Traffic noise abatement: How different pavements, vehicle speeds and traffic densities affect annoyance levels

In this paper, annoyance ratings from traffic noise recorded on cobblestones, dense asphalt, and open asphalt rubber pavements are assessed with regard to car speeds and traffic densities. It was found that cobblestones pavements are the most annoying; also while open asphalt rubber pavement imposes less annoyance than dense asphalt it is not significantly different. Higher car speeds always lead to greater annoyance, as does higher traffic densities. LAeq and LAmax correlate well with annoyance, but loudness is the best predictor. Roughness and sharpness exhibit inconsistent interactions.

► The paper compares noise annoyance related to cobblestone, dense asphalt and open asphalt rubber pavements.
► It finds Cobblestones are the most annoying, with little difference between open asphalt rubber and dense asphalt.
► The best predictor for annoyance between and within pavement types is loudness.