Virginia quieter pavement demonstration program

This paper summarizes findings from Virginia's recent quieter pavement research. It reviews overall condition; functional performance (ride, noise, and friction); winter maintenance and use characteristics; and other important observations made about a series of demonstration projects constructed in 2011 and 2012. The lower-noise pavement technologies included porous asphalt, conventional diamond grinding, and Next Generation Concrete Surface. The paper also summarizes results from the accelerated trafficking of Virginia materials at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Pavement Test Track. Finally, the paper reviews current federal policy and the pertinent ramifications for Virginia's program. As of spring 2015, the difference in measured tire pavement noise between control surfaces and the most successful (lowest noise) quiet asphalt technology was no longer detectable with normal human hearing (<3 dB). The lowest-noise concrete surface continues to have a noticeable (∼4 dB) advantage over the standard concrete finish. Although none of the quiet pavement technologies tested thus far provide sufficient noise reduction to satisfy federal regulations for noise abatement, the Virginia Department of Transportation is encouraged to continue monitoring federal policy for changes that may incorporate pavement type as a tool for mitigating noise. The department is also encouraged to continue to monitor (and to test as warranted) products of national and international research and development that show promise for reducing or eliminating traditional sound barriers.