Porous Asphalt Research Articles

Recent developments in mitigating clogging in permeable pavements: a state-of-the-art review

Recent developments in mitigating clogging in permeable pavements: a state-of-the-art review

Sustainable Soil-Structure Interaction for Road Infrastructure in Flood-Prone Regions of Nigeria

This research applies sustainable soil-structure interaction (SSI) principles to enhance the resilience of Nigerian road infrastructure to floods in certain regions. Given the socio-economic importance of road networks, the study highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather events, soil instability, hydrological stress, and design deficiencies. By focusing on the use of innovative materials, including recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and bioengineered additives that improve tensile strength and moisture resistance, the research acknowledges that these challenges cannot be addressed without incorporating these materials. The study also explores nature-based solutions, such as permeable pavements and raised embankments, to mitigate waterlogging and erosion. The review synthesizes global and local research by identifying key mechanisms contributing to infrastructure failure, including subgrade erosion in sandy soils and foundation destabilization in clay-rich regions due to moisture fluctuations. It emphasizes the importance of advanced geospatial methods, climate-adaptive strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches for assessing and managing flood risks. Transferable practices from other flood-prone regions, such as the use of salinity-resistant materials and GIS-based risk modeling, are highlighted, along with the need for local adaptation to Nigeria’s specific geographic and socio-economic context. The review advocates for a paradigm shift in policy and practice through sustainable road design that integrates ecological, economic, and technological considerations. The study aims to bridge advancements in theory with practical applications, contributing to the development of a resilient road network that will support economic growth and mitigate the impact of climate-induced disasters in Nigeria.

Assessing the Mechanical Properties of Open-Graded Asphalt Mixtures

In consideration of the escalating vehicular intensity and the substandard material properties of pavements in Iraq, particularly with regard to their impact on wet-weather accident rates and noise pollution in urban areas, there is an urgent need for an analysis of Open-Graded Asphalt (OGA) mixes to address the environmental and safety concerns. While OGA mixtures offer the dual advantages of reducing stormwater runoff and enhancing wet skid resistance, they are also more prone to raveling due to their high porosity. To enhance the performance of OGA mixes, various methods have been employed, including the incorporation of recycled polymers. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the durability and strength properties of OGA mixes through laboratory testing using the Recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (RPVC) polymer. Laboratory tests were conducted on OGA mixes to ascertain the Marshall stability, resistance to abrasion, permeability, tensile strength, and moisture-induced damage. The mix designs were executed in accordance with the design procedure proposed by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) for a range of 5.5%–7.0% asphalt content. RPVC was used in various proportions (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) by the weight of the base binder. The experimental findings demonstrated that the incorporation of RPVC led to enhanced Marshall stability and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) in porous asphalt concrete, surpassing the performance of conventional asphalt mixes. Additionally, the OGA mixture exhibited significant improvements in raveling resistance and moisture susceptibility. The study concluded that the Optimal Binder Content (OBC) of RPVC could enhance the pertinent engineering properties of OGA mixtures without compromising their permeability.

Moisture stability enhancement of open-graded friction courses filling with oil shale waste based on interface linkage modification

Moisture stability enhancement of open-graded friction courses filling with oil shale waste based on interface linkage modification

Maintenance mechanisms of rejuvenator-optimized asphalt emulsion in damaged porous asphalt mixture: Morphological, physicochemical, and rheological characterizations

Maintenance mechanisms of rejuvenator-optimized asphalt emulsion in damaged porous asphalt mixture: Morphological, physicochemical, and rheological characterizations

Use of fibres from waste fishing nets in porous asphalt mixtures for road pavement

Use of fibres from waste fishing nets in porous asphalt mixtures for road pavement

Designing climate-resilient sustainable drainage system (SuDS) for mass rapid transit (MRT) development: A hydrodynamic modelling approach

