Exploring Progress and Future Trends in Reducing Traffic Noise: A Scoping Review on the Influence of Pavement Characteristics

This scoping review seeks to summarize current research on reducing traffic noise, focusing on how pavement characteristics affect road-tyre mechanical vibrations, which contribute significantly to urban noise pollution. The present study analyzes numerous research investigations on novel asphalt mixtures and rubber binders to identify current trends in pavement design that help reduce noise. Issues such as the longevity of noise-reducing pavements and the trade-off between noise reduction and other practical needs such as safety and cost-efficiency are examined. This assessment emphasizes the impact of new technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), on improving pavement performance and reducing noise levels. Future directions stress the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving material science, urban design, and acoustic engineering to create sustainable and effective solutions for traffic noise pollution. This review provides valuable input to the scholarly discussion on reducing traffic noise and also presents useful guidance for politicians and engineers aiming to improve urban livability by decreasing noise levels.