A Comparison of Traffic Noise from Asphalt Rubber Asphalt Concrete Friction Courses (ARACFC) and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements (PCCP)

A Comparison of Traffic Noise from Asphalt Rubber Asphalt Concrete Friction Courses (ARACFC) and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements (PCCP)
Author: Michael P. Henderson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 182
Release: 1996
Genre: Pavements, Asphalt concrete
ISBN:

A study was conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation to evaluate the potential noise reduction benefits of using Asphalt Rubber Asphalt Concrete Friction Course (ARACFC) as an overlay for Portland Cement Concrete Pavements (PCCP). Comparative noise measurements were performed on several ARACFC and PCCP freeway segments. Third-octave frequency measurements were also performed to compare the frequency content of the noise generated by the two pavement types. Two separate measurement techniques were used to collect noise data. First, roadside traffic noise measurements were performed on adjoining freeway segments that consisted of different pavement types. For these measurements, two noise meters were positioned at equal distances from the adjoining freeway segments, and roadside traffic noise levels were measured simultaneously. The second measurement technique consisted of on-road tire-pavement noise measurements. For these measurements, a specially made bracket was clamped to the frame of a test vehicle, and a noise meter microphone was secured near the tire-pavement contact area. Noise readings were recorded as the test vehicle traveled at highway speeds over various pavement surfaces. Noise frequency data were collected using both measurement techniques.

Effectiveness of Noise Barriers Installed Adjacent to Transverse Grooved Concrete Pavement

Effectiveness of Noise Barriers Installed Adjacent to Transverse Grooved Concrete Pavement
Author: Lloyd Allen Herman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2009
Genre: Noise barriers
ISBN:

In recent years the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has reconstructed a number of roadways where asphalt pavements were replaced with random transverse grooved concrete pavements. Upon completion, residents living adjacent to the reconstructed roadways have complained of increased noise levels. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is used to determine if predicted traffic noise levels warrant abatement and to design the abatement structures. The public perception problem described above suggests that the model does not result in adequate noise barrier abatement designs near random transverse grooved concrete pavements. The overall goal of this project was to provide ODOT with accurate TNM noise predictions when modeling random transverse grooved concrete pavement highways. Three random transverse grooved PCC roadway sites were chosen for study where high quality sound recordings were taken. Sites 1 (Cincinnati I-275) and 2 (Troy I-75) were chosen to represent the noise quality experienced by residents adjacent to the roadway, where the residential areas were separated from the roadway by sound barriers. Site 3 (Madison County I-70) was chosen to study the attenuation of road noise with distance in an easily-characterized environment; an open soybean cropland essentially level on both sides of the roadway with no noise barrier. Through a paired t-test the research findings determined that the sample means of the TNM average pavement and the ODOT random transverse grooved pavement were not equivalent based upon a level of confidence of 95 percent. An examination of the one-third octave band frequency levels indicated that at frequencies greater than 500 Hz, the measured traffic noise levels exceeded both the TNM average pavement type and TNM ODOT random transverse grooved pavement predictions. However, at frequencies less than 500 Hz the predictions tended to exceed the measurements. It is recommended that the experimental version of TNM developed for this project, using the current ODOT random transverse grooved concrete pavement REMEL, should not be used in practice due to its potential to under-predict traffic noise levels. A new surface texture specification should also be developed for concrete pavements to replace the current specification in order to reduce tire/pavement noise levels while maintaining or improving safety and durability characteristics.

