Acoustic absorption and surface texture: an experimental investigation

The objective of this paper is to study the relationship between in situ acoustic absorption coefficient (extended surface method, ISO 13472-1) and pavement surface texture in terms of level spectra.A porous European mix was investigated. The acoustic absorption coefficient was measured according to the ISO 13472-1, Acoustics - Measurement of sound absorption properties of road surfaces in situ – Part 1: Extended surface method, 2002. Acoustical absorption coefficients were analysed by taking into account contract specifications and requirements. Surface texture was investigated according to the standards ISO 13473-1; ISO/CD TS 13473-4; ISO 13473-3. Additionally, in order to assess the overall state of the surface also drainability was measured in the same locations.Results were compared and analysed in terms of averages and standard deviations. Analysis of these results may allow to derive how acoustic absorption properties may vary as a function of the surface texture and drainability for a given friction course.A tentative theoretical framework for synergistically pursuing texture and acoustic targets was formulated. Outcomes of this study are expected to benefit both practitioners and researchers