Investigation of laboratory and Field methods of measuring energy caused by traffic noise pollution

The traffic noise pollution measurement has always been considered by urban transportation system managers. Sound and noise definitions, evaluation of their differences, production and propagation factors of traffic noise pollution, various laboratory and field sound energy measurement methods, noise maps, and investigation of the methods of sound energy reduction are the most important topics studied in this research. Tire-pavement interaction noise (TPIN) is known as the most important source of traffic noise pollution at speeds above 40 km/h for passenger cars and 70 km/h for trucks. Using the appropriate air void content in asphalt surfaces has reduced the noise pollution caused by TPIN up to 10 dB. Porous asphalt with more than 20% air void content has shown good performance in reducing traffic noise pollution. The severity of traffic noise pollution has been measured using laboratory and field methods. Laboratory methods can be performed in a laboratory environment and under controlled conditions. Laboratory test results are more accurate and this method has been widely used in TPIN measurements. Field methods measure the tire-pavement interaction noise (TPIN) more realistically despite ambient noise pollution.