-1: Field measurement of airborne sound insulation between rooms.
- ISO 717-1: Normalization of measurement results.
Test results:
- R’w (Field-measured Weighted Sound Reduction Index): Actual acoustic insulation performance on-site.
- C / Ctr: Same interpretation as in lab testing.
Why use professional acoustic testing?
Many buildings experience noise transfer issues after completion – through walls, partitions, or doors – impacting comfort, privacy, work efficiency, and even business quality. Subjective testing by ear is not sufficient because:
- Sound behaves differently across frequency ranges, some easily leak while others are harder to detect.
- Each material reacts differently to varying frequencies.
- Visual or auditory judgment cannot determine dB loss accurately.
- With DASM’s professional acoustic testing, you can:
- Evaluate the real performance of walls, ceilings, doors, and more.
- Validate the effectiveness of installed soundproofing materials.
- Obtain clear technical data for acceptance, certification, or tenders.
- Certify product quality for mass production.
Technical indices provided by DASM’s test reports
Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index)
The standard measure of overall sound insulation.
The higher the value, the better the insulation. (Example: Rw = 45 dB is good for classrooms; Rw = 50 dB for hotels.)
R’w (Field-measured Rw)
Reflects real-world sound insulation in an actual construction setting.
C / Ctr (Spectrum Adaptation Terms)
Adjustments based on the type of noise environment:
C: Speech, music, household noise.
Ctr: Traffic, urban, mechanical noise.
Applications of DASM’s sound insulation testing
✅ Project handover for civil and industrial buildings
✅ Pre-production material performance verification
✅ Product soundproof certification (walls, doors, floors, etc.)
✅ Tender technical documents and quality disclosure
✅ Evaluation of acoustic solutions in studios, offices, hotels, etc.

DASM’s sound insulation testing workflow
- Receive test request and sample/construction specifications.
- Conduct site survey (for field tests).
- Prepare measuring instruments, sound sources, and calibrated microphones.
- Perform tests across standard frequency bands.
- Analyze data following ISO 717-1 and calculate Rw, R’w, C, Ctr indices.
- Deliver technical report (bilingual upon request).
Testing costs at DASM
Acoustic testing costs depend on several factors:
- Testing method (Laboratory or Field)
- Construction type: wall, partition, door, ceiling, floor…
- Number of samples to test
- Testing location (Hanoi, HCMC, other provinces…)
- Detail level and reporting format required
- Final quotation provided after receiving complete customer requirements.
Investing in professional acoustic testing not only ensures your building meets technical requirements but also increases usability and builds trust with stakeholders. With deep expertise, advanced equipment, and a professional team, DASM is your ideal partner in projects requiring high-quality acoustic performance.