Sound-Absorbing Pavement – Advanced Japanese Low-Noise Road Surface Technology

Sound-Absorbing Pavement – Advanced Japanese Low-Noise Road Surface Technology

1. Introduction

Traffic noise has become a major environmental issue in densely populated cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Rolling noise generated from vehicle tires accounts for 50–70% of total urban noise, especially on major roads.

To address this challenge, Japan—one of the world’s leaders in road engineering—has developed Sound-Absorbing Pavement Technology, widely applied on:

• Metropolitan expressways

• Urban road networks in Tokyo and Osaka

• Roads near residential zones

• School and hospital surroundings

• High-speed corridors near housing areas

This technology is highly suitable for Vietnam, where urbanization and traffic density are rapidly increasing.

2. What Is Sound-Absorbing Pavement?

Sound-absorbing pavement is a special type of asphalt pavement designed with a high air-void structure that can:

• Absorb traffic noise

• Reduce sound reflection

• Drain water more efficiently

• Reduce hydroplaning risks

Typical materials include:

• Porous asphalt (PA)

• Double-layer porous asphalt (DLPA)

• Noise-absorbing polymer surface treatments

Porosity can reach 18–22%, enabling effective sound absorption directly at the source.

3. Noise Reduction Mechanism (Technical Explanation)

3.1 Sound Absorption Through Voids

When tires roll over the surface:

• Acoustic waves are scattered by the voids

• A large portion of noise is absorbed instead of reflected

• Resulting in perceptibly quieter roads

3.2 Reduction of “Air-Pumping Noise”

At high speeds, air trapped between the tire and pavement causes the characteristic “thump-thump” noise.
With a porous structure:

• Air escapes downward

• Pressure decreases

• Noise level drops significantly

3.3 Improved Surface Water Drainage

Void spaces allow rapid water infiltration, reducing:

• Splash noise

• Water spray

• Loss of friction in rainy conditions

4. Performance Benefits (Based on Japanese Standards)

5. Applications in Japan

This technology is extensively used on:

• Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway

• Major national routes (1, 16, 43, etc.)

• Residential and commercial zones

• School and hospital frontages

• Combined systems: sound barriers + low-noise pavement

• High-traffic highways near housing areas

Japan standardized low-noise pavement in its national road specifications as early as the 2000s.

6. Benefits for Application in Vietnam

• Reduces traffic noise pollution in urban environments

• Ideal for ring roads, commercial zones, and residential areas

• Enhances wet-road safety for both cars and motorcycles

• Improves drainage, reduces surface water and splash

• Decreases risk of hydroplaning

• Reduces the need for expensive sound barriers

• Aligns Vietnam’s road standards with international practices

7. Recommended Pavement Structure

A typical Japanese low-noise pavement consists of:

Layer 1: Porous asphalt surface 3–5 cm
Layer 2: Lower porous asphalt layer 4–6 cm
Layer 3: Base course
Layer 4: Subbase
Layer 5: Compacted subgrade

8. Conclusion

Sound-Absorbing Pavement represents a modern, environmentally friendly, and highly effective infrastructure solution for Vietnam’s growing transportation network.

With decades of proven success in Japan, this technology delivers:

• Quieter roads

• Better safety

• Improved drainage

• Enhanced quality of life for residents

A smart, sustainable Japanese pavement technology for modern Vietnamese urban development.