Abstract
The NJDOT is increasing the use of micro surface and chip seal earlier in the pavement life cycle to economically extend the service life of a pavement, to promote a high level of pavement condition index (PCI) throughout the state network, to provide functional benefits such as increased skid resistance, reduced splash and spray, and noise reduction. To determine if a noise reduction is attainable using these surface treatments, it was important to first measure the associated noise levels generated and determine how they compare to traditionally used thin-lift overlays. A tire/pavement noise evaluation was conducted utilizing the On-Board Sound Intensity Method (OBSI) on micro surface and chip sealed sections that were placed on state-maintained roads as test sections to compare to noise levels included in the NJ noise database for ultra-thin bonded wearing course (Novachip), High Performance Thin Overlay (HPTO), Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Asphalt Rubber Open Graded Friction Course (AROGFC). The rank order noise level of thin-lift overlays from quietest to loudest ascertained from this study was AROGFC, SMA, HPTO, Novachip, and then micro surface.