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Selection of pavement based on environmental conditions

When significant noise impacts are needed, the use of an SDA 4 surface is generally recommended. Particularly due to its advantageous noise-reducing properties towards the end of its service life. Therefore, even with high traffic volumes and larger proportions of heavy traffic, the SDA 4 is preferred over SDA 8 and AC 8 LA. If lower noise impacts are deemed adequate, SDA 8 or AC 8 LA can be installed.

Under the following specific environmental conditions, the choice of surface must be examined in more detail and, if necessary, more robust variants such as SDA 8 or AC 8 LA should be used to ensure sufficient resilience and avoid a reduction in lifespan:

  • for traffic class T5 and higher,
  • for traffic areas with irregular mechanical stress, such as due to tight curve radii,
  • for slope gradients greater than 8%,
  • at elevations of about 700-800 m above sea level or higher,
  • frequent stopping areas,
  • artificial structures.

To avoid accelerated deterioration of the surface texture, the use of SDA 4 should also be carefully considered in the following situations with particularly high mechanical stress:

  • when using snow chains,
  • when using spikes,
  • in cases of strong shear forces at junctions,
  • in intersections,
  • areas with turning heavy vehicles.

On road sections with bus lines and a high proportion of trucks, the use of AC 8 LA surfaces should be avoided. The very fine surface texture of these surfaces can lead to a disturbing whistling noise when driven on with wide tires, especially with rubberized tires, as is common with buses and trucks.

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