Tire-pavement interaction noise: Recent research on concrete pavement surface type and texture

Several solutions have been proposed for quieter riding surfaces, including porous pavements, tining, and grinding. This paper deals with certain aspects of a recent large-scale research that has been carried out to examine the influence of cement concrete pavement surface type and texture on noise generation. One pavement surface type (Enhanced Porosity Concrete - EPC), and one surface texturing method (transverse tining) is dealt with in detail in this paper. Experimental studies to ascertain the physical (porosity and pore size), mechanical (strength), and acoustical (acoustic absorption using impedance tube) properties of EPC are discussed. It is shown in this paper that, with careful selection of aggregate gradation and cementing materials content, it is possible to generate a system of optimally-sized pores in the material to maximize acoustic absorption. Mathematical modeling of noise to evaluate the influence of transverse tine geometry (depth, width, and shape) on noise reduction characteristics is explained in the second part of this paper. A mathematical model has been used to determine the stress distribution between the concrete pavement and the tire. The stress distribution model is used to describe the stress and ultimately noise generated by various geometries of tining patterns. Experiments on Tire-Pavement test apparatus are also discussed.