The growing demand for environmentally responsible building materials has increased interest in the use of bamboo for acoustic applications. However, existing studies commonly focus on the acoustic performance of individual bamboo-based specimens, while the relationships between bamboo’s physical characteristics, acoustic mechanisms, design variables, and standardized evaluation methods remain insufficiently synthesized. This study aims to: (1) synthesize fundamental knowledge of acoustic materials in terms of definitions, classifications, sound-control mechanisms, material characteristics, and relevant testing standards; and (2) examine the physical properties and acoustic potential of bamboo in relation to the development of sustainable acoustic materials. An integrative literature review and analytical synthesis were conducted using studies related to acoustic materials, natural-fiber sound absorbers, bamboo-based composites, solid and laminated bamboo panels, and hollow bamboo structures. The reviewed information was categorized according to material form, physical characteristics, acoustic mechanism, design parameters, performance indicators, and evaluation methods. The synthesis indicates that the acoustic performance of bamboo is not determined solely by the material itself, but by the interaction among density, porosity, thickness, fiber or particle morphology, structural arrangement, surface condition, moisture content, binder proportion, perforation pattern, and air-cavity configuration. Bamboo fibers and porous composites primarily absorb sound through viscous and thermal energy losses, whereas solid panels and hollow bamboo structures can contribute through panel vibration, cavity resonance, reflection, and sound transmission resistance. Impedance-tube methods are suitable for preliminary material comparison, while reverberation-room methods are more appropriate for evaluating full-scale products under conditions closer to practical applications.

Authors:
Pichrawee Suraareekul, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Picharawee Suraareekul is a lecturer in the Design Program, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, and also teaches in the Digital Entrepreneur Program, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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