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 thestructural strength of the pavement materials without paying sufficient attention to the environmentand cultural norms. In the 21st century, the concept of pavement design and rehabilitation needs to bemodified owing to new requirements such as the additional structural loads derived from the climatechange, environmental challenges, social requirements, and aging population. Therefore, the concept ofpost-modern pavement (PMP) was proposed to address the structural, sustainability, and socio-psychological requirements. In this review of the state-of-the-art, the potential of the interlocking con-crete block pavement (ICBP) was evaluated based on its laboratory and field structural performance, sus-tainability, and social acceptance as a PMP in Japan. Therefore, the relevant literature in English andJapanese, including journals, conference proceedings, technical reports, books, and theses, over a spanof 47 years (1971–2018), were studied. It was found that the structural and functional performances ofthe ICBP in different facilities were satisfying. Furthermore, owing to its waste material use, less noiseemission, air purifying characteristics, and heat island reduction, the environmental performance ofICBP was in harmony with sustainable practices. In addition, pavements users, both able and differentlyabled, rated the ICBP as a more appropriate pavement system owing to its physical appearance, service-ability, aesthetic features, lower heat island effect, rapid maintenance, and positive psychologic effectsafter earthquake and tsunami events. As a result, the ICBP can be recommended as a PMP for the designand development of resilient transportation infrastructure assets in Japan.