Project 0-6843

Evaluating Use of Sub-Grade Drains with PFC for Stormwater Drainage

Abstract

Water standing on pavements is a major safety concern. Water accumulation on roadways leads to splash and spray and even hydroplaning, which contribute significantly to auto accidents. This project will develop a design method for the underdrains of porous friction course (PFC) to eliminate standing water on roadway surfaces, especially difficult drain segments. The project includes both large-scale testing and numerical modeling of storm water drainage. The large– scale testing involves testing a few pavement sections and measuring water surface within and on the PFC. The numerical model will couple the run-off on PFC surface with the seepage within the PFC to avoid the limitations of existing numerical models. After calibrated by the test data, the numerical model will be used to simulate the dynamic process of infiltration, run-off and seepage for various pavement conditions under different rainfall events. With the results from the numerical modeling, the effect of underdrains on removing standing water on PFC will be quantified and a number of design charts, equations or similar tools will be developed to assist in determining the size, spacing and configuration of the underdrains. The Performing Agency shall provide these design charts to TxDOT which will be used for regular segments as well as difficult drainage segments.

Project PI: Theodore Cleveland, Ph.D., P.E.

Researcher: Elma Annette Hernandez

Project Duration: 2015-2017