Silencing concrete

With the development of enhanced porosity concrete (EPC), the use of asphalt is eliminated to lessen the traffic noise. A joint research project by the Institute of Safe, Quiet, and Durable Highways, ACBM, and the Portland Cement Association tried to develop an efficient mixture proportions for EPC, in terms of sound mitigation and water transport. The combined effects of a lower level of tire-pavement noise generation and increased sound absorption resulted in reduced noise by using EPC. Furthermore, it was proved that EPC provides rapid drainage of water to minimize wet weather spray and glare. The optimal pore structure characteristics of EPC were characterized using a conceptual model to relate it with the acoustic absorption.