Effect of Rumble Strip Profiles on Noise Levels

Abstract

In this study, the effect of different shoulder rumble strip profiles, including cylindrical, sinusoidal, and raised audible rumble strips, on the tire–pavement interface noise, internal noise (inside the vehicle), and wayside noise were evaluated. The results show that the tire–pavement interface noise level based on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) onboard sound intensity (OBSI) noise trailer, the internal noise in the cab, and wayside noise increase with the depth of rumble strips for all cylindrical rumble strips. Both sinusoidal rumble strips and raised audible rumble strips made a noticeable increase in the internal noise in the cab but little discernible increase on external noise in terms of OBSI noise measurements and wayside noise measurements. Using 5 and 10 dB(A) as the lower and upper bounds of effective noise increase levels, results of this study also indicate that (1) cylindrical rumble strips deeper than 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) may produce excessive noise [>10 dB(A) increase] to the surrounding environment; and (2) both raised audible strips and sinusoidal rumble strips may best strike a balance between roadway safety and community noise concerns.