WHISPER CONCRETE: AN ADVANCE IN LOW NOISE, LONG LIFE ROAD TECHNOLOGY

This article outlines how to produce 'whisper' concrete, and reports two trials of its use in the UK. 'Whisper' concrete is an exposed aggregate concrete surface, which was first developed in Austria about six years ago. During its production, a 40mm deep upper layer, consisting of a special mix containing high-quality non-skid aggregate, is laid 'wet on wet' over a 200mm thick lower layer, containing typical concrete aggregate such as limestone or gravel. The surface is then sprayed with a chemical retarder, to prevent the cement mortar from setting at the surface. 12-24 hours later, the surface is mechanically brushed, and the cement mortar removed, to create a surface with a special texture. The first 'whisper' concrete trials in the UK, were approved a few years ago with the aim of producing a concrete road surface at least as quiet as hot rolled asphalt. A 1.2km section was laid on the M18 motorway in December 1993, and a 4km section was laid on the A50 trunk road in May 1995. The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) is now monitoring the performance of both these stretches of road. The trial results show that the 'whisper' concrete surfaces are about 2-3 dB(A) quieter than hot rolled asphalt, and have least as good skid resistance. The tone of the new surfaces' noise also seems to be more acceptable.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02636271
• Corporate Authors:

  WESTMINSTER PUBLISHING LTD

  PO BOX 89C
  ESHER, SURREY  United Kingdom  KT10 9ND
• Authors:
  • Stevenson, J
• Publication Date: 1996

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 2-3
• Serial:
  • SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT
  • Volume: 53
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
  • ISSN: 0263-6271

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Concrete; Construction; Continuous structures; Freeways; Noise; Primary highways; Rigid pavements; Skid resistance; Surfacing; Surveillance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 4577: Aggregate; 4755: Concrete; 3655: Construction; 9006: Continuous; 9009: Decrease; 2748: Main road; 2752: Motorway; 2492: Noise; 2964: Rigid pavement; 3031: Skidding resistance; 2972: Surfacing; 9101: Surveillance; 8119: United kingdom
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00723017
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 26 1996 12:00AM