Measuring Pavement Texture Drainage Using an Outflow Meter

E2380/E2380M - 09: Standard Test Method for Measuring Pavement Texture Drainage Using an Outflow Meter

Ensuring optimal pavement performance under various weather conditions is paramount for transportation engineers. ASTM E2380/E2380M - 09 provides an essential and proven method for quantifying pavement texture's contribution to drainage, directly impacting wet-weather safety and the potential for hydroplaning. This authoritative standard equips professionals with a critical tool for evaluating pavement surfaces.

What is E2380/E2380M - 09?

ASTM E2380/E2380M - 09 establishes a standardized laboratory and field test procedure for assessing the drainage capability of pavement surfaces. It defines a specific device, the outflow meter, which measures the time required for a controlled volume of water to drain through the pavement's surface voids. The primary purpose is to provide a quantitative measure of the pavement's ability to reduce water film thickness and, consequently, mitigate hydroplaning risks.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the methodology for measuring pavement texture drainage using an outflow meter. It details the apparatus, calibration procedures, and the step-by-step operational process for conducting the test. The results obtained are intended to indicate the pavement's capacity to relieve tire pressure and offer insight into potential hydroplaning under wet conditions. The standard focuses on the surface and subsurface void connectivity related to drainage and does not explicitly cover the assessment of overall pavement friction or long-term durability.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Pavement engineers, civil engineers, transportation engineers, materials testing specialists, and quality control inspectors.
• • Industries affected: Civil Engineering, Transportation, Road Construction, Pavement Management, and Highway Safety.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended for agencies and contractors seeking to ensure and verify pavement drainage performance.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically checked by project owners, transportation authorities, and independent testing laboratories performing quality assurance/quality control.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard mandates the use of a calibrated outflow meter with specific geometric and material properties for its components, including the sealing ring and orifice.
• • Professionals must ensure the pavement surface is adequately prepared (cleaned if necessary) to obtain representative drainage measurements.
• • Key provisions include precise water volume measurement and controlled release to initiate the drainage test.
• • The test procedure requires accurate timing of water outflow between two defined float switch levels within the device.
• • Users are advised to interpret the outflow time in conjunction with other relevant factors such as anticipated rainfall, traffic speed, and pavement geometry for a complete safety assessment.

Related Standards & References

ASTM E2380/E2380M - 09 works in conjunction with several other ASTM standards to provide a holistic view of pavement surface characteristics. These include:

• • ASTM E867: Terminology Relating to Vehicle-Pavement Systems, providing essential definitions for terms used in pavement testing.
• • ASTM E965: Test Method for Measuring Pavement Macrotexture Depth Using a Volumetric Technique, offering a complementary method for macrotexture assessment.
• • **ASTM E18