United States Department of Transportation
i
Tire Pavement Noise and Safety Performance, PCC Surface Texture Technical Working Group
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1996-05-01
[PDF-21.81 MB]
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Abstract:The annoying noise frequencies produced from the tire/pavement interaction on some (usually transversely tined) Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavements have concerned both residents living nearby and motorists traveling over them. A Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed to investigate the problem by conducting a review of previous research and by evaluating the results of ongoing research in the United States. The goal of the TWG was to recommend PCC pavement surface textures that will reduce the annoying noise frequencies without compromising safety. Previous research determined that PCC surfaces constructed for speeds under 80 km/h need only a good microtexture for wet weather stopping. For speeds of 80 km/h or greater, a macrotexture is also needed to reduce the water film thickness and prevent hydroplaning. The exposed aggregate surfaced PCC pavements and the open-graded asphalt friction course pavements combine for the quietest and safest rides where premium textures are desired. Smoother pavements also result in a quieter ride. Wisconsin researchers, using narrow band frequency analysis techniques, have recently discovered how to objectively measure and analyze the annoying pure tones that create tire/pavement whining or lower frequency rumbling. Noise-reducing construction methods that work most effectively for new pavements are to randomly space (10 to 40 mm) the transverse tines/grooves, construct longitudinal tines/grooves (either according to AASHTO guidelines or to the Spanish plastic brushing method), or construct an exposed aggregate surface. Existing PCC pavements that produce an annoying noise should be retextured (diamond grooving, diamond or carbide grinding, or shotblasting) or resurfaced (PCC overlay or surface laminate, microsurfacing, or a dense- or open-graded asphalt concrete overlay). Further research needs to determine the relationship between friction numbers and wet weather accident rates and develop improved construction guidelines (specific random transverse tine spacing, repeat pattern, and depth of texturing) to optimize safety and noise considerations.
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