Urban noise caused by road vehicle traffic: influence of pavement surface condition

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of various pavement types on noise levels along selected streets in Alegrete (RS), Brazil. Noise measurements were conducted in accordance with ISO 11819-1 (1997), while service conditions were evaluated according to PRO 009 (DNIT, 2003). Road sections featuring asphalt, cobblestone blocks, and interlocked concrete blocks were selected, each presenting different states of conservation. To assess service performance, six evaluators traveled along the chosen routes by car. Vehicle noise levels were measured using a sound level meter, and speeds were recorded to determine the Statistical Pass-By Index (SPBI). Analysis of the results indicated that asphalt surfaces produced the lowest noise levels, regardless of their state of conservation. In contrast, cobblestone blocks yielded the highest noise levels under both conditions evaluated. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that the conservation state significantly affects ambient noise, indicating that pavement type alone cannot be considered the sole determinant of noise levels.