Tradescantia Zebrina as New Creeping Plant for Good Sound Absorption Performance

Abstract

The increasing need to address the environmental consequences of noise and visual pollution caused by infrastructure and industrial projects in residential regions has led to the implementation of regulations. These regulations aim to minimize such impacts and have resulted in a rising demand for acoustic barriers and visual screening solutions. Presently, green plants are being employed globally not only for creating a sustainable environment within green buildings but also for their sound absorption capabilities. The choice of plants suitable for green walls primarily focuses on tropical and annual species that demonstrate effortless growth capabilities. This research examines the capability of sound absorption of chosen creeping plants namely Tradescantia Zebrina (TZ) that potentially be used for green facades. The physical properties including morphology and acoustical properties by measuring the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) using two microphone impedance tubes. The plant with the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was investigated further for the effect of the thickness of the plant on the sound absorption performance of a wall. The results showed 0.23, 0.35, and 0.52 NRC values respectively obtained from the different thicknesses of TZ There was an increment of sound absorption as the plants were attached to concrete brick as a green facade on its surface. On this basis, the capability to absorb sound by TZ as the green facade can be considered when designing the environmental structure.