Impact of expansion joints on noise pollution, case study in Cluj-Napoca

Abstract The aim of this paper is to study the impact that certain types of expansion joints have on noise levels produced by regular traffic on the streets of Cluj-Napoca. The study was carried out on three distinct locations, all three road bridges had steel expansion joints, the first one had asphalt covering the joints, the second one was in excellent condition, as it was a newly refurbished bridge and the last one with visible signs of degradations. After a full spectrum noise analysis, the results showed that good maintenance and quality control on the installation of expansion joints are necessary, not only to lower noise levels but to also provide a solid and sealed transition to the bridge deck.