LAUSR

Abstract Little previous research results have been reported from laboratory tire-pavement noise test methods, especially on small laboratory specimens. This research aims to introduce and explore the feasibility of a new test method used with laboratory specimens. The proposed method measured the tire-pavement noise when a rolling tire from a sloping track hit a horizontal slab specimen of a given pavement mixture. A high speed camera and a weighing sensor were utilized to identify the tire-pavement contact time and distance. The contact time was found to be 30.72 ms. The exact start time of contact was determined by analyzing the recorded sound signal. Altogether, five data analysis methods were employed. The analysis results were evaluated using Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and 1/3 octave band spectrum. They were compared with the corresponding reference pavements from past research, and on site results. Finally, two methods were recommended. They may potentially characterize laboratory tire-pavement noise.