Assessment of asphalt concrete acoustic performance in urban streets

J Acoust Soc Am. 2008 Mar;123(3):1439-45. doi: 10.1121/1.2828068.

Abstract

Geo-referenced close proximity rolling noise and sound absorption measurements are used for acoustical characterization of asphalt concrete surfaces in an urban environment. A close proximity noise map of streets with low speed limits is presented for a reference speed of 50 km/h. Different pavements and pavement conditions, common in urban streets, are analyzed: dense and semidense asphalt concrete, with Spanish denomination D-8 and S-12, respectively, and on the other hand, dense pavement at the end of its service life (D-8(*)). From the acoustics point of view, the most favorable surface, by more than 4 dB(A) compared with the S-12 mix, is the smoothest surface, i.e., the D-8 mix, even though it presents a minor absorption coefficient in normal incidence. Noise levels from dense surfaces (D-8) increase significantly over time, principally due to the appearance of surface defects such as cracks and ruts. Longitudinal variability of the close proximity tire/pavement noise emission and surface homogeneity are also analyzed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics*
  • Environment*
  • Hydrocarbons*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Noise*
  • Urban Renewal*

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons
  • asphalt