Conference_programme: 25.2 - Tyre / road noise
Lecture: Milestones in establishing low-noise asphalts as a widely used, effective and durable noise abatement measure in Switzerland
Author(s): Steiner Simon, Bühlmann Erik, Hammer Emanuel
Summary:
Recently, low-noise road surfaces have become one of the preferred measures to reduce excessive traffic noise on the communal, cantonal and national road networks in Switzerland. This trend has been accelerated by a policy and subsidy scheme change as well as by new research outcomes with promising results in testing of a new generation of semi-dense asphalts with increased technical durability and longer-lasting noise reduction. Two main approaches were used by road owners for selection and quality control of low-noise road surfaces: firstly, by using a national standard which offers different options regarding chipping size and void content and, secondly, by relying upon the innovative capacity of road construction companies in developing products that correspond to a set of acoustical and technical requirements. This paper provides an overview of the challenges; the consequent research and the developed solutions which have proven to be critical milestones in the process of establishing low-noise road surfaces as an effective and durable noise abatement measure on Swiss roads. The construction of more than 1000 high quality low-noise road surfaces has resulted in the protection of a large number of people from excessive noise.
Corresponding author
Name: Dr Emanuel Hammer
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Country: Switzerland
