Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Pervious Concrete Pavements (PCP) allow stormwater to permeate through the pavement slab and into the ground. PCP is becoming more widely used for parking lots and walkways due to their ability to drain and filter runoff if maintained properly, thereby eliminating the need for retention ponds, swales, or other stormwater management devices. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies PCP as a best management practice (BMP) for stormwater management. However, there is a considerable amount of hesitation by cities and municipalities due to the lack of information regarding the long-term effectiveness of PCP. The required repair and maintenance of the pavement is a topic often not thoroughly discussed or made clear. As PCP contains large pores, debris such as smaller aggregates, plant particulate, or other materials can become lodged within these pores, clogging and blocking water from entering the pavement substrate. Routine maintenance is required to maintain pavement permeability, by cleaning out the pores, repairing structural damage, and other maintenance procedures. This paper investigates the condition of eight PCPs located throughout a moderately populated urban area by measuring and evaluating the hydraulic conductivity four times over a seven-year duration. In addition to an in situ hydraulic performance evaluation, site evaluations were conducted to identify which factors are most influential in maintaining long-term PCP performance. This includes a catalog of recommended design elements, assessment of typical maintenance practices, and development of a decision matrix for PCP use in similarly populated urban areas.