Overview

The emission and propagation of road traffic noise greatly depends on road surface characteristics, notably on texture, flow resistivity and acoustic absorption. All these characteristics influence the generation of tyre/road noise and, in addition, the acoustic absorption can influence the propagation of sound, particularly when the propagation takes place close to the surface. Power unit noise, which is usually generated at a greater height above the road surface than tyre/road noise, may also be affected during propagation by the porosity characteristics of the road surface. These effects lead to differences in sound pressure levels, associated with a given traffic flow and composition, from different road surfaces of up to 15 dB, which can have a substantial impact on the environmental quality alongside a road. It is therefore important to be able to measure the influence of surface characteristics on tyre/road noise by a standardized method. Within the constraints of this method, this document offers an objective rating of the road characteristics to satisfy a need expressed by road planners, road administrators, contractors, manufacturers of so-called “low-noise surfaces” and other parties concerned with the control of road traffic noise. This standard specifies a method of evaluating different road surfaces with respect to their influence on traffic noise, under conditions when tyre/road noise dominates.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 001-01-05 AA - Measurement of sound exposition on road vehicles, including measurements inside the passenger compartment and at the workplace  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 227/WG 5 - Surface characteristics  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 43/SC 1/WG 33 - Measuring method for comparing traffic noise on different road surfaces