Full Scale Pavement Tests of Exposed Concrete Aggregates: Acoustical Aspects and Friction Characteristics

Traffic-noise pollution has become an issue for many road authorities. Applying measures at the source i.e. interaction surface and wheel are an effective noise abatement measure and many quiet surfaces have been developed in the last decade. A relative silent surfacing is a concrete surface of exposed aggregates. The Dutch province of Noord-Brabant has undertaken a research program to improve the noise reduction of exposed cement concrete. The province has a considerable track record on cement concrete roads. Their experience record shows that this pavement type is cost effective, almost maintenance free and a long-lasting solution. In order to improve the noise emission and to derive a durable and long-lasting pavement solution, a total of 18 full scale pavement test sections have been built. These sections vary in construction technique, concrete receipt, stone type and size, and rinse and washing technique. Noise tests as well as friction measurements have been performed. The full scale tests have led to new concrete receipts and recommendations for the construction of gap graded exposed concrete mixtures. The paper outlines the construction of the full-scale pavement sections, presents the test results of noise and friction measurements, and comments on the recommendations.