THE ROAD AND THE ENVIRONMENT, A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE: THICK POROUS PAVEMENTS

Abstract

In the paper "The Road and the Environment, a Marriage of Convenience: Thick Porous Pavements," authors Jean-Pierre Christory, Gilles Pipien, Bernard Soudieu, and Jean Chauchot address the evolving demands on urban road construction towards integrating environmental considerations. With urban areas expanding, there's a rising emphasis on roads not just as traffic conduits but as elements contributing to environmental management, including noise control, hydrological management, and pollution control. The research focuses on the development and application of porous concrete pavements, distinguished by their capacity to handle noise, water, and pollution more effectively than traditional materials. These pavements, characterized by their thickness (generally over 15 cm) and lack of post-compacting variation, have demonstrated significant advantages in environmental management without compromising on traditional road durability and reliability. Field trials in France have confirmed the effectiveness of these pavements in urban settings, showing promise in terms of noise reduction, water management, and overall environmental impact mitigation. The paper suggests that with ongoing advancements in technology and design, porous pavements can significantly contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban infrastructure development. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)