Effects of contraction joint width, fill condition, faulting and beveling on wheel-slap noise

The noise generated when a tire impacts a contraction joint, often called wheelslap or joint-slap noise, can increase tire-pavement noise in Portland cement concrete roadways by up to 3 dB as well as increase annoyance appreciably. Wheel-slap noise has a much higher peak pressure level than tire-pavement noise measured without joints. Therefore, it is important to understand methods for control and reduction of wheel slap noise. In this paper, wheel-slap noise was measured on joints with widths varying from 5-24 mm. The joints were also tested full, half-full, and empty of silicone sealant, and with step-up and stepdown faulting conditions of up to 6 mm. Finally, the wheel-slap noise levels of joints with beveled edges were measured and compared to levels from standard joints to investigate the effects of beveling and spalling of pavements on wheelslap noise.