The main contributing components of road traffic noise include noise from the tyre-road interaction; car transmission noise; engine noise; exhaust system noise; and intake system noise. Over the years considerable reductions in traffic noise have been achieved with respect to reducing engine and exhaust noise via Australian Design Rules. Tyre-road interaction noise is the dominant traffic noise source for speeds above 40-50 kilometres per hour for cars and 60-70 kilometres per hour for trucks. Tyre-road noise under most conditions is the dominant contributing factor to road traffic noise and therefore has been the focus of many studies and ongoing design of quiet, hush, low-noise pavements/road surface finishes. The option of low noise generating road surfaces becomes important if, for example, it either obviates the need to erect noise barriers, or the effective height of noise barriers can be substantially reduced. This reduces visual impact as well as other amenity issues associated with light and airflow. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.
Abstract