For protection of pavements from the effects of storm surge uplifts and rapid draw downs, the use of a treated base, such as cement-treated base or asphalt-stabilized base, is most effective in waterproofing PCC pavements. For flexible asphalt pavements, the critical factor is to utilize permeable aggregate materials in the base and subbase layers under the pavement that can tolerate and convey seawater surges. To accomplish this, the aggregate layers under the pavement must be of sufficient thickness (as well as be resistant to saltwater corrosion) to convey the surge through each layer and not cause the surge to back up and produce uplift in the impermeable pavement surface constructed overtop of it.

Alternatively, a permeable asphalt surface may be considered under load conditions that warrant its use. Typically, the asphalt layer lies on top of an aggregate drainage layer that drains into underdrains that lead to roadside ditches or are conveyed into an overall storm drainage system for the roadway.

Where coastal pavements are supported by subgrades of low strength, or for pavements that are subject to water level changes, the use of geotextile grids or fabrics to reinforce subgrades and bases is recommended. The major actions of geotextiles are separation of materials and reinforcement. Benefits afforded by geotextiles used in subgrade and base layers include base and subgrade restraint, lateral restraint, and membrane-type support of the pavement system.