The progressive industrialisation and urbanisation of urban areas have significantly altered hydrological factors such as terrain, imperviousness, and surface flow. These developments, accompanied by increased traffic congestion and carbon emissions, contribute to climate change. Consequently, implementing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions globally. However, the changes in urban hydrology following development, combined with increased rainfall due to climate change, exacerbate risks of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation for the MRT development and surrounding low-lying areas. Therefore, researching urban drainage systems under climate change conditions for MRT development is essential. This study utilised 1D/2D hydrodynamic modelling and simulation to investigate the performance of an existing MRT drainage system designed with a control-at-source concept and a new sustainable drainage system incorporating infiltration engineering and flow-retarding techniques, including porous layers and a bioecological system to mitigate urban flooding erosion and sedimentation. The results show that the new sustainable drainage system, featuring permeable pavements and bioretention facilities, effectively integrates 30% of the MRT-developed land typology without requiring additional land acquisition, which is cost-effective and practical for mitigating major flooding and reducing total suspended solids, thereby controlling erosion and sedimentation.

Permeable pavement blocks as a sustainable solution for managing microplastic pollution in urban stormwater

Permeable pavement blocks as a sustainable solution for managing microplastic pollution in urban stormwater

Effectiveness of Spent Coffee Ash in Concrete Permeable Pavement Bricks

Effectiveness of Spent Coffee Ash in Concrete Permeable Pavement Bricks

Large-scale clogging experiments assessing the hydraulic performance of porous asphalt during their service life

Large-scale clogging experiments assessing the hydraulic performance of porous asphalt during their service life

Optimization Study of Drainage Network Systems Based on the SWMM for the Wujin District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

This study addresses the persistent issue of urban waterlogging in Wujin District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, using a comprehensive approach integrating an optimized drainage network and low-impact development (LID) measures. Utilizing the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), calibrated with extensive hydrological and hydraulic data, the model was refined through genetic algorithm-based optimization to enhance drainage efficiency. Key results indicate a substantial reduction in the average duration of waterlogging from 7.43 h to 3.12 h and a decrease in average floodwater depth from 21.27 cm to 8.65 cm. Improvements in the drainage network layout, such as the construction of new stormwater mains, branch drains, and rainwater storage facilities, combined with LID interventions like permeable pavements and rain gardens, have led to a 56.82% increase in drainage efficiency and a 63.88% reduction in system failure rates. The implementation effectively minimized peak flood flow by 25.38%, reduced runoff, and improved groundwater recharge and rainwater utilization. The proposed solutions offer a replicable, sustainable framework for mitigating flooding in urban environments, enhancing ecological resilience, and ensuring the safety and quality of urban life in densely populated areas.

Failure Modes in Unbonded Concrete Overlays

Unbonded concrete overlays (UBOL) consist of a new Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) layer placed on an existing PCC pavement. The new concrete layer is separated from the existing pavement by an interlayer system, allowing these overlays to be placed on distressed PCC pavements. The interlayer system usually consists of a thin open graded or dense graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer or a non-woven geotextile fabric. An effort is currently being undertaken to develop a mechanistic-empirical design procedure for UBOLs. To develop this procedure it is necessary to identify the distresses that commonly develop in these pavement structures. Performance data from in-service pavements at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD), in Michigan and Missouri, as well as data in the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database was reviewed. It was found that primary cracking mechanisms include longitudinal cracking in the wheelpath, at random locations and at mid-lane, and transverse cracking due to reflective cracking, reflective distress and erosion along the transverse joint. Many of these distresses appear to be at least partially caused by breakdown of the interlayer.

Ben Schoeman CRCP: Findings from an Accelerated Pavement Test on the Shoulder of a 23 year-Old Pavement

Findings from an accelerated pavement test conducted with the Heavy Vehicle Simulator on the shoulder of a 23-year old Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) are presented in the paper. The Ben Schoeman Freeway connects the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa. The freeway is one of the most trafficked freeways in South Africa, with sections carrying up to 150 000 vehicles per day. It is the first and only freeway in South Africa where a CRC overlay was applied over the full width of the carriageway using a side form paver. The APT test comprised 2750 200 load repetitions predominantly at load levels of 80 and 100 kN, using a dual-wheel loading configuration. Environmental conditioning entailed the artificial watering of the test section for a two-day period, followed by six dry days. All other environmental conditions throughout the test were ambient. Pavement performance was characterised in terms of surface deflection, relative movement and permanent deformation at transverse cracks under repeated loading. Falling Weight Deflectometer tests were conducted before and after the test. The test section did not suffer structural failure through punchout. Diagnostic evaluation indicated the stripping and washing away of fines from the 30 mm open-graded asphalt overlay which formed the bond with the CRC.

