Interlock Concrete Blocks Subjected to Varied Traffic Loads – A Study on Dust Characteristics

IJEP 46(2): 135-142 : Vol. 46 Issue. 2 (February 2026)

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Emey Varkey1, Benny Mathews Abraham2* and B. G. Sreedevi3

1. Cochin University of Science and Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Kochi – 682 022, Kerala, India
2. Albertian Institute of Science and Technology, Kochi – 682 022, Kerala, India
3. National Transportation Planning and Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004, Kerala, India

Abstract

Interlock concrete block (ILCB) pavement is a low-maintenance pavement system that has been encouraged for use on the public roads of India since 2015. The presence of the joints encourages sediment deposition and resuspension. Road dust is a complex issue influenced by traffic, industrial activities and local geography. This study aims to capture the variation in accumulated dust across various geographical locations and under varying traffic loads for these pavements. There is an increase in the percentage of fines over the years. In hilly regions, it was 11.18%, compared to 10.98% in coastal areas. The dust yield was also influenced by traffic and was found to be higher on highways and industrial roads than on residential streets. Periodic cleaning in residential streets and watering of industrial roads have reduced the dust load. Inhalable particulate matter is assessed using laser diffraction and around 4.77-7.01% is less than 10 m, while respirable dust particles less than 2.5 m varied from 1.84-2.55%. Effective management and mitigation strategies are crucial to reduce the health and environmental impacts of dust on all pavements that use PCIPs.

Keywords

Paver blocks, Traffic, Dust, Size fractions, Geography, Health risk

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