Long-term performance and life cycle cost analysis of porous asphalt concrete

Porous asphalt concrete (PAC) has been implemented in Taiwan since late 1990s; however, lack of long-term pavement performance as well as life-cycle cost analysis resulted in a limited understanding about the quantified benefits of PAC. A full-scale PAC pavement on the National Freeway #6 that started in January 2009 was evaluated, as compared with an open-graded friction course (OGFC) on the National Freeway #3 that is adjacent to #6. Test results indicate that rut depth is less than 10 mm after 13 years in service, and shows the good resistance of PAC mixtures to permanent deformation. It has been clearly demonstrated that PAC pavement surfaces provide excellent performance including functionality, durability and safety for the public. The life-cycle cost analysis supports the use of PAC instead of OGFC. In comparison, PAC is shown to be relatively cost-effective with approximately 14% and 86% saving for the agency and the road user, respectively. © 2022, Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering. All right reserved.