Policy requires durable low-noise pavements for heavy traffic in the city of Rotterdam

摘要

In various policies it is stated that the noise levels in cities have to be diminished. In thesepolicies noise reduction at the source is preferred. In case of traffic noise this implies theapplication of low-noise pavements. Within cities, however, there are many situations thatdo not allow the application of low-noise pavements because of their low resistance againstwringing traffic. Furthermore, in case of the city of Rotterdam with its large harbour andheavy industry, many roads have high intensities of heavy traffic. Therefore, in order tomeet policy goals concerning the reduction of traffic noise, durable low-noise pavementsfor heavy traffic had to be developed. Four types (two high low-noise and two moderatelow-noise) of pavements have been developed by using the newest model for traffic noise(SIROTOL). These pavements have been tested extensively in the laboratory with respectto durability. Finally, six test tracks with the four pavements have been constructed on ahighly trafficked road with relative many wringing and heavy vehicles. From these testtracks the respective noise reductions have been measured after construction and thesetracks will be monitored during seven years.