NCHRP Report 583 explores the effects of subsurface drainage features on pavement performance through a program of inspection and testing of the subsurface drainage features present in the Long-Term Pavement Performance SPS-1 (flexible hot-mix asphalt pavement) and SPS-2 (rigid portland cement concrete pavement) field sections.

This synthesis will be of interest to geologists; hydrologists; geotechnical, pavement, construction, and maintenance engineers; and researchers. State department of transportation (DOT) program managers and administrators will also find it of interest. The synthesis describes the current state of the practice for the design, construction, and maintenance of pavement subsurface drainage systems. It provides information on the positive effects of good subsurface drainage and the negative effects of poor subsurface drainage on pavement surfaces. This report of the Transportation Research Board presents data obtained from a review of the literature and a survey of the state DOTs. It is a supplemental update to NCHRP Synthesis of Highway Practice 96, Pavement Subsurface Drainage Systems (1982). The synthesis provides a supplement to design issues not found in Synthesis 96, but faced by current designers, e.g., type and quality of aggregate, compaction requirements for open-graded aggregates, asphalt and cement binders, and use of geosynthetics. In addition, it describes the effects of design, construction, and maintenance decisions on the performance of pavement subsurface drainage systems.

SUMMARY This book provides complete coverage of surface and subsurface drainage of all types of pavements for highways, urban roads, parking lots, airports, and container terminals. It provides up-to-date information on the principles and technologies for designing and building drainage systems and examines numerous issues, including maintenance and designing for flood events. Practical considerations and sophisticated analysis, such the use of the finite element method and unsaturated soil mechanics, anisotropy and uncertainties, are presented. This book allows civil engineers to make the best use of their resources to provide cost effective and sustainable pavements. Features Presents a holistic consideration of drainage with respect to pavement performance. Includes numerous practical case studies. Examines flooding and the impacts of climate change. Includes PowerPoint slides which include quizzes, schematics, figures, and tables.