Pavement System Research Articles

Evaluation of the Use of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement in Chile: Urban Infrastructure Solution for Adaptation and Mitigation against Climate Change

There is currently a context of climate change due to the way modern cities are developed, and they are made up mainly of impermeable surfaces and concrete buildings that change the hydrological cycle, causing (i) an increase in temperatures, (ii) the accumulation of stormwater on different surfaces, (iii) overflow in drainage systems, and (iv) the alteration of ventilation patterns, among others. This article presents a case study on the implementation of a permeable interlocking concrete paving (PICP) system, and it develops physical–mathematical modeling using software for the design of a parking lot that currently does not have adequate paving and urban drainage, resulting in sporadic flooding due to heavy rainfall in the city of Temuco, La Araucanía region, Chile. This article’s contribution highlights the application of new technology in Chile, discussing road infrastructure solutions based on sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDSs), which seek to implement feasible alternatives in urban sectors to improve human livelihood. The factors studied include structural and hydrological properties, along with the infiltration analysis of the system according to historical rainfall records in the area. This research concludes that the permeable pavement system with a drainage pipe and smooth roughness coefficient performs satisfactorily for an extreme hydrometeorological event corresponding to 140 mm considering 24 h of rainfall with a return period of 100 years equivalent to an inflow of 673 m3/day. Finally, the results indicate that, at least in the conditions of the city of Temuco, the use of permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) proves to be a sustainable and feasible alternative to implementing measures of adaptation and mitigation against climate change, reducing the city’s flooding zones and allowing the irrigation of urban green areas.

Permeable pavement hydraulic optimization by using an analytical-probabilistic model

Abstract On-source storage controls are a sustainable solution for stormwater management in a scenario of continuous urban area growth. Structures that manage storage volumes through infiltration include extra environmental benefits, such as groundwater recharge, evapotranspiration, and pollutant load removal. Permeable pavement systems are among these controls and can easily integrate into dense urban areas, resulting in paved surfaces contributing to stormwater management. The shift toward on-source strategies is encouraged through regulations, policies, incentives, and awareness campaigns, which are substantially increasing their dissemination. Optimizing the design of on-source storage controls with infiltration, such as permeable pavement systems, through robust methodologies can reduce reservoir depth, reducing environmental impact and costs without impact on reliability. The analytical-probabilistic (AP) method using derived probability distribution theory from rainfall event characteristics and the mathematical description of hydrologic processes within the permeable pavement systems provides an analytical equation that can be used as a design tool, proving robustness analogous with continuous simulations. Results obtained with the AP method were compared with traditional event-based methodologies and continuous simulation, assessing the reliability of the proposed method in optimizing permeable pavement systems' reservoir depth.

Unified Pavement Health Index: Comprehensive and Robust Approach to Measure Functional Condition of Asphalt Pavement Systems

Unified Pavement Health Index: Comprehensive and Robust Approach to Measure Functional Condition of Asphalt Pavement Systems

Assessing the Durability and Acoustic Performance of a Novel Two-Layer Pavement System

In the quest for more sustainable pavement solutions, this study demonstrates the successful strengthening of a unique noise-reducing two-layer road surface. While existing noise-reducing pavements reveal high acoustic efficiency, they lack mechanical strength, and earlier research efforts addressed the optimization of the individual components of this system, and a comprehensive perspective on its integrated performance remained elusive. Therefore, this research bridges this knowledge gap through an in-depth laboratory evaluation, in which the requirements for the realization of a full-scale demonstrator were defined, followed by a comprehensive performance assessment in terms of acoustic and mechanical strength. The post-construction assessment reveals the system’s multifaceted strengths, considering noise reduction, resilience under heavy traffic, pavement deflections, and skid resistance, assessed by CPX measurements, accelerated pavement tests using the MLS 30, skid resistance tests employing the pendulum test, as well as the slow-moving longitudinal friction test (MicroGriptester) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements. Although the optimized system implies lower noise-reduction potential, it exhibits great strength compared to previous noise-reducing pavements. In general, the system offers viable noise mitigation solutions for urban highways, particularly in settings where traditional noise abatement measures are constrained by space. The insights from this study serve as a valuable reference for the development and evaluation of innovative road engineering materials and technologies.

