Urban Forest Acoustics

In general, trees are viewed as admired symbolic individuals, producing rec- ational, spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. Their lifespan can far exceed that of humans. Planting a tree is a singular act of faith in the future, c- ating a legacy for the community members who will follow. The presence of trees in an urban area has been a reality for several centuries. Beautiful trees in urban plazas are synonymous with a high sense of community and civic pride. Trees signi?cantly enhance the landscaping and appearance of the built environment. City trees improve several architectural and engineering functions, prov- ing a green infrastructure for communities. Trees create a friendlier envir- ment for walking, riding bikes and working, by reducing glare and softening harsh traf?c sounds and concrete views. Trees enhance the viewing in urban areas of a variety of birds and small animals, such as squirrels. They are of extreme importance to the functioning of many different ecosystems. Trees planted in the right place around buildings can improve air conditioning and heating costs by providing shade or by affecting wind speed or direction. Ev- green trees with dense, persistent needles can be used to provide a windbreak, while deciduous trees allow the sun to warm a house in winter. The more c- pact the branches and foliage of a group of trees, the greater their in?uence as a windbreak.

Dr. Voichita Bucur, currently an adjunct professor at RMIT Melbourne, Australia, received her bachelor in Engineering in 1962 from Polytechnic Institute Brasov, Romania, and her PhD in Mechanics and Ultrasonics in 1984 from the Institut Supérieur des Materiaux, St Ouen, Paris today named Institut Superieur de Mecanique de Paris, France. Her fields of research encompass development of non-destructive techniques (vibrational, acoustic, ultrasonic, X-rays) for the assessment of the quality of trees, wood products and wood-based composites, mechanical characterisation of materials with non-destructive techniques, wood science and technology, and mechanical characterisation of wood for musical instruments. In 2004, she was awarded the silver medal by Société d'Encouragement du Progrès, France, for contributions to mechanics, acoustics, wood science, education and service to the society. In 2007, she received the distinguish award at 15th International Symposium on Non-destructive Testing of wood, Duluth, Minessota, USA, for contribution to the development of non-destructive techniques for wood and wood-based composites

Noise in Urban Forest.- Tree Characteristics and Acoustic Sensors.- Noise Attenuation with Plant Material.- Traffic Noise Abatement.- Noise Abatement and Dwellings.- Noise, Birds and Insects in Urban Forest Environment.- Acoustics for Fire Control in Forest.- Economic Aspects.