Traffic/road noise mitigation under modified asphalt pavements

Abstract

Road traffic noise is one of the largest trend environmental problems, which causes a lot of negative effects to people health and countries’ economies. Road traffic noise abatement and mitigation is a huge challenge for NRAs, which, in the context of decreasing budgets, has not only to maintain sufficient level of their road networks, but also to meet the environmental requirements and society needs. Despite the wide experience of noise reducing asphalt mixtures development and application in European countries, the same effective solution cannot be adapted in all countries because of the regional differences of clime and traffic conditions. For these reasons, Lithuania have started a set of research works related with noise reducing asphalt mixtures development for Lithuanian climate conditions, which could be characterized as a harsh climate conditions with a high number of annual frost-thaw cycles. Article presents laboratory research phase of noise reducing asphalt mixtures. Optimization of traditional asphalt mixtures SMA and AC were performed to increase noise reduction properties at the same time retaining sufficient durability. Conventional and innovative laboratory testing methods were applied. Paper provides results of laboratory testing and analytical analysis of the tested asphalt mixtures properties. Summarized research conclusions and recommendations for further activities are presented in the article.