Rubberised Asphalt vs SMA: Smartphone App to Measure the Road Noise

The tyre-pavement interaction noise on roads and highways is an increasing concern for the health and quality of life for nearby residents, wildlife and natural environment. This paper evaluates the applicability of a smartphone app, a cost-effective and easily accessible tool, to measure the road noise on rubberised and stone mastic asphalt (SMA) by performing noise tests and investigating the deviation of measurements at different distances from the source of noises on pavement surfaces. The tests were performed at a section of S3 expressway (European route E65) that connects north and south parts of Poland. This study reveals that noise aroused on rubberised asphalt comparing to that of SMA was lower with an average of 4 dB(A). The influence of vehicle speeds on road noise was comparatively higher on rubberised asphalt than SMA. The findings of this paper can have significant impact on the transport industries particularly in developing countries because of the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of the technique to measure road noise levels.