Centerline Rumble Strips: Study of External Noise
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 5
Abstract
Centerline rumble strips (CLRS) are patterns installed on the center of undivided, two-lane highways. Their main function is to alert drivers by producing noise and vibration. This treatment has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing crossover crashes. However, there are some disadvantages in their utilization, such as the exterior noise created by the strips. The objectives of this study were to quantify the levels of exterior noise; to verify the effects of speed, vehicle, CLRS shape, and distance on exterior noise; and to investigate the amount of noise created by CLRS that affects roadside residences and businesses. Two types of vehicles [2006 Ford Taurus (sedan) and 2008 Chevrolet Express (15 passenger van)] were driven over two different patterns of milled-in CLRS and over smooth asphalt pavement at two different speeds. Researchers collected the noise levels at three distances from the road at 10 different locations. Results indicated that vehicle type, speed, CLRS presence, and distance affect exterior noise levels. CLRS noise levels were statistically greater than smooth pavement noise levels, and the difference would be perceived by human ears at distances up to 45 meters.
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Acknowledgments
The writers wish to express their appreciation to Rohit Makarla and Parangiri Rajaram, graduate students in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering department at Kansas State University, for their hard work in collecting the data. In addition, the writers would like to thank Dr. Leigh Murray, Professor of Statistics at Kansas State University, for helping design the statistical experiment. The funding of this project was provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) through the -TRAN program. All statements and opinions presented in this paper are the sole responsibility of the writers, and may not necessarily reflect those of the KDOT.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 5 • May 2011
Pages: 311 - 318
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 10, 2010
Accepted: Sep 28, 2010
Published online: Sep 30, 2010
Published in print: May 1, 2011
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