Effect of Ficus pumila, Ficus pumila üVariegataü and Vernonia elliptica on Sound Absorption Performance of Green Wall Fences

Abstract

Currently there is a very high trend among Malaysians to use creeping plants for decorating the walls of houses. Popular plants include Ficus pumila, Ficus pumila üVariegataü and Vernonia elliptica which creep on fences around the house effectively making a ügreen wall fenceü. This study examines whether Ficus pumila, Ficus pumila üVariegataü and Vernonia elliptica on wall fences can be used to reduce noise from traffic and overcome canyon effects. The effectiveness on noise reduction were carried out through the sound absorption coefficient measured using two micro-phone impedance tubes on a series of green wall fence specimens. Porous concrete and brick wall with Vernonia elliptica 10ü50 mm thick specimens were the best green wall fencing since the value of all sound absorption coefficient value ranged from greater than 0.3 up to 0.9 for 500ü1600 Hz frequency range, hence can reduce all categories of noise emanating from road traffic and the associated canyon effect. Vernonia elliptica specimen with 10ü50 mm thick coverings on a porous wall has sound absorption coefficient better than rockwool for 200ü630 Hz frequency range.