ISO 10844:2021

Overview

ISO 10844:2021 - "Acoustics - Specification of test tracks for measuring sound emitted by road vehicles and their tyres" defines the essential characteristics of a test-track surface used to measure rolling sound emission. The standard is intended to produce consistent tyre and road noise levels, minimize inter-site variation, limit sound absorption, and remain compatible with road‑building practice. It replaces and tightens requirements from the 2014 edition to improve reproducibility of vehicle and tyre noise tests.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test track geometry

  • Drive lane length: 20 m centered on the microphone line (with specified minimum drive‑lane extensions depending on vehicle type).
  • Minimum drive lane width: 3.0 m.
  • Propagation area: extends at least 10 m from the drive‑lane centre and at least 10 m to both sides of the microphone line.
  • Clear zone: a radius of 50 m around the test point should be free of large reflecting objects (fences, bridges, buildings).

• Surface properties and materials

  • Requirements for surface texture, irregularity, and sound absorption to ensure the surface does not absorb vehicle sound sources or introduce excessive variability.
  • Recommended construction practice favors dense asphalt concrete and material choices consistent with standard road construction.

• Measurement and conformity

  • Defined measurement methods for texture profile / Mean Profile Depth (MPD), sound absorption (spot method), and surface irregularity (referencing ISO 13473 and ISO 13472 parts).
  • Procedures for conformity testing, break‑in (initial surface conditioning), and maintenance to keep acoustic performance stable over time.
  • Requirement for a conformity report documenting test track characteristics and checks.

• Associated parameters

  • Slope, cross‑fall, step between drive lane and propagation area, aggregate grading, surface-course thickness, and bitumen characteristics are specified or referenced.

Applications and who uses ISO 10844:2021

• Vehicle and tyre manufacturers performing vehicle pass‑by or tyre rolling noise certification and development.
• Acoustics laboratories and test facilities designing or validating vehicle noise test tracks.
• Road authorities and pavement engineers concerned with noise performance of pavement types.
• Regulatory bodies implementing or harmonizing vehicle noise standards and measurement protocols.

Practical benefits include improved repeatability of noise measurements between sites, clearer acceptance criteria for test tracks, and guidance for maintenance to preserve acoustic performance.

Related standards

• ISO 362-1 (vehicle noise measurement methods)
• ISO 13472-2 (in‑situ sound absorption spot method)
• ISO 13473-1 (MPD determination)
• ISO 13473-3 (profilometer specification)

Keywords: ISO 10844:2021, acoustics, test track specification, vehicle noise, tyre noise, rolling sound emission, pavement texture, sound absorption, MPD, conformity testing.