A.Preparatory actions
A.1. Preliminary studies of demonstration tranches
The purpose of this action is to conduct a preliminary study of the areas of action to obtain a more precise vision of the acoustic environment.
- Analysis of available acoustic information (noise maps, action plans, complaints, affected population, etc.).
- Preliminary measurements of noise pollution in the areas of action.
- Acoustic characterisation of the demonstration tranches through the following methods:
- CPX (Close Proximity Method) test measures rolling noise as it is generated.
- SPB (Statistical Pass By Noise) test with the Backing Board variant. This method, in contrast to the previous one, characterises not only rolling noise but also traffic noise.
- Surface characterisation of demonstrators. In this regard, two different types of tests are conducted:
- Macrotexture measurements with the volumetric match technique as per UNE EN 13036-1.
- Texture (MPD: Mean Profile Depth) and IRI (International Roughness Index).
A.2. Review of new publications, projects and experiences on the use of sound-reducing mixes
In this action a review will be conducted of the latest publications on ongoing European projects or papers given at recent congresses on this subject in order to detect new achievements in the design of sound-reducing road surfaces that can improve the surface solution we are aiming to develop in this project.
B.Implementation actions
B.1. Design of sound-reducing bitumen mixes using different types of waste
This action centres on the design of an SMA-type high-durability mix incorporating waste materials in order to achieve a reduction in rolling noise at source caused by the interaction between tyre and road surface. Specifically, it will use plastic waste of agricultural origin, rubber from the automotive industry and nylon fibres from tyres.
B.2. Analysis of acoustic performance of bitumen mixes in test tubes
This action will assess in the lab the noise performance of the mixes designed through the following methods:
- Mechanical impedance to estimate the dynamic rigidity of the road surface.
- Texture through the volumetric method (MTD).
- Acoustic absorption of test tubes with Kundt’s Tube.
B.3. Implementation of pilot tests
This action will conduct two pilot tests on a real scale on different sound-reducing mixes designed and validated in previous stages.
- Scenario 1: Test section on road A-8058 as it crosses the residential estate of Marina-Gelves (Seville)
This is an inter-urban section of a conventional road linking several conurbations situated along the road. Its IMD is around 30,000 vehicles per day, with low speed (under 50 km/h) and low percentage of heavy traffic.
- Scenario 2: Test section on road A-376 as it crosses Montequinto, Dos Hermanas, (Seville)
This is a peripheral urban section of a conventional road with high IMD (around 80,000 vehicles/day), with average speed (70-80 km/h) and a percentage of heavy traffic higher than in the urban section (nearly 5%).
B.4. Monitoring acoustic performance of LIFESOUNDLESS mixes
This activity will consist of measuring sound indicators (CPX and SPB) after on-site laying of the different surfaces in the pilot tests and every six months until completion in order to assess the durability of the employed solutions, both from a mechanical and an acoustic standpoint. This is why macrotexture measurements will also be taken through the volumetric method (MTD) and profile depth method (MPD). They will in turn be complemented with the assessment of surface regularity.
B.5. Pre-regulatory study to standardise the implementation of LIFESOUNDLESS mixes
This action seeks to produce a regulatory document defining the requirements for silent road surfaces, that is to say, defining in a serious and rigorous manner the measures that a road surface has to comply with to be deemed sound-reducing while ensuring its functional and structural durability.
C.Monitoring the project's impact
C.1. Lifecycle analysis.
As part of this activity, a Lifecycle Analysis will be conducted, analysing the manufacturing subsystems of the mix (consumption of raw materials, transportation of raw materials and manufacture in the plant), spreading, compacting, use (considering fuel consumption and emissions of the traffic supported by the road, fundamentally the noise and inconvenience it generates), maintenance and end of life.
C.2. Monitoring of socioeconomic impact
The purpose of this task is to quantify the project’s environmental improvements as well as its impact on the social environment.
C.3. Study of the replicability of the LIFESOUNDLESS project in other European cities.
This will evaluate whether the technology of sound-reducing bitumen mixes can potentially be replicated, implemented and corroborated in other European cities presenting similar characteristics to the sections where the tests will be conducted.
D.Public awareness and dissemination of the results
D.1. Webpage
Creation of a webpage for the project.
D.2. Information panels
Development of information panels for installation in the test sections
D.3. Layman’s report
Part of this task will be drafting the layman’s report, containing a brief summary of the project and its principal results.
D.4. Definition and implementation of the dissemination plan
This activity seeks to define the dissemination activities to be undertaken as part of the project.
E.Managing and monitoring the project
E.1. Managing and coordinating the project by the Directorate-General of Infrastructures
The purpose of this task is the project’s general coordination
E.2. Managing and coordinating the project by EIFFAGE INFRAESTRUCTURAS
The purpose of this task is the project’s general coordination
E.3. Managing and coordinating the project by CIDAUT
The purpose of this task is the project’s general coordination
E.4. Networking
The purpose of this action is to increase the number of contacts and institutions interested in the project by sharing the results among the different Life+ funded projects and other national and international projects.
E.5. Communication plan after the project’s completion
This task seeks to define the strategy to be followed in disseminating the project’s results after its completion.
E.6. Audit
After completing the project it will be necessary to audit the costs that each one of the consortium members has charged.
E.7. Scoreboard
This action will compile the necessary information to complete the scoreboards (quantitative and qualitative) defined within the project.