A New Design of Composite Pavement with Asphalt Interlayer between CRCP and Cement Treated Base Course

In Japan, composite pavements are adopted in expressways to ensure a long service life with minimum maintenance work. A typical design of the composite pavement utilizes a porous asphalt surface and a CRCP over a cement treated base course (CTB). An investigation on a 20 years old composite pavement revealed that the CTB was damaged due to water penetration and erosion. This finding promoted us to develop a new type of composite pavement, which introduces an asphalt interlayer (AIL) over the CTB to prevent the erosion. A structural design method for the new design of the new composite pavement was developed based on thermal and load stress calculations and fatigue analysis. Full scale test composite pavements were constructed and thermal and load strains measured on the pavements. A 3DFEM model was developed for stress calculation and validated by comparing the calculated and measured strains. The new design method provides 10 % reduction of fatigue damage by introducing AIL. It was also found that the fatigue damage increases six times if AIL is not used and CTB is eroded.

A Review on Integrating Smart Aquifer Recharge Systems into Urban Road Networks: A Sustainable Approach to Water Management and Urban Resilience

This literature review examines the integration of Smart Aquifer Recharge Systems (SARS) into urban road networks to address groundwater depletion, urban flooding, and water scarcity. The SARS approach involves innovative techniques such as collecting runoff water from roads using perforated medians and corner drainage systems and directing it through sedimentation tanks for pre-treatment before infiltration. Studies highlight the significance of managing stormwater in urban areas, where impervious surfaces limit natural recharge, contributing to the decline of flooding and the water table decline. Key findings reveal the potential of advanced filtration systems, permeable pavements, and GIS-based site selection to enhance recharge efficiency. Challenges such as maintenance, space constraints in urban areas, and irregular rainfall patterns are also discussed. Existing research underscores the need for real-time monitoring and adaptive management to optimize recharge efforts. This review identifies gaps in long-term system performance and scalability in high-density urban regions. By focusing on integrating SARS into road infrastructure, the study aims to contribute to sustainable urban water management and align with global sustainability goals. The findings are a foundation for implementing cost-effective and innovative solutions in cities like Bangalore, addressing critical water challenges while improving urban resilience.

Comprehensive benefits evaluation of low impact development using scenario analysis and fuzzy decision approach

The comprehensive benefit evaluation of LID based on multi-criteria decision-making methods faces technical issues such as the uncertainties and vagueness in hybrid information sources, which can affect the overall evaluation results and ranking of alternatives. This study introduces a multi-indicator fuzzy comprehensive benefit evaluation approach for the selection of LID measures, aiming to provide a robust and holistic framework for evaluating their benefits at the community level. The proposed methodology integrates quantitative environmental and economic indicators with qualitative social benefit indicators, combining the use of the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and ArcGIS for scenario-based analysis, and the use of hesitant fuzzy language sets and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for decision-making. The framework’s novelty lies in the integration of the hesitant fuzzy weighted average algorithm to handle subjective uncertainties in expert judgment and the incorporation of multi-return period scenarios to enhance the robustness of the evaluation. The comprehensive benefits of 26 LID configurations were conducted in Chenglong Road Subdistrict under five rainfall return period scenarios of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years. The results show that LID measures, particularly combinations of sunken green spaces and permeable paving, offer significant reductions in runoff and peak flow, along with improved flood mitigation across multiple return periods. Additionally, this study identifies practical LID implementation priorities for local decision-makers. The relative closeness is influenced by the indicators and non-calibrated parameters. However, it overall does not affect the main trends and key insights derived. The robustness of the proposed approach is reinforced by four key aspects: the impact of the Thiessen polygon method in ArcGIS, the influence of composite runoff coefficient and iterative optimization in SWMM, the effect of hesitant fuzzy linguistic sets and TOPSIS on weight calculation, and the contribution of simulations under different return periods to stability analysis.

