The impact of the application of thin emulsion mat microsurfacing on the level of noise in the environment

Road noise is a source of environmental pollution both in urban areas and outside them. The main reason underlying the generation of such noise is attributed to the interaction between tires and road pavement. Thus, designing quiet pavements plays a very important role in reducing environmental noise, and it can in some cases be an alternative to acoustic screens. Therefore, the article undertakes the task of assessing the impact of a thin emulsion mat microsurfacing laid on stone mastic asphalt (SMA) on the reduction of environmental noise. The article focuses on testing the road pavement made of thin emulsion mat microsurfacing of the graining of 0/5 mm made in cold technology on the existing wearing course made of SMA mix. The tests were carried out using the Close Proximity Measurement Method (CPX) and the noise measurement method at the road edge at the distance of 1.5 m, 5.25 m and 10 m. The obtained results were illustrated by the noise exposure map for the microsurfacing and for the standard road pavement.