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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue VI, June 2026
Assessing the Potential Use of Porous Asphalt Pavements under
Timor-Leste's Climatic Conditions
Fernando da Costa Fernandes, Alexandre Marques, Aquino Vilde Acácio da Cruz, Nelia Ximenes
Belo
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Timor-Leste
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150600069
Received: 15 June 2026; Accepted: 20 June 2026; Published: 06 July 2026
ABSTRACT
Timor-Leste’s tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures, strong solar radiation, and seasonal heavy
rainfall, poses significant challenges to conventional asphalt pavements, including rutting, moisture damage,
and accelerated aging. Porous asphalt pavements, widely adopted in tropical and subtropical regions, offer
enhanced drainage capacity and potential environmental benefits. This study evaluates the applicability of
porous asphalt under Timor-Leste’s climatic conditions through a narrative literature review of evidence
reported in comparable tropical environments. The analysis highlights the hydraulic and thermal advantages
of porous asphalt, such as improved stormwater management, reduced hydroplaning risk, and potential
mitigation of urban heat accumulation. However, concerns regarding durability, clogging, maintenance
requirements, and economic feasibility remain critical. Findings suggest that porous asphalt could contribute
to climate-resilient infrastructure in Timor-Leste, but local validation through laboratory testing, pilot-scale
field studies, and life-cycle cost assessments is essential before large-scale implementation.
Keywords: porous asphalt, tropical climate, pavement engineering, drainage, Timor-Leste
INTRODUCTION
Road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in supporting economic growth and social development in
Timor-Leste. With increasing urbanization, the demand for durable and sustainable pavement systems has
become more pressing. However, the country’s tropical climate presents significant challenges for
conventional asphalt pavements. Elevated temperatures accelerate asphalt binder aging and rutting, while
intense rainfall exacerbates moisture-induced deterioration and surface water accumulation.
Porous asphalt pavements have emerged as promising alternative technology to address these challenges.
Unlike conventional dense-graded asphalt mixtures, porous asphalt is characterized by interconnected air
voids that enable rapid infiltration of rainwater through the pavement structure, thereby enhancing stormwater
management and improving driving safety during rainfall events (Ahmad et al., 2017; Zhou et al., 2025).
In addition to hydraulic benefits, porous asphalt has been associated with environmental advantages such as
reduced splash and spray, improved surface drainage, and potential mitigation of pavement surface
temperatures (Joumblat et al., 2026). These attributes are particularly relevant for tropical regions where high
temperatures and heavy rainfall are prevalent.
Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding durability, susceptibility to clogging, maintenance requirements, and
economic feasibility. Assessing the suitability of porous asphalt under Timor-Leste’s climatic conditions is
therefore a critical preliminary step toward determining its potential role in future road infrastructure
development.
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METHODOLOGICAL FOCUS
This study employed a narrative literature review to evaluate the potential applicability of porous asphalt
pavements under the climatic conditions of Timor-Leste. Relevant publications were systematically identified
using major scientific databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The selection process
prioritized peer
The review focused on key performance dimensions, namely hydraulic behavior, durability, thermal response,
maintenance requirements, and economic feasibility. In addition, supplementary sources describing the
climatic characteristics of Timor-Leste were consulted to provide contextual relevance.
By synthesizing findings from diverse tropical environments, the methodology aimed to establish a
comparative framework for assessing the suitability of porous asphalt in Timor-Leste. This approach allowed
for the identification of potential benefits, limitations, and research gaps, thereby informing future laboratory
investigations and pilot.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Climate Characteristics of Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is located in Southeast Asia and experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by
relatively high temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons (Molyneux et al., 2012).
Average annual air temperatures generally range from 25°C to 35°C in lowland regions, while pavement
surface temperatures may substantially exceed ambient temperatures during periods of intense solar radiation
(Bacon et al., 2016).
