AAC has been shown to provide better sound insulation and absorption than any other solid building material under comparable conditions. This makes it ideal for construction projects that require a high level of acoustic insulation, such as apartments, hotels and entertainment facilities. Since its porous internal structure is comprised of 60-70% air, the material absorbs much more sound than conventional concrete, effectively reducing sound wave transmission.
The structure of AAC provides better sound absorption as compared to that of smooth, dense concrete. Tests according to ASTM E 90 - Acoustical Measurement of Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions were performed on 8 inch thick AAC walls with dry bulk density of 38 pcf. The wall sides were either unrendered or had specified finishes. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) for all cases was in the range of 48 to 51, whereas the Impact Insulation Transmission Class (IIC) was in the range of 28 to 70 (See Table).
| RAL-TL99-123 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Block Wall | STC 48 |
| RAL-TL99-124 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Block Wall with ½” Gypsum Board on One Site | STC 48 |
| RAL-TL99-125 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Block Wall with Simulated Plaster Interior Finish | STC 48 |
| RAL-TL99-113 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor | STC 51 |
| RAL-TL99-115 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor with Carpet & Padding & Simulated Plaster Ceiling | STC 50 |
| RAL-TL99-116 | Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor with a Simulated Plaster Ceiling | STC 50 |
| RAL-IN99-11 | Impact Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor | IIC 28 |
| RAL-IN99-12 | Impact Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor with Carpet & Padding & Simulated Plaster Ceiling | IIC 70 |
| RAL-IN99-13 | Impact Sound Transmission Loss | 8.0” AAC Slab Floor with a Simulated Plaster Ceiling Riverbank | IIC 28 |
ACCOA AAC - Block & Panel 'SOUND Testing'