Abstract:Noise from bridge expansion joints has become a prominent problem in urban noise pollution. It is necessary to take the effective measures to reduce the impact of such noise on surrounding residents. Based on the noise reduction project of the expansion joint of an existing bridge in Chongqing, it is expounded that the generation of noise from the expansion joint is due to the combined coupling effect of the vertical vibration excitation within the expansion structure and the cavity acoustic mode excitation within the joint, as well as the structural vibration caused by vehicle jumping. The vehicle type, vehicle speed, joint width and misalignment height are all correlated with the noise intensity. The noise reduction principles and characteristics of three schemes, namely adding sound barriers, repairing existing expansion joints and replacing seamless expansion joints, are analyzed. Combined with the practical engineering situation, the schemes are compared and selected. It is finally determined to adopt the seamless polyurethane expansion joints as the noise reduction solution.