Evaluation on Noise Characteristics by Field Application of Improved Rumble Strip

PURPOSES : This research investigates traffic noise characteristics as change the transverse rumble strips shape from rectangular to cylinder at toll plaza of highway. METHODS : The traffic noise was investigated at two different places at toll plaza of highway. One is modified grooving, another is employed cylinder shape of TRS instead of rectangular shape of TRS. A measurement of traffic noise was conducted at same location and time period. The traffic volume information was gotten from office of highway office and vehicle speed was measured by speed measuring device. The traffic noise measurement was conducted from 13:00 to 23:00 and by pass-by method. Also, the traffic noise was measured behind noise barrier. Various distance from noise barrier(7.5m, 30m, 50m) and different heights(1.2m, 3m, and 5m) were parameter for measurement of traffic noise in this study. RESULTS : The class 1 vehicle was contributed from traffic volume which was increased 1,500. However, the distribution of traffic speed didn't change compare to previous investigated period. From this study, It was found that the external traffic noise was changed as function of geometric shape of TRS. The external noise from modified grooving was less than 1.2dB(A) of the current TRS. A difference of traffic noise was 20dB(A) before and after barrier. It came from a noise barrier effect as reduction of traffic noise. According to investigate a traffic noise distribution near barrier, there is similar noise characteristic as function of height at 7.5m distance from noise barrier. Also, There is no different traffic noise between 30m and 50m from source of the noise of sound barrier. CONCLUSIONS : Based on this traffic noise investigation result, there is a clear characteristic difference as changed TRS shape. The traffic noise was reduced by changed TRS shape. Specially, traffic noise was decreased although the traffic volume was increase for same investigation time and period. It is implied that cylinder type of TRS significantly reduces the traffic noise. The specification of various TRS will be studied in the future.