Determining correlation between various noise evaluation testing methods for passenger vehicles

As part of the NCHRP 15-68 project, "Effective Low-Noise Rumble Strips," off-strips noise was evaluated at multiple sites in California, Indiana, Michigan, and Washington. Each of these sites consisted of either older dense-grade asphalt concrete (DGAC) or chip seal pavements. On-board sound intensity (OBSI) testing was completed to establish the off-strips pavement level following the standard testing procedure with a full-size sedan. Additionally, statistical pass-by and vehicle interior noise measurements were made using multiple test vehicles from the following vehicle classifications: compact cars, full-size sedans, mid-size SUV, and full-frame SUV or pick-up truck. This paper compares the results of the different noise evaluation methods to determine potential correlation between OBSI, statistical pass-by, and interior measurements, which could be used to simplify highway noise testing at other sites