Effectiveness of Tire/road Noise Abatement Through Surface Retexturing by Diamond Grinding for Project SUM-76-15.40

Effectiveness of Tire/road Noise Abatement Through Surface Retexturing by Diamond Grinding for Project SUM-76-15.40
Author: Lloyd Allen Herman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 112
Release: 2005
Genre: Noise control
ISBN:

A portion of I-76, near Akron, OH, had been reconstructed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) using concrete to replace the previous surface, which was constructed of asphalt. In the process of reconstruction, the concrete surface was textured with random transverse grooves to comply with the current ODOT specification. Subsequent to construction, residents living in the project area as far as 2600 ft (800 m) from the roadway, perceived an unfavorable difference in their noise environment, which they attributed to the new concrete pavement used on the reconstruction project. Therefore, a project was initiated to re-texture the pavement surface by diamond grinding. The transverse grooves were replaced with longitudinal grooves. Traffic noise measurements were made before and after grinding at five sites in the project area, at distances from 7.5 m to 120 m from the center of the near travel lane. The average reduction in broadband noise at 7.5 m was 3.5 dB, and the average reduction at15m was 3.1 dB. Spectrum analysis showed the greatest reduction in noise occurred at frequencies above 1 kHz and that the retexuring had little to no effect on frequencies less than 200 Hz.

Performance Characteristics of Open-graded Friction Courses

Performance Characteristics of Open-graded Friction Courses
Author: Harry A. Smith
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 60
Release: 1992
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780309053068

This synthesis will be of interest to construction, maintenance, pavement design, and materials engineers, pavement contractors, and others interested in the use of open-graded friction courses (OGFC) as an asphalt concrete pavement wearing surface. Information is provided on performance benefits and limitations of OGFC, material and mixture properties, and current construction practices in use in the United States and Europe. Advances in mixture design and construction techniques have overcome several of the performance limitations identified in early applications of OGFC, as well as enhanced the performance benefits associated with OGFC use. This report of the Transportation Research Board describes the current state of the practice with respect to the use of OGFC. Experience with the design, construction, and performance of OGFC is summarized, based on a review of the literature, documentation of experience from applications in the U.S. and Europe, and site visits to several states.

Relationship Between Pavement Surface Texture and Highway Traffic Noise

Relationship Between Pavement Surface Texture and Highway Traffic Noise
Author: Roger L. Wayson
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 96
Release: 1998
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780309068215

"This report will be of interest to state DOT pavement engineers, environmental specialists, and noise analysts. The relationship between pavement surface texture and highway traffic noise is discussed. Information for the synthesis was collected by surveying state transportation agencies and by conducting a literature search of both domestic and foreign publications."--Avant-propos.

Survey of Traffic Noise Reduction Products, Materials, and Technologies

Survey of Traffic Noise Reduction Products, Materials, and Technologies
Author: Brown, Vi (Violettee)
Publisher:
Total Pages: 90
Release: 2008
Genre: Noise control
ISBN:

Noise is one of the most pervasive forms of environmental pollution. It is everywhere and affects our lives at home, work and play. By definition, noise is any unwanted or excessive sound. Highway traffic noise is a major issue for transportation agencies. The objective of this study was to identify noise reduction products, materials, and technologies currently available and that may have potential as noise mitigation alternatives. The literature review and survey identified measures that are being used by U.S. transportation organizations as well as international efforts. Some key findings from the literature review show the following best practices: - Pavement Noise Reduction Products - noise or sound walls dominate this category and have been used for decades in the U.S. Findings from the literature revealed a variety of materials to choose from that are both aesthetically attractive, and effective in reducing sound from tire pavement noise. The cost of installing products will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis with the vendor or for each applicable product. - Pavement Noise Reduction Materials - The operating speed of the roadway should be factored into the roadway design for quiet pavements. European studies show that higher porous mixtures tend to clog under slower speeds. Two layer-porous mixes have been found to be effective in Europe and the US. An important attribute for consideration in two layer-porous mix design and placement is aggregate size. - Pavement Noise Reduction Technologies - use of thin-textured surfacings with a negative pavement depression are recommended for urban or low-speed roadway sections. Diamond grinding enhances noise reduction on concrete surfaces in sensitive locations. - Other Pavement Noise Reduction Measures - looking forward, transportation officials are encouraged to develop an integrated approach to roadway noise reduction. Instead of relying on a single measure, the recommended forward strategy is to develop the ability to model the effectiveness of a number of different measures to achieve greater noise reduction.