Environmental Performance of the Stormpav Permeable Pavement Using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM)

Urban stormwater runoff is contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP), as a result of non-source pollution from transportation, residences, and businesses, as well as sediment from human activities and construction sites. These pollutants are expected to degrade the water quality in local rivers and streams, impairing the quality of marine life and contaminating drinking water supplies. This study evaluates the environmental performance of a permeable pavement system in an urban catchment using the stormwater management model (SWMM). Two pavement systems with different hydraulic designs were compared to reduce runoff, increment of groundwater storage and the environmental parameters assessments on total suspended solids (TSS) and Total Phosphorus (TP). The first system comprises a StormPav, which is the UNIMAS innovated green pavement with subsurface hollow cylindrical micro-detention pond storage of about 70% void content. The second system consists of porous concrete (PC) pavement assembled in a layered of coarse and fine particles to ensure water can infiltrate through, with about 40% void content. The environmental impact assessment was applied at Padungan Commercial Centre in the Kuching City of Malaysia. The case study simulated in low impact development (LID) sub-catchment in SWMM to obtain the runoff, infiltration and environmental quality performance. In the assessment, it was found that, for both pavement systems, higher stormsat shorter duration resulted in higher reduction efficiency. The StormPav is more effective in reducing runoff, while presenting a lower value for environmental assessments in removing TSS and TP compared to PC.

Evaluation of the behavior of the interface zone between an asphalt mixture and an inductive power transfer pad

Wireless charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is seen as part of an important strategy to reduce emissions from essential transportation trips of people and goods. Resonant Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) is used in the development of wireless charging systems for in-road charging systems. IPT pads are embedded in a pavement infrastructure to create a magnetic field that is coupled into a similar pad fitted underneath an EV. This is then converted to the voltage and current needed to charge the onboard battery. This method enables EVs to wirelessly receive a charge while stationary or in motion. However, ensuring the robustness of this integrated in-road system is essential. Poor interface bonding between a surrounding asphalt mixture and an IPT pad decreases the structural integrity within the IPT pad-asphalt pavement system, hence increasing the risk of damage to the system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the behavior of an IPT pad-asphalt interface zone by performing direct shear tests. In the experimental setup, a normal compressive load is applied to a three-layer cylindrical specimen, comprising an asphalt mixture, the interface material, and the material forming the outer containment layer of the pad. The influence of temperature, moisture, and normal stress on the interface shear strength is investigated. Among the three interface materials tested (epoxy bitumen, epoxy resin, and structural plastic adhesive), the epoxy resin material showed the highest shear strength at 25 °C. The interface shear strength and the shear stiffness decreased for all three materials with increasing temperature, with the epoxy bitumen material being the most temperature sensitive, yielding a decrease in strength of 77 % and stiffness of 62 % between 15 °C and 40 °C. Experiments were performed using an orthogonal test design. Five variables, known to affect the interface shear strength, each variable assuming three values, were considered. The results of a range analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that temperature has the most significant effect on the shear strength of the interface zone, i.e. between the asphalt mixture and pad surfacing. Other important factors affecting the shear strength are the interface material and the shear deformation rate. A numerical study of a full-scale IPT-asphalt pavement system is presented to show the effect of the interface bonding condition on the longitudinal and transverse strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer and the fatigue life. The results of this study will be used in the design of an IPT pad-asphalt pavement system by minimizing the differential permanent displacements between an IPT pad and the surrounding asphalt pavement.