Table 1. Climatic Comparison of Timor-Leste and Tropical Countries with Porous Asphalt Applications
Country
Climate
Type
Average
Temperature
(°C)
Annual
Rainfall
(mm)
Porous Asphalt
Applications
Timor-
Leste
Tropical
Monsoon
25–35
1,000–2,500
Limited documented
implementation
Malaysia
Tropical
Rainforest
24–34
2,000–3,000
Urban roads and
parking areas
Indonesia
Tropical
Monsoon
24–33
1,500–3,500
Urban roads and
permeable pavement
systems
Thailand
Tropical
Savanna
24–35
1,200–2,500
Drainage-oriented
pavement applications
Singapore
Equatorial
Tropical
25–33
2,200–2,800
Urban stormwater
management systems
Northern
Brazil
Tropical
Wet-Dry
24–34
1,500–3,000
Sustainable pavement
projects
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The wet season typically extends from November to April, with annual rainfall varying between 1,000 and
2,500 mm depending on geographical location and elevation (Climate & Weather, 2024; Kalma & Franks,
2003). These climatic conditions impose significant challenges for pavement infrastructure. Elevated
temperatures accelerate asphalt binder oxidation and rutting, while heavy rainfall intensifies moisture-induced
damage and surface water accumulation.
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to localized heat build-up, as conventional asphalt surfaces with low
albedo absorb and retain solar energy, thereby contributing to urban heat island effects (Ximenes et al., 2026).
Comparative analyses indicate that Timor-Leste’s climate shares similarities with other tropical countries
where porous asphalt has been successfully implemented, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore
(Watson, 2011).
However, as shown in table 1, documented applications in Timor-Leste remain limited. This suggests that
while climatic suitability is evident, further exploration and localized validation are required to determine the
feasibility of porous asphalt under the country’s specific environmental and infrastructural conditions.
Porous Asphalt Performance in Tropical Regions
Porous asphalt pavements have been widely investigated in tropical and subtropical regions, with studies from
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil demonstrating significant hydraulic and environmental
benefits (Chen & Yang, 2020). A key advantage lies in their drainage capacity: the interconnected pore
structure enables rapid infiltration of rainwater, thereby reducing surface runoff, minimizing water
accumulation, and lowering hydroplaning risks during intense rainfall events (Jiang et al., 2022). These
properties are particularly relevant in tropical climates characterized by short-duration, high-intensity storms.
Beyond hydraulic performance, porous asphalt has shown potential thermal benefits. Research indicates that
porous pavement systems can reduce surface temperatures through evaporative cooling and diminished heat
storage, contributing to mitigation of localized urban heat accumulation (Joumblat et al., 2026). Such thermal
properties are especially valuable in regions with persistent high solar radiation.
Nevertheless, porous asphalt typically exhibits lower mechanical strength than dense-graded asphalt mixtures
due to its high air-void content. To address this limitation, researchers have explored modifications such as
polymer-modified binders, fibers, and additives to enhance resistance to ravelling, cracking, and aging
(Shahnewaz et al., 2021).
Clogging represents another critical challenge. Fine particles transported by traffic and runoff may obstruct
the pore network over time, reducing permeability and drainage efficiency. Regular maintenance practices,
including vacuum sweeping and surface cleaning, are therefore essential to sustain long-term functionality
(Chen & Yang, 2020).
Table 2. Climatic Factors and Expected Porous Asphalt Performance in Timor-Leste
Climatic Factor
Timor-Leste Condition
Expected Impact on Porous Asphalt
High temperature
25–35°C
Increased binder aging and ravelling risk
Intense rainfall
Seasonal monsoon rainfall
Improved drainage performance and reduced runoff
Long dry season
May–October
Reduced moisture-related deterioration
Dust accumulation
Common during dry season
Increased clogging potential
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High solar radiation
Strong year-round exposure
Potential reduction in pavement surface temperatures
Referring to table 2, evidence from tropical countries underscores that successful implementation depends not
only on climatic suitability but also on construction quality, material selection, and institutional capacity for
maintenance. These factors highlight the need for localized validation before porous asphalt can be adopted
at scale in Timor-Leste.
Potential Benefits and Limitations for Timor-Leste
Potential Benefits
The implementation of porous asphalt pavements in Timor-Leste could deliver notable environmental and
functional advantages. A primary benefit is enhanced drainage capacity, as the interconnected pore structure
enables rapid infiltration of rainwater, thereby reducing surface water accumulation during heavy rainfall and
improving driving safety by lowering hydroplaning risks (Chen & Yang, 2020).
