Traffic calming surface

Abstract

The present application relates to a traffic calming surface, the upper surface of which has a continuous, substantially sinusoidal, profile which extends along the intended direction of travel. An advantage of traffic calming surfaces according to embodiments of the present invention is that they have been shown to generate significant interior noise and vibration which will act as a warning to the driver that he should reduce his speed. Trials have also shown that exterior noise disturbance, caused by vehicles traversing the surface, is substantially reduced as compared to the exterior noise arising from conventional rumble strip designs.

1 .- 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A traffic calming surface having an upper surface, the upper surface having a continuous, substantially sinusoidal profile which extends along an intended direction of travel over said upper surface, said substantially sinusoidal profile having a wavelength of 0.28 m to 0.48 m.  
     
     
         15 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the wavelength of the substantially sinusoidal profile is 0.3 m to 0.4 m.  
     
     
         16 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the wavelength of the substantially sinusoidal profile is 0.35 m.  
     
     
         17 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the wavelength of the substantially sinusoidal profile is approximately equal to the contact patch length of a tyre.  
     
     
         18 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the peak to trough amplitude is 4 mm to 12 mm.  
     
     
         19 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the peak to trough amplitude is 6 mm to 7 mm.  
     
     
         20 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the length of said traffic calming surface is 5 m to 20 m.  
     
     
         21 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the surface is formed from a polymer modified bitumen based compound.  
     
     
         22 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the surface is formed of a synthetic bitumen mixed with filler and aggregate.  
     
     
         23 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the synthetic bitumen is formed from binder resin.  
     
     
         24 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the surface is formed of concrete or grout.  
     
     
         25 . A traffic calming surface as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the surface is pre-formed and is secured to the ground by means of bolts and/or glue and/or nails.