EVALUATION OF POROUS PAVEMENTS FOR ROAD SURFACES. INTERIM REPORT

Porous pavements or open graded asphalt mixtures have been in use in Oregon since the late 1960s. The use of this pavement type has increased over the years because the pores in the mat provide a better way for water to drain from the surface. This greatly increases the safety in the areas of skid resistance and splash and spray. Added benefits to these pavements are that sound emitted from the tire noise is partly absorbed into the voids of the pavement. Not all the attributes of porous pavements are beneficial. There have been some durability and construction problems associated with this pavement type. Experience and trial and error have reduced many of the disadvantages of porous pavements. Recent experiences with these mix types in the U.S. and abroad have been positive.