Author(s): Michael Barrett; Randall Charbeneau
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: A Permeable Friction Course (PFC) consists of a layer of porous asphalt up to about 50 mm thick placed as an overlay on top of an existing conventional concrete or asphalt surface. Porous asphalt overlays are used increasingly by state transportation agencies in the U. S. as well as by many countries in Europe to improve drivability in wet weather conditions and to reduce noise from highway traffic. The objective of this study is to document the effects of PFC on the quantity and quality of highway runoff. Stormwater runoff from a four-lane divided highway in Austin, Texas, USA was monitored at the edge of pavement at two sites before and after the installation of a PFC. Significant concentration reductions were observed for total suspended solids, total lead, total copper, and total zinc at both monitoring locations. Concentrations of dissolved constituents were not significantly different at either site and concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were below the detection limit for both pavement types. No trend towards decreasing water quality has been evident during the 52 months since the overlay was applied.
Year: 2009