REDUCTION OF TIRE/ROAD NOISE BY DRAINAGE ASPHALT

A class of road surfacings called drainage asphalt has been tested for its potential traffic noise reduction properties. The noise reduction is probably due to the porosity of the surface which gives some sound absorption at the same time as the air resonant radiation from the tire/road system is highly reduced. Noise measurements on drainage pavements in Sweden are reviewed. Results from the last years' research is presented for the first time. This concerns tire/road noise and traffic noise measurements on drainage pavements with different chipping size distribution, thickness and binder material. It is concluded that tire/road noise on a drainage asphalt as compared to a dense, smooth asphalt concrete is reduced by 5-9 db(a). If traffic noise is considered, the reduction might be 5-8 db(a) in the speed range 70-110 km/h according to the presented results. Not only tire/road noise but also power-train noise is reduced by the sound absorption of the drainage asphalt. As a background for the discussion on the reasons for the noise reduction obtained, a review of hypothetical noise generating mechanisms is presented. A short historical review is also included. (Author/TRRL)

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 19 p.
  • Serial:
    • Issue Number: 95

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00394333
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 31 1985 12:00AM