Comparison of dBA and ISO ratings in assessing sound isolation.

This work deals with the correlation existing between the ISO index Rw for global evaluation of the isolation of walls and partitions and the so-called dBA index. This study, carried out over 86 actual walls, with a fairly regular distribution in the interval 20≤Rw≤70, leads to a correlation between both indices given by the expression I(dBA)=-0.6+0.98 Rw. As the chosen walls include most types of insulation curves, the authors state the equivalence between both indices in assessing acoustic isolation. Some experimental advantages of dBA ratings are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]