A safe highway driving surface using an open graded concrete

The use of open graded asphalt wearing courses for highway pavements is established technology but the opportunities to use a similar cementitious based surface type for concrete pavements has been limited by material technology and costs. Research work in Australia using new generation concrete admixtures and placing techniques has allowed the development of a stiff open graded concrete material which is expected to meet the same durability requirements as standard concrete used for roads. Open graded surface textures absorb vehicle noise emissions and minimise water film build up during rain events, thus resulting in quieter and safer driving conditions. In addition, experience has shown that high void contents at the surface assist in reducing water spray generation and glare reflection. This paper details the laboratory mix design test results and three field trials using hand placing techniques to define the limits of a wet on wet construction process. The concrete developed in the trials has high compressive strength with air voids in the range of 20 to 30%. The next stage in the development of the open graded concrete surfacing is in the use of mechanised placing techniques to make the process cost competitive to other asphalt alternatives and yet meet similar durability requirements to those currently expected in concrete road surfaces over a 40 year design period.

Research on the Aging Characteristics of Simulated Asphalt Within Pavement Structures in Natural Environments.

The global asphalt production growth rate exceeded 10% in the past decade, and over 90% of the world's road surfaces are generated from asphalt materials. Therefore, the issue of asphalt aging has been widely researched. In this study, the aging of asphalt thin films under various natural conditions was studied to prevent the distortion of indoor simulated aging and to prevent the extraction of asphalt samples from road surfaces from impacting the aged asphalt. The aging of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt was simulated at four different locations on an asphalt road surface. The aging characteristics of asphalt binders across various structural layers were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and linear amplitude scanning (LAS). The results indicate that the aging behavior of the asphalt functional group on the road surface differs from other conditions; the asphalt fatigue life of 4 months equates to the 16-month aging life of asphalt within the dense-graded asphalt road surface. After 8 months of aging, the surface smoothness of the asphalt was significantly compromised. Inside of the porous pavement, the asphalt functional group is more likely to interact with water molecules than inside the dense pavement with cracks, and the variations in roughness and the reduction in fatigue life are also more significant.

Tire-Pavement Interaction Noise: Recent Research on Concrete Pavement Surface Type and Texture

Several solutions have been proposed for quieter riding surfaces, including porous pavements, tining, and grinding. This paper deals with certain aspects of a recent large-scale research that has been carried out to examine the influence of cement concrete pavement surface type and texture on noise generation. One pavement surface type (Enhanced Porosity Concrete – EPC), and one surface texturing method (transverse tining) is dealt with in detail in this paper. Experimental studies to ascertain the physical (porosity and pore size), mechanical (strength), and acoustical (acoustic absorption using impedance tube) properties of EPC are discussed. It is shown in this paper that, with careful selection of aggregate gradation and cementing materials content, it is possible to generate a system of optimally-sized pores in the material to maximize acoustic absorption. Mathematical modeling of noise to evaluate the influence of transverse tine geometry (depth, width, and shape) on noise reduction characteristics is explained in the second part of this paper. A mathematical model has been used to determine the stress distribution between the concrete pavement and the tire. The stress distribution model is used to describe the stress and ultimately noise generated by various geometries of tining patterns. Experiments on Tire-Pavement test apparatus are also discussed.

The Effect of Different Mixing and Compaction Temperatures on the Particle (Cantabro) Loss in Porous Asphalt Pavements

Porous asphalt (PA) is a type of pavement with an open-graded aggregate that contains higher air voids than the conventional asphalt pavements after compaction, which allows precipitation waters to infiltrate from the pavement surface to the lower layers. The particle loss in the wear layer causes surface deterioration, which affects pavement performance. In addition, the porosity nature of porous asphalt leaves the pavement under the effect of air and water continuously, which accelerates the oxidation rate and affects the surface properties of the pavement. Moreover, these factors can affect the bitumen-aggregate bond strength and cause cohesion degradation within the asphalt film, causing the bitumen to peel from aggregate. The performance of porous asphalt, particularly strength and durability, is greatly affected by compaction temperature. Higher compaction temperatures can reduce the air voids of the mix, so the required mix densities may not be achieved. In this study, the particle loss of porous asphalt samples prepared at 3 different compaction temperatures by using unmodified bitumen, SBS®, Elvaloy®, and Sasobit® modified bitumen was investigated and the optimum mixing and compaction temperature was determined.