Evaluation of Pavement Edge Drains and Their Effect on Pavement Performance

Abstract

Research was conducted on pavement edge drains between 1991 and 1995 in Kentucky by the Kentucky Transportation Center. The study was initiated in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of these systems in improving pavement performance. Each edge drain system was evaluated on the basis of construction, maintenance, and performance of the edge drain backfill and geotextile and the lateral effectiveness of pavement edge drains across the pavement structure determined, to verify that pavement edge drains improve pavement performance and to determine their cost effectiveness. The initial findings indicate that if the edge drains are properly installed, edge drain systems in most cases will add significant life to pavement structure.