Research on grouting structure design method of airport precast concrete pavement

Precast concrete pavement offers significant advantages such as reduced on-site construction time and faster traffic opening, making it highly suitable for airport applications. However, the provision of a fully supportive base structure for pavement panels has long been a challenging research area. In particular, there is a lack of comprehensive investigation into the grouting structure design for these panels. In this paper, a diffusion model of cement slurry beneath the panels is derived using theoretical methods. The study focuses on analyzing the diffusion mode, calculating the diffusion distance, and proposing a feasible design approach for the grouting structure of precast concrete pavement. Our analysis demonstrates that a rectangular grouting mode is preferable, with bottom void height of the panel ranging between 5-20mm. Moreover, it is recommended to maintain grouting sections with a width not exceeding 2.5m. For each panel, grouting is ideally performed in 2-4 sections. The findings of this study contribute to enhancing the overall effectiveness and durability of precast concrete pavement systems.

Mechanical Performance Prediction Model of Steel Bridge Deck Pavement System Based on XGBoost

Steel bridges are widely used in bridge engineering. In the structural design of steel bridge deck pavement systems, engineers focus on obtaining mechanical properties by calculating design parameters and are keen to establish a quick and accurate solution method. Because of the complex knowledge system involved in the numerical calculation method, it is difficult for the general engineering designer to master it. Researchers have started using artificial intelligence algorithms to solve problems in civil engineering. This study developed an XGBoost-based mechanical performance prediction model for steel bridge deck pavement systems. First, numerical simulation tests are conducted at unfavorable load locations using a finite element model to establish a dataset. Then, an XGBoost model is built using this dataset, and its parameters are optimized and compared with traditional machine learning models. Finally, an explanatory analysis of the model is performed using SHAP, an interpretable machine learning framework. The results indicate that the developed XGBoost model accurately predicts the mechanical properties of steel bridge deck pavement systems.

Curing conditions effect on the stabilization of recycled asphalt pavement with alkali-activated metakaolin and rice husk ash-derived activator

The stabilization of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) with alkali-activated cement (AAC) is a topic of growing interest for sustainable engineering, especially those containing alternative activators produced from waste. This study evaluated the effect of curing temperature on the stabilization of RAP with a metakaolin AAC and rice husk ash-derived activator for potential use in base and subbase layers in flexible pavement systems. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy tests were performed. Higher strength values were associated with higher temperatures and curing times. Curing oven time presented no influence over UCS and mineralogy. Blends cured at 20°C exhibited efflorescence formation and prolonged curing time at high temperatures negatively affected the mechanical performance. Curing temperature of 80°C up to 24 h promoted the formation and uniform distribution of cementing gels and a dense and compact structure, improving the compressive strength.

Laboratory Evaluation of Porous Asphalt Mixtures with Cellulose Ash or Combustion Soot as a Filler Replacement

Porous asphalt (PA) mixtures have become a common and very useful pavement technology for preventing dangerous driving conditions in wet weather and as a permeable surface in permeable pavement systems due to their capacity to filter water. The increased social awareness of sustainability matters has expanded the interest in reducing the impact of construction materials on the environment, mainly by using recycled materials in their composition and, hence, reducing the depletion of raw materials. In this research, two innovative recycled filler materials, namely, cellulose ash (CA) and combustion soot (CS), have been used as a total filler replacement in PA mixtures to look for improved mechanical strengths and characteristics. Four different filler dosages were assessed for each filler material, and the produced PA mixtures were tested for their particle loss, water sensitivity, freeze–thaw durability, Marshall stability, resilient modulus and permeability in order to obtain a full picture of their performance. The obtained results showed that both filler materials, adequately dosed, can generate PA mixtures that significantly overcome reference mechanical values for PA mixtures that maintain adequate infiltration capacities to satisfy the main international standards, proving to be suitable replacements for conventional filler materials commonly used in asphalt mixture production.

