Permeable pavements
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A pavement with base and sub-base that allows the water to infiltrate or pass through the surface is known as Permeable Pavement. It not only helps to reduce the surface run off but also effectively traps the pollutants and solid particles in the water avoiding ground water pollution.
Evaporation of water at or below the surface also produces surface cooling, as opposed to the traditional heating of paved areas. This is especially beneficial in cities which experience extremely high temperatures in summer – traditional “blacktop” temperatures can make some public spaces unusable in warmer weather.
Generally, permeable pavement structures consists of a pervious / permeable surface course which may be of Asphalt concrete or Portland cement concrete laid over a layer of fine aggregates, which acts as a filter layer for infiltrating storm or rain water. Underneath this filter layer is a uniformly-graded gravel course to store water, which ultimately penetrates into the ground. General design practice requires an un-compacted natural ground, which allows relatively easier discharge of water avoids any standing water under the pavement structure that may cause structural failure.
Permeable pavements are generally recommended for residential, commercial and urban areas but not highways, motorways and streets with heavy traffic loading as these pavements are not designed with structural capacities to support such loads.
[edit] Advantages
Permeable pavements offer many benefits, both aesthetic and practical. Some of the benefits are listed below:
- Reduces storm water runoff, total water volume, and flow rate.
- Treats water runoff.
- Increases groundwater infiltration and recharge.
- Provides local flood control.
- Improves the quality of local surface waterways.
- Reduces soil erosion.
- Reduces the need for traditional storm water infrastructure, which may reduce overall project costs.
- Increases traction when wet.
- Reduces splash-up in trafficked areas.
- Extends the life of paved areas in cold climates as there is less cracking and buckling from the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Reduces the need for salt and sand use during the winter, as there is little or no black ice.
- Requires less snow-plowing.
- Reduces groundwater pollution.
- Offers evaporative cooling.
[edit] Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages associated with these pavements are:
- Highly contaminated runoff can be generated by some land uses where pollutant concentrations exceed those typically found in storm water.
- Heavy traffic loads can lead to pavement failure.
- In cold climates, salts used for the removal of snow, contains chlorides that could migrate through the porous pavement into groundwater.
- Frequent maintenance is required to prevent the blockage of pores.
- Additional maintenance cost compared to conventional pavement.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
IHBC NewsBlog
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
IHBC Heritage Marketplace provides learning-led virtual engagement
The IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen School Heritage MarketPlace (4.30-7.30PM, 15 June) is designed to extend the scope of a traditional IHBC School exhibition floor.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
Booking Open for IHBC Annual School: Aberdeen, 16-18 June 2022
Options for in-person and virtual delegates to explore ‘heritage on the edge’ across up to 4 days of IHBC engagement & learning.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!
IHBC launches new Guidance Note on ‘Design sources for historic building conservation'
The IHBC’s latest Guidance Note adds to the institute’s open-access, online practitioner’s Toolbox.
England’s communities empowered to shape design of neighbourhoods
Twenty-five areas in England from Bournemouth to Carlisle have been awarded a share of £3 million to help them set their own standards for design locally. "move from a vicious circle of generic development to a virtuous circle of regenerative development".
IHBC at COP26 - Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet - Podcast
The IHBC seeks to raise awareness and understanding of how building conservation philosophy and practice contributes towards meeting the challenge of climate change.