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.
Recent work completed under NCHRP Project 1-44, and reported in NCHRP Report 630 proposed a test method for measuring tire-pavement noise at the source using the on-board sound intensity (OBSI) method. However, there is need for further research to advance the work performed in this project by developing a precision and bias statement for the proposed test method.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a precision and bias statement for the test method reported in NCHRP Report 630.
Status: The project is complete. The research proposed changes to AASHTO Method of Test for Measurement of Tire/Pavement Noise Using the On-Board Sound Intensity (OBSI) Method (TP076). Also, based on extensive measurements, the research developed precision and bias statements for the test methoda that will be provided to the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Materials for consideration. The agency research report is available on TRB web site at https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/nchrp01-44(01)_FR.pdf