Airfield pavement resiliency assessment against extreme dynamic events by explicit axisymmetric finite element models

Infrastructure resiliency has become an essential element in ensuring community recovery after unexpected events. In airfield pavement, resilience can be achieved through an improved design approach by understanding the fundamental elements of damage mitigation and thus allowing rapid recovery. The objective of this study was to numerically evaluate easy-to-implement alternatives for mitigating damage in rigid airfield layered pavement systems when subjected to dynamic events such as blasts or high-velocity impacts. This was accomplished by developing an efficient axisymmetric explicit finite element model, which served as an analytical tool for the study. The model was developed in LS-DYNA and the methodology consisted of a comprehensive parametric analysis. The results showed that the concrete pavement layer parameters—mass density and compressive strength—have the most significant effect on the damage to the pavement when subjected to extreme dynamic events. The material parameters for the pavement layers were optimized to minimize the damage, caused by dynamic loads, achieving more than 70% damage mitigation. Furthermore, adding a granular base layer to the rigid airfield pavement design reduces the concrete pavement layer damage by almost 40%. An asphalt concrete overlay reduces the concrete pavement layer damage by about 55%. Moreover, adding an asphalt concrete overlay to the optimized rigid airfield pavement design reduces the damage by 10%. In contrast, adding a granular base layer to the optimized rigid airfield pavement design is ineffective.

Multi-Parametric Delineation Approach for Homogeneous Sectioning of Asphalt Pavements

The demand for preserving existing roadway infrastructure has been increasing to regulate expensive reconstruction activities. The maintenance of homogeneous road sections is one of the approaches to economize the overall management of pavement systems. The existing homogeneous delineation methods consider one or two parameters for segmenting the pavements based on similar characteristics, which are found to be a repetitive process. Also, there is a need to consider multiple parameters that represent the functional, structural, and traffic characteristics in segmentation process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a multi-parameter-based delineation approach (MPDA) to segment the pavements into subsections with similar features considering functional, structural, and traffic characteristics. Deflection bowl parameters, unified pavement health index (functional performance metric), surface layer modulus, and traffic reported in terms of AADT were employed for developing a multi-parametric delineation index (MPDI). A total of 1781 datapoints covering 26 road sections in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, were used. The C-charts method-based segmentation for MPDI was applied to obtain the homogeneous sections. The devised approach was found to be efficient in segmenting the pavements as well as robust in selecting suitable maintenance strategies for each group of the homogeneous sections. Further, the segmentation processes were automated for easier implementation by the agencies.

A Review of Wireless Pavement System Based on the Inductive Power Transfer in Electric Vehicles

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) hinges upon the availability of robust and efficient charging infrastructure, notably encompassing swift and convenient solutions. Among these, dynamic wireless charging systems have garnered substantial attention for their potential to revolutionize EV charging experiences. Inductive power transfer (IPT) systems, in particular, exhibit a promising avenue, enabling seamless wireless charging through integrated pavements for EVs. This review engages in an in-depth exploration of pertinent parameters that influence the inductivity and conductivity performance of pavements, alongside the assessment of potential damage inflicted by IPT pads. Moreover, the study delves into the realm of additive materials as a strategic approach to augment conductivity and pavement performance. In essence, the review consolidates a diverse array of studies that scrutinize IPT pad materials, coil dimensions, pavement characteristics (both static and dynamic), and adhesive properties. These studies collectively illuminate the intricate dynamics of power transfer to EVs while considering potential repercussions on pavement integrity. Furthermore, the review sheds light on the efficacy of various additive materials, including metal and nanocomposite additives with an SBS base, in amplifying both conductivity and pavement performance. The culmination of these findings underscores the pivotal role of geometry optimization for IPT pads and the strategic adaptation of aggregate and bitumen characteristics to unlock enhanced performance within wireless pavements.

