On-Board Sound Intensity Tire-Pavement Noise Study in North Carolina

This research investigated tire-pavement noise on various types of pavements across North Carolina by using On-Board Sound Intensity (OBSI) method. To mitigate traffic noise, quieter pavement may provide advantages that noise barriers cannot. To reach the ultimate goals of quieter pavement development, for effectively managing traffic noise in support of the NCDOT’s function in the FHWA Pooled Fund Study, TPF-5 (135), this research has focused on the most imperative task, i.e., to measure the OBSI noise levels of different types of pavements in North Carolina. A thorough literature review was conducted. OBSI testing equipment with sound intensity measuring process was established at East Carolina University. The OBSI equipment is an important tool for investigating tire-pavement noise and performing traffic noise research in a standard manner so that the data can be shared and compared with other agencies. Sixty-one highway sites and 153 test sections around 30 counties for nine types of pavements were investigated. The work of this project is a cornerstone for future determinations of the most cost-effective, durable and technically sound pavement noise abatement means suitable for North Carolina. The data have been proved to be valid and can be used in the FHWA OBSI database or presented to the public. The results indicate that relatively quieter pavements have been used in North Carolina. In the meantime, future work is needed to improve pavement noise levels based on the findings from this project. The OBSI data collected will provide valuable information in future research for quieter pavement development and traffic noise management.