State-of-the-art of interlocking concrete block pavement technology in Japan as a post-modern pavement

Researchers dealing with pavements and experts on materials have been increasingly focused on the structural strength of the pavement materials without paying sufficient attention to the environment and cultural norms. In the 21st century, the concept of pavement design and rehabilitation needs to be modified owing to new requirements such as the additional structural loads derived from the climate change, environmental challenges, social requirements, and aging population. Therefore, the concept of post-modern pavement (PMP) was proposed to address the structural, sustainability, and sociopsychological requirements. In this review of the state-of-the-art, the potential of the interlocking concrete block pavement (ICBP) was evaluated based on its laboratory and field structural performance, sustainability, and social acceptance as a PMP in Japan. Therefore, the relevant literature in English and Japanese, including journals, conference proceedings, technical reports, books, and theses, over a span of 47 years (1971-2018), were studied. It was found that the structural and functional performances of the ICBP in different facilities were satisfying. Furthermore, owing to its waste material use, less noise emission, air purifying characteristics, and heat island reduction, the environmental performance of ICBP was in harmony with sustainable practices. In addition, pavements users, both able and differently abled, rated the ICBP as a more appropriate pavement system owing to its physical appearance, serviceability, aesthetic features, lower heat island effect, rapid maintenance, and positive psychologic effects after earthquake and tsunami events. As a result, the ICBP can be recommended as a PMP for the design and development of resilient transportation infrastructure assets in Japan. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.