BACKGROUND: Tire-Pavement noise has become an increasingly important consideration for highway agencies as the public consistently demands that highway traffic noise be mitigated. Although sound walls provide a means for addressing highway noise, improved pavement structures and surfaces may provide a less expensive alternative for noise mitigation. However, there are no widely accepted procedures for measuring solely tire-pavement noise under in-service conditions. Research is needed to evaluate potential noise-measuring procedures and identify or develop appropriate procedures applicable to light and heavy vehicles and all paved surfaces. Such procedures will provide highway agencies with an appropriate means for (1) measuring and rating tire-pavement noise levels on existing pavements, (2) evaluating new pavements incorporating noise-mitigating features, and (3) identifying design and construction features associated with different noise levels. This information will help agencies effectively manage their resources and reduce noise impacts on nearby communities.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are to (1) develop rational procedures for measuring tire-pavement noise and (2) demonstrate applicability of the procedures through testing of in-service pavements.

Status: The project is complete.  The report has been published as NCHRP Report 630 and distributed to Program sponsrs (state depertments of Transportation)

Product Availability: NCHRP Report 630.