Pore-structure models of hydraulic conductivity for permeable pavement

SummaryPermeable pavement functions as a porous infrastructure interface allowing the infiltration and evaporation of rainfall–runoff while functioning as a relatively smooth load-bearing surface for vehicular transport. Hydraulic conductivity (k) of permeable pavement is an important hydraulic property and is a function of the pore structure. This study examines k for a cementitious permeable pavement (CPP) through a series of pore-structure models. Measurements utilized include hydraulic head as well as total porosity, (ϕt), effective porosity (ϕe), tortuosity (Le/L) and pore size distribution (PSD) indices generated through X-ray tomography (XRT). XRT results indicate that the permeable pavement pore matrix is hetero-disperse, with high tortuosity and ϕt ≠ ϕe. Power law models of k–ϕt and k–ϕe relationships are developed for a CPP mix design. Results indicate that the Krüger, Fair-Hatch, Hazen, Slichter, Beyer and Terzaghi models based on simple pore-structure indices do not reproduce measured k values. The conventional Kozeny–Carman model (KCM), a more parameterized pore-structure model, did not reproduce measured k values. This study proposes a modified KCM utilizing ϕe, specific surface area (SSA)pe and weighted tortuosity (Le/L)w. Results demonstrate that such permeable pavement pore-structure parameters with the modified KCM can predict k. The k results are combined with continuous simulation modeling using historical rainfall to provide nomographs examining permeable pavement as a low impact development (LID) infrastructure component.

Research highlights
► A permeable pavement pore-structure model for hydraulic conductivity (k) is developed.
► The model of k is validated with measured data across a range of permeable pavement porosities.
► The model utilizes parameters of effective porosity and specific surface, and weighted tortuosity.
► A validated model of k is coupled with continuous simulation modeling using historical data.
► Results illustrate permeable pavement benefits as low impact development (LID) infrastructure.