New Jersey Micro-Surface Pavement Noise Evaluation

New Jersey DOT is evaluating pavement preservation types for interstate resurfacing as a method to increase network pavement life cycles within depressed budgetary limits. Despite the economic benefits for micro-surface there is concern for the noise quality and pavement noise levels, which will become a significant issue to a greater population as the application increases over an increased area of lane miles throughout the state. Pavement noise research has been conducted on in-service pavements throughout NJ for several years, but prior to this study minimal data had been collected on traditional micro-service mix employed state-wide. Three traditional micro-surfaces were evaluated at 72.4 km/h (45 mph) with the On-Board Sound Intensity (OBSI) method. Additionally, three innovative flexible micro-surfaces with varying parameters were evaluated as well. Initial noise levels for NJ's traditional micro-surface overall levels varied between 98.0 dBA and 102.4 dBA. The flexible micro-surfaces exhibited a similar range. This paper evaluates the overall and spectral differences found between the traditional and flexible micro-surfaces.