Introduction
Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) is a type of concrete paving unit that is assembled into a pattern to create joints and openings using permeable aggregates that enables water to enter the surface freely. It is important to consult an expert regarding the installation of permeable interlocking concrete pavers since there are a lot of factors to consider that can affect the surrounding. A quick search on Google using the phrase “paving companies near me” would allow you to gather sufficient information for contacting the appropriate professionals.
However, if you just want to understand the basic features of permeable interlocking concrete pavers, this article will help you. Here are the basic features and benefits of permeable interlocking concrete pavers.
The Features
- It helps to improve water quality and reduce water runoff – Depending on the design, soil subgrade infiltration rate, and inflows, permeable interlocking concrete pavers can achieve 100% infiltration and 100% surface runoff reduction without raising the runoff temperature.
Permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be designed with water harvesting systems for gray water uses and site irrigation. It reduces metals, oils, and nutrients, and is also possible to install it next to or over plastic underground storage vaults and crates.
- It helps improve drainage systems – Permeable interlocking concrete pavers increase groundwater recharge, reduce combined storm/sanitary sewer overflows, decrease the risk of saltwater incursion and drinking water well pollution in coastal areas.
It also reduces peak discharges and stress on storm drainage pipes and reduces downstream flows and stream water erosion due to decreased peak volume and flows.
- It helps in construction – Permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be installed in wet weather, light rain, and even in freezing temperatures if the aggregates and subgrade remain unfrozen.
There is no need for time-sensitive site forming for paving materials and no time is needed for curing. Thus, permeable interlocking concrete pavers are ready for immediate traffic use upon completion.
- It is easy to maintain and repair them – One of the biggest advantages of using permeable interlocking concrete pavers is the ease of maintenance and repair they offer. They can be repaired in the winter and suffer no damage, unsightly patches, or reduction in pavement life from utility cuts.
The base materials and paving units can be quickly removed and reinstated, and surface cleaning can be done using standard vacuum equipment or sweeping. In fact, it is even possible to restore clogged surfaces using vacuum equipment in order to reinstate infiltration rates.
- It offers better site utilization – Permeable interlocking concrete pavers enable the preservation of open space and woods that would’ve been destroyed for retention or detention ponds. Thus, it eliminates or reduces the unsightly retention or detention ponds and other such liabilities.
It also makes it possible to reduce impervious cover, conserve space and increase site and building utilization. Permeable interlocking concrete pavers also ensure the survival of trees by proving their roots with water and air since the roots cannot heave pavement.
- It offers improved paver surface and unit quality and longevity – Permeable interlocking concrete pavers are ADA compliant and are tested to ASTM standards prior to placement. Based on field performance, this ensures that they have a concrete material life of 50 years.
The surface of permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be coated with photocatalytic materials to reduce air pollution. The high solar reflectance index (SRI) surface helps to reduce urban heat island reduction by reducing the microclimatic temperatures.
The colored units of permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be used to mark driving lanes and parking lots while calming traffic. They are also capable of resisting puddle formation on walkways, parking lots, and entrances and resisting freeze-thaw and degradation from deicing materials. Lastly, permeable interlocking concrete pavers can match municipal snow removal equipment in plowing.
- It reduces operating costs – compared to conventional pavements permeable interlocking concrete pavers lower life-cycle costs and reduce overall project costs since it eliminates or reduces storm sewers and drainage appurtenances.
Permeable interlocking concrete pavers enable landowner credits for stormwater utility fees. Plus, they can reduce building heating and cooling costs since they can be integrated with horizontal source heat pumps.
Construction considerations
Permeable interlocking concrete pavers feature special construction requirements that need to be followed to facilitate safe and proper installation. The construction checklist includes the following:
- Preconstruction meeting – It is done to review erosion and sediment control plan or stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), sediment management, confirm specified measures for PICP protection and surface cleaning and more.
- Excavation -The local service marks and locates the utilities with paints and stakes. The excavation location and size should conform to the plan.
- Foundation walls – The foundation walls must be at least 10 ft from foundations with no drainage or waterproofing.
- Water supply – Water supply from municipal supply wells should be reserved for at least 100 ft.
- Soil Subgrade – The solid should be compacted to specifications and field-tested with density measurements.
- Geosynthetics – The geomembrane placement, seals at pipe penetrations, and field welding should meet specifications. There should be no tears, holes, and wrinkles during construction. The elevation of the overflow pipes should be verified.
- Subbase, bedding, base, and jointing aggregates – The placement, thickness, surface tolerances, and compaction should conform to specifications and drawings.
- Edge restraints – The materials, placement, and elevation should meet the drawings and specifications.
- Permeable interlocking concrete pavers – The permeable interlocking concrete pavers should meet ASTM C936. The slope laying pattern, elevation, joint width, and placement should meet the drawings and specifications.
- Final inspection – The surface should be swept clean, and elevations and slop should conform to drawings. The contractor should revisit the site after 6 months to reinspect joint fill material, refill as required, and replace pavers that don’t conform to specifications.
Conclusion
Although permeable interlocking concrete pavers offer many advantages, it is also not without limitations. To ensure that you make the correct decision regarding the installation of permeable interlocking concrete pavers, we recommend you consult an experienced paving professional by searching “paving companies near me” online. They would be able to guide you and clarify your doubts about permeable interlocking concrete pavers.
