• Energy Research

Changes in weather patterns pose a threat to the serviceability and long-term performance of roads, and porous asphalt (PA) roads are particularly sensitive to the freezing-thawing (FT) phenomenon. The main objective of this research is to assess the impact of climate change, particularly freezing and thawing cycles, on PA. Climate models predict changes in air temperature, not pavement temperature. To predict the climate change impact on pavements performance, this requires first establishing a relationship between air and road temperature and a correlation between pavement performance and FT cycles. This project focuses on the Netherlands, where PA pavement use has become mandatory, and recent severe winters have increased the discussion about the cold weather performance of porous asphalt and the potential challenges of changing winter weather patterns. When considering long-term changes in climate, the cost impacts of freeze-thaw on PA pavement are predicted to vary regionally and in most areas reach a point in the middle of the century when a reactive wait-and-see approach is more advantageous than proactive adaptation. Further research is suggested to refine the relationship between observed damage and freeze-thaw impacts on PA pavement.

Changes in weather patterns pose a threat to the serviceability and long-term performance of roads, and porous asphalt (PA) roads are particularly sensitive to the freezing-thawing (FT) phenomenon. The main objective of this research is to assess the impact of climate change, particularly freezing and thawing cycles, on PA. Climate models predict changes in air temperature, not pavement temperature. To predict the climate change impact on pavements performance, this requires first establishing a relationship between air and road temperature and a correlation between pavement performance and FT cycles. This project focuses on the Netherlands, where PA pavement use has become mandatory, and recent severe winters have increased the discussion about the cold weather performance of porous asphalt and the potential challenges of changing winter weather patterns. When considering long-term changes in climate, the cost impacts of freeze-thaw on PA pavement are predicted to vary regionally and in most areas reach a point in the middle of the century when a reactive wait-and-see approach is more advantageous than proactive adaptation. Further research is suggested to refine the relationship between observed damage and freeze-thaw impacts on PA pavement.

This chapter investigates the impact and adaptation options of climate change on porous asphalt (PA) roads, specifically for the case of winter weather (freeze-thaw cycles) and road damage in the Netherlands. Changes in weather patterns pose a threat to the serviceability and long-term performance of roads, as up to half of road maintenance costs are attributable to weather stresses. Current climate change impact research often produces results on a systemic, macroscale, and less is known about the regional impact to specific road types. To address this, the chapter examines the correlation between historic winter weather and PA pavement performance, which is particularly sensitive to the freezing/thawing phenomena. The combination of Rijkswaterstaat's (the Dutch ministerial road authority) reputation for long-term planning, strict maintenance procedures and recent budget constraints further highlights the need for adaptation analysis that addresses their organization and regional priorities, not only sector-wide concerns.

This chapter investigates the impact and adaptation options of climate change on porous asphalt (PA) roads, specifically for the case of winter weather (freeze-thaw cycles) and road damage in the Netherlands. Changes in weather patterns pose a threat to the serviceability and long-term performance of roads, as up to half of road maintenance costs are attributable to weather stresses. Current climate change impact research often produces results on a systemic, macroscale, and less is known about the regional impact to specific road types. To address this, the chapter examines the correlation between historic winter weather and PA pavement performance, which is particularly sensitive to the freezing/thawing phenomena. The combination of Rijkswaterstaat's (the Dutch ministerial road authority) reputation for long-term planning, strict maintenance procedures and recent budget constraints further highlights the need for adaptation analysis that addresses their organization and regional priorities, not only sector-wide concerns.