EXPERIENCING NOISE-REDUCING PAVEMENTS (ON THE INTERACTION OF ACOUSTICS, ROAD CONSTRUCTION, PSYCHOLOGY, LEGISLATION AND POLICY)

摘要

In various policies and local legislation it is stated that the noise levels from road systems have to diminish. In most cases, noise reduction at the source is preferred. In case of road traffic noise this requires the application of low-noise pavements. Low-noise pavements have proven to be very effective and efficient in reducing (annoyance from) road traffic noise. Not only do they reduce absolute noise levels, but, probably more important, their subjective impression is considered to be very positive and often seem to contradict the objectively measured noise level reductions. Additionally, the durability of low-noise pavements is still a major problem, which limits their application significantly. From practice it has been shown that technological research alone is not sufficient to prolong their durability. A number of aspects from acoustics, psychology, policy and legal contracts facilitate the quest for durable noise-reducing pavements.