INDUSTRY NEWS
Porous Asphalt
nels the water back into the soil instead of into the storm
sewer. Any pollutants washed away by rain or melting snow
are kept isolated. The water is filtered through stone beds
under the permeable surface layer and replenishes the under-
ground water table instead of ending up as polluted runoff in
rivers and streams.
Continued from page 26
Why Porous Asphalt Is Better for the Environment
Asphalt itself is very eco-friendly. It is insoluble in water, and
it does not release any toxins into water or soil. The issue lies
with the pollutants that are typically present
on any pavement on which motor vehicles
drive or park. Vehicles frequently leak auto-
Porous asphalt creates a
motive fluids such as oil, antifreeze, gasoline,
and brake fluid. Furthermore, the products drainage system that channels
used to melt ice normally leave a residue be-
the water back into the soil
hind. Much of these pollutants will be swept
up by the water flowing from traditional as-
instead of into the storm
phalt pavement. The runoff and all of the
sewer. Any pollutants washed
pollutants it carries enter the storm sewer.
Ultimately, the runoff will reach a river, away by rain or melting snow
stream, or lake, depositing the contaminants
are kept isolated.
that it carried.
This does not happen with porous asphalt
pavement. Porous asphalt creates a drainage system that chan-
Cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia and
others have installed porous asphalt projects
to address environmental issues such as pol-
lutant run off in storm water and also flood-
ing. Not only does the porous asphalt filter
water into a separate drainage system, it also
alleviates over-taxed sewer systems by allow-
ing excess water to flow through, preventing
flooding after heavy rains.
Other Benefits of Porous Asphalt
While slightly coarser than standard as-
phalt, porous asphalt pavements are just as
attractive as traditional asphalt; most people
don’t even notice that a pavement is porous.
Though different than paving with asphalt, contractors don’t
need any special skills or proprietary ingredients to install it.
According to the National Pavement Association, most asphalt
plants can easily prepare the mix for contractors. In addition,
the surface of a porous asphalt pavement is smooth enough
to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Major Problem with Porous Asphalt Pavement
While porous asphalt is eco-friendly by keeping pollutants out
of the storm sewer, the major problem with porous asphalt is
that it is not suitable for all pavements although researchers
are working on the issue. Asphalt pavements that must sup-
port heavy weights are unsuitable for porous asphalt, so you
will not yet find it on airport runways or areas where heavy
equipment is parked. Porous asphalt is not suitable for pave-
ments that must withstand high traffic volumes, so it is not
yet used for interstate highways or other busy thoroughfares.
Additionally, for any porous mixtures to perform as intended,
they must be designed and constructed properly.
Brad Anderson is the owner of B&E Coating Services and Safe Seal of Mich-
igan. Contact him at [email protected] or visit his website at
www.safesealofmichigan.com.
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