Innovative mixture design framework for low tyre–pavement noise in exposed aggregate concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete (EAC) pavement retains the structural advantages of conventional concrete pavement while simultaneously enhancing functional performance, such as reducing tyre–pavement interaction noise and improving skid resistance, without requiring additional surface treatment techniques. This is achieved by creating a textured surface through the exposure of coarse aggregates. However, traditional EAC mixture design primarily focuses on structural properties, such as compressive and flexural strength, with limited consideration of functional performance. To address this limitation, a novel mixture design framework is proposed that optimises both structural and functional performance. The proposed framework incorporates an additional procedure to enhance functional effectiveness while maintaining structural integrity. Experiments conducted using the procedure confirmed its effectiveness, achieving an exposed aggregate number exceeding 40/25 cm2 and a mean texture depth of 1.2 ± 0.5 mm, ensuring optimal performance of the EAC pavement. Additionally, the noise level measured on the EAC pavement designed with the new procedure was 106 dB(A), comparable to that of adjacent asphalt pavement. These findings demonstrate the applicability and adaptability of the proposed framework, providing a practical approach to optimising EAC pavement for both structural durability and functional performance.