Comparative Analysis of Field Permeability Testing of Compacted Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements

Abstract

The in-place permeability of asphalt pavements has been the focus of recent research as investigators try to establish links between pavement permeability and performance. Previous research concluded that pavements with in-place air voids exceeding 8% to 10% may be considered as excessively permeable, and it is generally accepted that excessively permeable pavements are more prone to oxidation and stripping of the asphalt binder, as well as more susceptible to freeze–thaw degradation. As the use of the Superpave® design procedures has increased, numerous questions have arisen regarding the effect of certain mix design parameters on the in-place density and permeability of compacted asphalt pavements. A recent investigation into this issue has generated the need for reliable test methods and equipment that can be used to assess the field permeability of in-place pavements. Results of field permeability tests conducted on newly constructed asphalt pavements by using both water and air permeameters are presented. The data obtained indicate that currently accepted test methods based on the water permeameter may not produce repeatable results for all pavement types investigated. In contrast, test data obtained with the air permeameter indicate good repeatability for all included pavement types.