ISO 11819-1:1997

This part of ISO 11819 describes a method of comparing traffic noise on different road surfaces for various compositions of road traffic for the purpose of evaluating different road surface types. Sound levels representing either light or heavy vehicles at selected speeds are assigned to a certain road surface. The method is applicable to traffic travelling at constant speed, i.e. free-flowing conditions at posted speeds of 50 km/h and upwards. For other driving conditions where traffic is not free-flowing, such as at junctions and where the traffic is congested, the road surface is of less importance.

A standard method for comparing noise characteristics of road surfaces gives road and environment authorities a tool for establishing common practices or limits as to the use of surfacings meeting certain noise criteria. However, it is not within the scope of ISO 11819 to suggest such criteria.

The Statistical Pass-By (SPB) method is intended to be used essentially for two main purposes. First it may be used to classify surfaces in typical and good condition as a type according to their influence on traffic noise (surface classification) and, secondly, it may be used to evaluate the influence on traffic noise of different surfaces at particular sites irrespective of condition and age. This latter type of application may be useful for example where a road is to be resurfaced and "before" and "after" measurements are required in order to assess the differences h traffic noise following resurfacing. However, due to severe requirements on the acoustical environment at the site, the method cannot generally be used for approval of works at any given site.

Clause 4 gives a general description of the SPB method.