Maine's Porous Asphalt Pavement: Lessons Learned from Its Design, Construction, and a Decade of Performance

摘要

In 2009, MaineDOT constructed a porous asphalt pavement on a high-volume public road, which was the first application in the Northeastern United States. The porous pavement system was selected as a mitigation technique for Long Creek Watershed. The pavement design included a filter layer, reservoir stone layer, asphalt treated permeable base (ATPB), and open graded friction course (OGFC). Thermocouples were installed at different depths to monitor the temperature variations, especially during cold weather. The performance of the pavement was measured using visual distress surveys at three intervals over ten years, along with periodic automated distress surveys. This case study presents the design, construction, and performance aspects of this porous asphalt pavement. A conventional reconstruction project and a mill & fill project constructed in the same year were considered for comparative performance analysis. Overall, after ten years, the porous pavement is relatively free of distress except for localized areas of raveling. The evaluations noted the impact of tracking and build-up of debris and sand to the OGFC surface layer, so maintenance of the porous pavement is considered crucial. The porous asphalt pavement shows similar levels of distress when compared to a conventional asphalt pavement project. MaineDOT is satisfied with the performance of the porous pavement; both in its ability to handle stormwater runoff and to provide a safe and durable surface for travelers.