Study of Mechanisms that Generate Traffic Noise in the Tire–Pavement Interface for Low-Volume Roads in Brazil

Abstract

Traffic noise has a negative influence on society, and minimum acoustic comfort standards must be maintained for individuals to be able to perform their daily activities. When traffic speeds exceed 40 km/h, the predominant noise source is tire–pavement interaction. This study assessed noise generated in the tire–pavement interface at different traffic speeds (40, 60, and 80 km/h), for different types of asphalt coatings applied in low-volume roads in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Coatings included conventional asphalt mix and polymer-modified hot-mix asphalt concrete, cold-mix asphalt, and double bituminous surface treatment. An increase in noise was directly proportional to increased traffic speed and also varied with changing parameters such as voids, surface texture, and roughness. Because of the upper microtexture, a double bituminous surface treatment can be used as a good solution for quiet pavements in low-volume roads.