Assessing strength properties of stabilized soils using dynamic cone penetrometer test

Abstract The subgrade soil layer is the most essential part of the pavement system. Many pavement failures can be associated with subgrade weak strength and stiffness qualities. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen this layer before building the other pavement layers. One of the essential methods utilized to enhance the engineering characteristics of this layer is soil stabilization. Stabilization methods are many and varied, but chemical and mechanical stabilization are the most common. This research aims to evaluate the strength of stabilized soils by using a dynamic cone penetration (DCP) test. To achieve this aim, subgrade soil was provided from a roadway project in Kerbala city and stabilized with 2.5 and 5% of Portland cement by weight of the dry soil. Then, the cemented subgrade soil was reinforced with 6 and 12 mm of polypropylene discrete fiber. The fiber was added to the soil with the following contents: 0.5, 1, and 2%. The characteristics of stabilized soils were evaluated by determining three parameters: dynamic cone penetration index (DCPI), in-situ California bearing ratio (CBR), and bearing capacity obtained from the DCP test. The results showed that when Portland cement was increased from 0 to 2.5% and then to 5% by weight of the dry soil, the DCPI value gradually decreased while increasing both CBR and bearing capacity. However, adding 6 and 12 mm fiber contents (0.5, 1, and 2) to the cement–sand mixture containing 2.5 and 5% cement led to increased DCPI and a gradual decrease in CBR and bearing capacity. Also, the results showed that the DCPI for a 12 mm fiber is lower than that for 6 mm fibers, while the CBR and bearing capacity for a 12 mm fiber are greater than those of 6 mm fibers for all ratios. Accordingly, the results of the DCP tests showed that the most significant support for the soil is obtained when the soil is stabilized using 5% cement with 12 mm of fiber by weight of dry soil.

Field investigation of clogging with different sediment types in a permeable pavement system with low-cost maintenance

Maintenance has a significant impact on permeable pavements’ service life. Proper cleaning procedures include pressure washing and heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum to remove accumulated sediment and maintain permeability. Aiming to analyze the influence of sediment type and size on the clogging process and the importance of preventive maintenance, six experimental permeable pavement modules were assessed. Pairs of in-situ Pervious Concrete (PC), Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) and Permeable Interlocking Pervious Concrete Pavement (PIPCP) were monitored over two consecutive periods: i) under natural clogging process; ii) accelerated clogging under sand and clay sediment types. At the end of both periods, all modules received maintenance through water pressure washing. The results showed a reduction of up to 80% in the surface infiltration capacity during the natural clogging period, but that most of it could be recovered using pressure washing. Result in all situations also reinforced that periodic cleaning every 4-6 months, even with just pressure washing, as a key factor to extend permeable pavements’ life cycle.

EPS-Geofoam as Lightweight material for Replacement of Embankment Fill to Overcome Landslide Problems at STA 40+200 of Cisumdawu Toll Road, West Java

Toll Road construction takes a vital role to connects cities in Indonesia. Cisumdawu toll road which is constructed to connects Cileunyi, Sumedang and Dawuan, pass through a complex geological formation and suffers a number of slope failures during construction. At STA 40+200, the toll road is constructed by using 20m height embankment by using local soil. Prior to reaching the final elevation, significant land movement was observed. In order to rehabilitate the embankment, the fill is excavated in order to reduce driving loads acting on the sliding plane and EPS geofoam is used as lightweight material to replace soil fill in order to reduce the driving forces acting on the soil. In this paper, the mechanism of slope failure and discussion on the EPS-Geofoam and pavement system employed to solve the slope failure problem will be discussed.

Modeling geogrid-stabilized aggregate base courses considering local stiffness enhancement

Lateral restraint is the primary stabilization mechanism associated with the interlocking of aggregate particles in the geogrid apertures. This paper presents findings from a laboratory study which quantifies the local stiffness enhancement of aggregates through micromechanical interlocking provided by two different types of geogrids. These findings are applied to model the resilient response characteristics of geogrid-stabilized base course composite systems. Using three pairs of bender elements as shear wave transducers, horizontal stiffness profiles were determined above mid-heights of aggregate specimens. For two types of geogrids with square- and triangular-shaped apertures, the shear modulus profiles decreased moving away from the geogrid location. Based on a relationship for aggregates, resilient modulus was estimated from the shear modulus. Considering the variations in resilient moduli with distance from the geogrid location, the local stiffness enhancements provided by the two geogrid types were assigned to modulus profiles of a geogrid-stabilized aggregate base course in flexible pavement mechanistic analysis and modeling. The modeling results demonstrate the effect of geogrid base stabilization on the computed pavement resilient responses for both geogrid types. The sublayering approach which properly considers modeling of the geogrid influence zone could be effectively used in mechanistic analysis of a geogrid-stabilized pavement system.

Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of cement-treated base incorporating crushed waste tires

Pavements play a pivotal role in facilitating safe and efficient transportation. However, conventional pavement construction consumes substantial virgin resources, necessitating a shift towards sustainable alternatives. This study explores the integration of crushed waste tires as partial replacements for sand and gravel in cement-treated base (CTB) layers, aiming to enhance pavement sustainability. The CTB mixtures were meticulously formulated and tested for their physical and mechanical properties. Results revealed that while the presence of waste tire aggregates affected the fresh-state rheology, the cured-state performance remained satisfactory, often exceeding normative requirements. Notably, the addition of 10% rubber powder enhanced the mechanical performance of the CTB mixtures and overall exhibited acceptable shrinkage values. The findings offer insights into designing resilient and sustainable pavement systems by using crushed waste tires, aligning with modern infrastructure demands.

A Case Investigation into Causes of Premature Rutting Failures in Rehabilitated Asphalt Pavements in Tanzania

Abstract Tanzania has faced high incidences of premature rutting failures on their asphalt pavements. Some pavements experienced failures within one to two years after construction/rehabilitation. The objective of this investigation was to identify the factors that contributed to the observed failures on five rehabilitated road sections on a national highway in Tanzania. Pavement temperature data collection, traffic surveys, visual inspection, rut depth measurements, and falling weight deflectometer tests constituted the main activities of the field investigation reported in this paper. The laboratory study included a visual assessment of cores extracted from the studied road sections to determine both physical and engineering properties, including density, stiffness, strength, aggregate shape properties, grading, and physiochemical tests on the recovered binders. The results of the study indicated that the degree and extent of rutting on the investigated road sections was rated as severe., i.e., rutting ranged from 38–138 mm on the five sections when compared to the acceptable threshold value of 15 mm for high volume roads in Tanzania. The elastic deflection results indicated that the underlying layers of the pavement system were generally in a sound condition, which validated the suggestion that the rutting observed was mostly confined to the asphalt concrete layers. Factors such as relatively high axle loads, poor asphalt mixes, and possibly inadequate quality control during construction and rehabilitation were suspected to contribute to the rutting on the sections. Practical measures recommended to the roads agency to avert future occurrences are provided in this paper.

Dynamic shakedown limits of the pavement on saturated subgrade subjected to traffic rolling-sliding loading

This paper establishes a semi-analytical lower-bound dynamic shakedown method to investigate the shakedown of the pavement on saturated subgrade based on dynamic Biot's consolidation theory, considering a rolling-sliding contact between vehicle tire and pavement. This analysis has demonstrated that properties of the saturated subgrade generally have negative effects on the shakedown limit of the pavement system under high-speed traffic loadings. In general, the classical single-phased shakedown theorem overestimates the shakedown limit of the pavement on the soft ground of low permeability, particularly under high-speed traffic loadings. The shakedown limit of the pavement on a saturated subgrade gradually reduces with decreasing permeability of the subgrade. The sliding-induced friction significantly affects the shakedown limit and the location of critical shakedown failure. The permeability of the saturated subgrade has considerable effects on the shakedown limit for the case of low tire-pavement friction. The shakedown limit of the pavement on a saturated subgrade and a single-phased subgrade shows a considerable difference at the optimum modulus ratio, at which the critical shakedown failure tends to shift from the saturated subgrade to the pavement layer. The proposed method will be more desirable to evaluate the performance of the pavement in the saturated soft ground.