Estudo da absorção sonora de arranjos decorativos contendo espécies vegetais

Abstract

This study aims to present a sustainable alternative to noise attenuation in external or internal environments through the application of vegetated arrangements as sound absorbers. This proposal arises from the need to adapt the conventional sound absorption systems, and from the concern for environmental preservation. There was also concern about the decorative applicability of these systems, so its appearance should be aesthetically interesting. To compose the proposal, plant arrangements, containing the Buriti palm (Trithrinax brasiliensis Mart.), arranged in ornamental flowerpots build in MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard plank) and decorated with another plant, known as Barba-de-pau (Tillandsia usneoides) were analyzed. Measurements were performed to identify the sound absorption coefficient (α) of these arrangements, through experiments in reverberation chamber of the Acoustic Engineering Laboratory in the Federal University of Santa Maria, according to ISO 354/2003 standard using the interrupted noise method. From these tests, it was determined the reverberation time (RT) and subsequently the sound absorption coefficient α. The composition containing the two plants and the ornamental flowerpots presented the average sound absorption coefficient between 0,11 and 0,27 from 100 Hz to 5000 Hz range. Thus, it is recommended to use this alternative for noise attenuation in a given room, or using their application in series, containing combined vegetated arrangements.