Historically, the typical method to reduce traffic noise has been the construction of noise walls and noise berms; however these methods can be costly (US$2 to 3 million per kilometer in Washington State). Open-graded friction courses (OGFC) have shown to reduce tire-pavement related noise whenfirst installed. However, pavement surface lives of less than 10 years, and as short as three to four years, have occurred in Washington State. Theprimary cause of early failure is due to raveling caused by studded tires. In 2006, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) placed the first of three test sections (the second test section will be placedin 2007 and the third in 2009) to evaluate noise reduction qualities and pavement performance using the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) asphalt-rubber asphalt concrete friction course (AR-ACFC), Arizona DOT ACFC modified with Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) and a standard WSDOT 12.5 mm dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA). This paper will focus on the pavement surface life and quantify the reduction and sustainability of reduced tire-pavement related noise.
Abstract