PURPOSES: This paper presents the noise reduction effect of asphalt concrete pavement using steel slag aggregate.
METHODS: Steel slag aggregates induce various mechanical effects because of their high stiffness and specific gravity. It is also known that the noise reduction effect is due to its high specific gravity and porous nature. In this study, the noise reduction in a steel slag asphalt concrete pavement section was measured and analyzed.
RESULTS : On average, an asphalt concrete pavement with steel slag reduces road traffic noise by about 2 dB(A). In addition, the analysis of sound pressure levels by frequency showed lower sound pressure levels in steel slag asphalt concrete pavement than general HMA in all frequency ranges (from low to high frequencies). An analysis of the benefits with regard to noise, by assuming a road-traffic noise reduction of 2 dB(A) with asphalt concrete pavement using steel slag, shows that the noise abatement cost approach can save 1.6 million won a year over soundproof wall costs. In addition, the noise damage cost approach results in cost savings (with regard to noise) of between 19 and 60 million won per year depending on the population density.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of steel slag aggregate as an asphalt concrete mixture material not only improves the mechanical performance but also has a noise reduction effect. It is expected that the steel slag asphalt concrete pavement can reduce the environmental burden by utilizing resources and provide a safer and more comfortable pavement condition to the road users.