TEN YEARS' EXPERIENCE OF POROUS ASPHALT IN BELGIUM

Porous asphalt is a bituminous mix that because of its composition contains about 22% voids after compaction. In rainy weather, this results in the absence of aquaplaning, increased skid resistance, and reduced splash and spray behind vehicles. Additional advantages are reductions in rolling noise level, light reflection, and rolling resistance. In Belgium, this type of surface is used not only on roads, but also on airfields and in tunnels. The Belgian Road Research Centre has been conducting extensive research into various aspects of its use, such as mix design, the influence of binder type, manufacture and laying, the gradual loss of permeability, winter behavior, acoustic properties, specific features of applications in built-up areas and tunnels, and maintenance. Some of these aspects are briefly discussed in this paper.