Noise and Pavement Rehabilitation Using Chip Seal Surfaces

Abstract

In the United States, increasing number of local and state highway agencies are using chip seals for highway pavement rehabilitation due to their relatively low cost and simplicity of application. These surfaces can significantly increase both exterior traffic noise levels and interior noise for vehicle occupants. Recent studies have quantified these effects using pass-by and interior noise and on-board sound intensity (OBSI) measurements. In order to minimize these effects, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has conducted research on different chip seal pavement designs near the City of Bishop, California. Previous measurements of chip seal pavement have indicated an average OBSI level of 106.2 dBA with a range of ±2 dB. The five quietest test sections at Bishop produced an average level of 101.8 dB with a range of ±0.6 dB. In this presentation, the previous pass-by and interior noise and OBSI measurements are provided along with the comparison of OBSI data to that measured at the Bishop sites. The performance and design information on the Bishop sites are also provided.