Effects of rumble strip parameters on acoustics, vibration, and perception

Abstract

Rumble strips aim to alert the driver of dangerous situations via acoustic and tactile stimulation. They can, however, also lead to increased noise in the surroundings. Strip parameters and the vehicle type determines the size of these acoustic and vibratory effects. In our work, 16 rumble strip types (including strips with irregular spacing) were evaluated with respect to their effects on acoustics, vibration, and perception. Interior and exterior emissions caused by controlled pass-overs of a car and a truck were recorded. Annoyance, urgency, and reaction time of 16 listeners were tested in a laboratory experiment and models mapping acoustics to perception were developed. Steering wheel and seat vibrations were acquired. Our results show a high correlation of interior and exterior noise. The loudness level was the best predictor of perceived annoyance and urgency. Irregular spacing reduced the tonality at the cost of a difficult production process. While a large variety of strip types produced a sufficient acoustic effect in the passenger car, the acoustic response was lower in the truck. Combined with the low vibration levels found in the truck, an identification of an optimal strip type for both vehicle types turns out to be difficult.