Porous asphalt may also strengthen stormwater management by reducing runoff and promoting groundwater
recharge (Chiranjeevi & Shankar, 2025; Glick et al., 2013). These benefits are particularly relevant in urban
areas where conventional drainage systems often face capacity constraints during periods of intense
precipitation. By decreasing runoff volumes and peak flow rates, porous asphalt supports more sustainable
urban water management practices (Jayakaran et al., 2019; Lin et al., 2026).
Thermal performance represents another advantage. Previous studies indicate that porous pavements can
reduce surface temperatures through evaporative cooling and improved heat dissipation mechanisms
(Joumblat et al., 2026). Considering Timor-Leste’s high solar radiation and elevated temperatures, these
properties may contribute to mitigating localized heat accumulation and enhancing thermal comfort in urban
environments.
Limitations
Despite its potential advantages, several limitations should be carefully considered before the large-scale
implementation of porous asphalt pavements in Timor-Leste. One key concern is durability, as the high air-
void content that enhances permeability can also reduce mechanical strength compared with conventional
dense-graded asphalt mixtures (Caro et al., 2010). In addition, under tropical climatic conditions, elevated
temperatures may accelerate asphalt binder aging and increase the susceptibility to ravelling and surface
deterioration (Saha Chowdhury et al., 2022). Furthermore, the applicability of porous asphalt in Timor-Leste
remains largely unverified due to the absence of local field performance data, while variations in traffic
loading, construction practices, maintenance capacity, and locally available materials may affect pavement
performance and limit the transferability of findings from other tropical contexts.
Another major challenge is clogging, where fine particles from traffic, wind, and stormwater runoff gradually
obstruct the interconnected pore structure, reducing permeability and drainage efficiency over time (Sha et
al., 2021). As a result, regular maintenance interventions such as vacuum sweeping and surface cleaning are
necessary to sustain long-term functionality and hydraulic performance of porous asphalt pavements (Uddin
et al., 2025).
Economic Considerations
Economic feasibility is equally important. Porous asphalt generally requires higher initial construction costs
than conventional pavements due to specialized aggregate gradations, higher-quality materials, stricter
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construction controls, and periodic maintenance operations aimed at preventing clogging. However, the higher
initial investment may be partially compensated for by several long-term benefits. Improved drainage
performance can reduce the need for extensive stormwater infrastructure, while enhanced road safety during
rainfall events may contribute to lower accident-related costs (Ji et al., 2020).
Nevertheless, the economic viability of porous asphalt under Timor-Leste’s specific conditions remains
uncertain. Future research should therefore incorporate comprehensive life-cycle cost analyses (LCCA) and
cost-benefit assessments comparing porous asphalt with conventional alternatives, as also reflected in table
3.. Such studies would provide robust evidence to support infrastructure planning and investment decisions
in the country.
Table 3. Comparative Assessment of Conventional and Porous Asphalt in Timor-Leste
Parameter
Conventional
Asphalt
Porous Asphalt
Implications for Timor-
Leste
Drainage Performance
Limited surface
drainage
High infiltration and
drainage capacity
Advantages during seasonal
heavy rainfall
Hydroplaning Risk
Relatively higher
Reduced due to rapid water
removal
Improved road safety
during storm events
Surface Temperature
Higher heat
absorption and
storage
Potential evaporative
cooling effect
May contribute to reducing
localized heat accumulation
Initial Construction
Cost
Lower
Higher
May require greater initial
investment
Maintenance
Requirement
Relatively low
Regular cleaning required
to prevent clogging
Maintenance planning is
essential
Durability
Generally higher
structural integrity
Potential ravelling and
clogging issues
Requires careful material
selection and design
Stormwater
Management
Limited runoff
control
Enhanced runoff reduction
and infiltration
Supports sustainable urban
drainage
Suitability for Urban
Flood Mitigation
Moderate
High
Particularly relevant for
urban areas
Environmental
Benefits
Limited
Improved water
management and thermal
performance
Supports climate-resilient
infrastructure
Research Gaps and Future Research
Although the available literature indicates that porous asphalt pavements have demonstrated satisfactory
hydraulic and environmental performance in several tropical countries, significant knowledge gaps remain
regarding their applicability under the specific conditions of Timor-Leste.
