Cork to make the roads less noisy
In Limoges, we are going to test an asphalt that incorporates cork. The latter would reduce noise pollution. With traffic, pollution is not only atmospheric. It is also sound. Dan...
04/05/2022
In Limoges, we are going to test an asphalt that incorporates cork. This would reduce noise pollution.
With traffic, pollution is not only atmospheric. It is also sound. In urban areas, noise barriers are known. But tar can also help reduce nuisance.
There are already phonic tars. But the Colas company is going to test a new one in Limoges, with an unexpected ingredient: cork, known for its phonic properties. The asphalt, which incorporates 1% cork, is laid over 150 meters of Boulevard de la Valoine.
This new tar with cork has proven itself in laboratory tests. This pose on one of the busiest arteries of the city will allow to carry out a test in real conditions. Over the next few years, a sound level meter will measure the noise of a classic mix, a traditional sound mix and the new cork-based mix.
Patrick Tardieux, director of technical studies at Limoges Métropole, told Le Parisien: "We are going to study the impact of weather conditions, dust and tire residue on this asphalt to measure its durability".
The asphalt will also be tested next year on another street in a more residential area, to see if local residents feel a difference on a daily basis. For the moment, this mix is 50% more expensive than a classic sound mix. But the price will drop with large quantity production.