A 3-Dimensional Numerical Study of a Flow within a Permeable Pavement

Abstract:     
This numerical study has been performed to predict the flow patterns and characteristics within permeable pavement. Throughout the design and planning period for future construction are increasingly integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) into the process. As a result, engineers are interested in the reliability of CFD software to provide accurate flow data for a wide range of structures. CFD results have generally been in agreement with physical model experimental data.

A commercially known software, FLOW-3D, is applied to numerically solve the Navier-stokes equations for solution domains which are separated into three regions with overlapping boundaries to efficiently accommodate the grid resolutions, namely the honeycomb shaped modular, gravel and combined honeycomb shaped modular with gravel fill. The filtration of the fluid within the interstices of a permeable pavement, is evaluated by integrating the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) inside the voids rather than making use of the widespread “porous media” approach, such for example in Hsu et. al. (2002) and Lara et al (2006).

The calculated results such as pressure, velocities, flow rate, surface height are compared with the scale model data where available. The permeable pavement infiltration is in a good agreement with the measurement based on previous study by Yoo et al (2002).

In conclusion, the results from numerical simulation are generally well agreed with the existing data and flow information such as flow patterns at increased flow, discharge rate and pressure is obtained to be used for engineering design purpose. Overall, the potential for Flow-3D to model various geometries and configurations appears great. It should be noted that CFD should not be considered a complete replacement for physical modelling; however, it can definitely be used as a supplementary tool throughout the pavement design process.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 8

Keywords: Three-dimensional model, permeable pavement, infiltration, FLOW-3D

Accepted Paper Series