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First, there is a lack of field performance data for porous asphalt pavements in Timor-Leste. Most existing
evidence comes from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil. Variations in
traffic loading, construction practices, maintenance capacity, and locally available materials may affect
pavement performance and limit the direct applicability of these findings.
Second, quantitative assessments of rainfall-runoff relationships, infiltration capacity, and drainage efficiency
under Timor-Leste's climatic conditions remain unavailable. Given the country's seasonal monsoon climate
and occurrence of high-intensity rainfall events, site-specific hydraulic evaluations are required.
Third, the long-term durability of porous asphalt under local environmental conditions has not yet been
investigated. Laboratory studies should evaluate resistance to ravelling, moisture damage, rutting, and aging
using locally sourced aggregates and asphalt binders.
Fourth, the economic feasibility of porous asphalt implementation remains uncertain. Future studies should
compare the life-cycle costs of porous asphalt and conventional asphalt pavements, including construction,
maintenance, rehabilitation, and operational costs.
Finally, pilot-scale field projects are recommended to monitor pavement performance under actual traffic and
environmental conditions. Such projects would provide valuable information for future pavement design
guidelines and infrastructure planning in Timor-Leste.
Although the available literature suggests that porous asphalt may offer several environmental and hydraulic
advantages under tropical climatic conditions, significant research gaps remain regarding its applicability in
Timor-Leste. To support future decision-making and large-scale implementation, a structured research
framework is proposed, as presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Recommended Future Research Framework for Porous Asphalt in Timor-Leste
Research Area
Objective
Suggested Method
Expected Output
Hydraulic
Performance
Evaluate infiltration
and drainage
capacity
Permeability and infiltration
tests
Infiltration rate (mm/h),
drainage efficiency (%)
Mechanical
Performance
Assess durability
and structural
resistance
Marshall Stability, ITS,
Cantabro Loss tests
Stability (kN), tensile strength
(MPa), Cantabro loss (%)
Thermal
Performance
Evaluate
temperature
reduction potential
Surface temperature
monitoring using infrared
sensors or thermocouples
Surface temperature
reduction (°C)
Material
Characterization
Assess suitability of
local materials
Aggregate and binder
laboratory testing
Aggregate properties, binder
characteristics
Field Validation
Verify real-world
pavement
performance
Pilot road sections and field
monitoring
Long-term permeability,
distress development,
maintenance requirements
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Economic
Assessment
Determine cost-
effectiveness
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
(LCCA) and Cost-Benefit
Analysis (CBA)
Life-cycle cost, benefit-cost
ratio
As shown in Table 3, future studies should prioritize laboratory testing and field validation using locally
available materials and climatic data. Attention should be given to hydraulic performance during the wet
season, durability under high temperatures, and long-term maintenance requirements. In addition, economic
evaluations are necessary to determine whether the environmental and operational benefits of porous asphalt
can justify its higher initial construction costs.
CONCLUSION
This study has examined the potential applicability of porous asphalt pavements under the climatic conditions
of Timor-Leste by synthesizing findings from tropical and subtropical regions. The review highlights several
potential benefits, including improved drainage capacity, enhanced stormwater management, and possible
thermal advantages that may mitigate localized heat accumulation. These characteristics suggest that porous
asphalt could contribute to safer, more sustainable, and climate-resilient road infrastructure in the country.
At the same time, notable limitations must be acknowledged. Reduced mechanical strength, susceptibility to
ravelling, clogging of pore networks, and higher maintenance requirements represent significant challenges.
Furthermore, the absence of localized empirical data in Timor-Leste underscores the need for laboratory
investigations, pilot-scale field trials, and comprehensive life-cycle cost analyses to validate performance
under local conditions.
Overall, while international studies indicate the potential of porous asphalt in tropical climates, its application
in Timor-Leste will require rigorous scientific validation, thorough economic feasibility assessments, and
adequate institutional capacity for construction and maintenance. Addressing these gaps will strengthen the
basis for evidence-based policymaking and strategic infrastructure planning, enabling porous asphalt to serve
as a viable option for sustainable and climate-resilient development in Timor-Leste.
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