Thesis (BS Architecture) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2019

Studies to use natural materials for acoustic absorbers are still progressing; however, most of the established works are mainly focused on the fibrous-type absorbers. This study entitled “Natural Sound Absorbing Panels: A Research Analysis on the Sound Absorption and Sound Transmission Behaviour of the Hollow-Structured Bamboo”, aims to discuss the acoustic properties of bamboo, a non-fibrous-type of material. The general objective of this study is to explore the potential of using bamboo as an alternative low environment-impact acoustic material. The acoustical properties of the hollow-structure bamboo are discussed here. The random incidence absorption coefficient was measured based on the length and diameter of the bamboo (arranged axially arranged on a panel). The sound absorption and sound transmission class values were computed and initial values were determined using reverberation chamber (sound absorption) and the diffuse-field sound model (sound transmission loss values).
Results showed that the Noise Reduction Coefficient of the Bamboo Panel for the Small hollow-diameter (2m m -10mm) at 2cm length is classified as absorbing while the bamboos with hollow-diameter range of 11m -25m m is classified as hardly absorbing. In addition, small diameter and big diameter bamboos have STC ratings of 38 and 40 respectively, in which both have a good subjectivity rating.