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LID Case Studies

City of Grand Rapids
Porous Asphalt Pavement
Mr. Randy Lemoine, P.E.
City of Grand Rapids
Introduction
Initial installations in the 1970s
(Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Texas)
Installation at a number of locations in the Mid
Atlantic states since the 1980s
First Grand Rapids installation, October 2003
Over 20 installations in Grand Rapids to date
The Porous Asphalt
Pavement System
Asphalt Pavement
Uniform grade course aggregate (no fine aggregates)
Washed Uniform grade aggregate Sub-base
Stone (MDOT 6AA)
Crushed concrete (2-inch-diameter)
Native Soil Base
Sand or loamy sand (Hydrologic Group A & B)
Permeability >inch per hour
Typical Cross Section
The Porous Asphalt
Pavement System
Actual Cross Section
The Porous Asphalt
Pavement System
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Cost-Effective
Porous System
Can be 50 to 80% less than standard asphalt
paving
Porous asphalt mix is more expensive,
but the Porous Asphalt System is
often less expensive
Eliminates need for catch basins, pipes,
detention, and treatment
20-year longevity
Maintenance Needs
Vacuum sweep at least twice yearly
Potential problems
Tree pollen in spring
Leaves in fall
Damage from vehicle fluids
Normal winter plowing
Little or no salting required
Freeze/thaw is not a problem
Benefits
No puddles or bird bathseven with zero slopes
Improved handicap access
Improved safety
No surface water
No icing from snow melt
Lessons Learned
Good asphalt mix design
(Grand Rapids Community College)
Maintains porosity
Minimize raveling and rutting
Regular vacuum sweeping is essential
Avoid runoff from adjacent land areas
(deposition of sediment and debris)
Avoid runoff from other standard asphalt areas
Reference
Porous Asphalt Pavements,Information
Series 131, National Asphalt Pavement
Association, 2003
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