How does Improper Drainage Affect Asphalt Pavement?

Neenu S K

2 years ago

Reading time: 1 minute

A proper drainage system and its regular maintenance determine the longevity and stability of the asphalt pavement. On the other hand, improper maintenance of the pavement drainage system leads to eventual pavement deterioration, which results in huge repair and replacement costs.

This article explains the effects of improper drainage on asphalt pavement.

Effects of Improper Drainage on Asphalt Pavement

The major effects of improper drainage on pavements are:

Collapse of the subgrade layer
Formation of potholes, cracks, and waves
Stripping of bitumen

1. Collapse of the Subgrade Layer

Improper drainage results in the formation of water pools on the surface layer of asphalt pavement. With time, this water slowly gets into the tiny cracks already present in the pavement.

Hence, the water penetrates slowly into the pavement layers and reaches the subgrade, weakening the whole structure of the pavement.

For example, large collapsed areas on asphalt roads filled with water occur due to a collapsed subgrade layer.

2. Formation of Potholes, Cracks and Waves

The formation of pools of water on the pavements weakens the asphalt and results in the formation of potholes, cracks, hairlines, and waves. Negligence of such distresses will invite more water and debris into the pavement and the layers below the pavement surface.

**Figure-2: Potholes on asphalt pavement**

This would finally weaken the subgrade layer and result in the collapse of the pavement layers.

3. Stripping of Bitumen

The prolonged exposure of pavement to water could strip the pavement of the bitumen. If the bitumen pavement is sealed with a coating, then the sealing is removed first, followed by stripping off the pavement. The sealing protects the whole structure from debris, water, and other chemicals emitted by the passing vehicles.

FAQs

What is the importance of drainage in asphalt pavement design?

A proper drainage system and its regular maintenance determine the longevity and stability of an asphalt pavement. On the other hand, the improper maintenance of the pavement drainage system leads to eventual pavement deterioration, which results in huge repair and replacement costs.

What are the effects of improper drainage in asphalt pavement?

The major effects of improper drainage on pavements are:
1. Collapse of the subgrade layer
2. Formation of potholes, cracks, and waves
3. Stripping of bitumen

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