New mathematical paradigm applied to fluid flow in porous media: the case of permeable asphalt pavement

摘要

The paper presents a new mathematical paradigm applied to fluid flow in porous media. In particular we are discussing the case of permeable asphalt pavement that has relevant industrial implications and significant effects on road safety. The traditional approach for evaluating the expected drainage capability of open-graded pavement is based on laboratory tests using hydraulic permeameters or measures on the field. The results are not generalizable and they are often unreliable because of the heterogeneity of the material and for spatial scale problems. In particular we have modeled internal microstructures of an open-graded asphalt sample as a general porous medium, positioning any aggregate particle. Then we have created the bitumen film around each particle. The unsteady flow of water inside the sample is simulated to evaluate the expected permeability for different specimens and material bulk density. The simulation is implemented through two different models. The reliability of the model is validated through experimental tests, by comparing the laboratory outcomes with the simulation results.