Potential Application of ASTM C1701 for Evaluating Surface Infiltration of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements
SourceAs a sister sustainable pavement to pervious concrete, permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) has seen increased use for stormwater management and low impact development. Surface infiltration is a key performance indicator for both pavement types. This paper provides a brief background of the development of test methods for measuring the surface infiltration of permeable pavements. Among these test methods is the single ring infiltrometer method described in ASTM C1701, which was developed to test the surface infiltration of PICP, concrete grid pavements, and pervious concrete. Research literature references on surface infiltration testing at sites in Long Island, NY, confirm that ASTM C1701 is suitable for measuring the surface infiltration rate of PICP. The post-construction pavement surface infiltration results there demonstrated an average rate of 1.4 × 10−3 m/s (200 in./h) or greater. Test results are also referenced from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency surface infiltration testing that used a modified version of ASTM C1701 at a permeable pavement research facility in Edison, NJ, consisting of PICP, pervious concrete, and porous asphalt. Modifications to ASTM C1701 are proposed that include the use of (1) modeling clay to seal the ring to the pavement in hot weather and (2) graduated bucket(s) to determine the mass of infiltrated water. Graduations can eliminate the use of a scale on the test site to determine the infiltrated water's mass. In addition, changes to ASTM C1701 are proposed to include PICP, concrete grid pavements, and porous asphalt for comparative purposes.