Unsaturated flow through permeable pavements : an experimental study

Abstract

Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICP) have seen increased popularity in the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design and Sustainable Drainage Systems in recent years. To address certain design queries that still existed in industry, a two-year experimental study was conducted. It entailed the construction of an Infiltration Table Apparatus and subjecting a representative volume of PICP to hydraulic testing within it. The study aimed at determining the controls of the flow of water into and through these pavements, the effect of variations in construction materials and incline on them, the validity of the hydraulic testing methods currently being applied to them in industry and lastly, to inform on their infiltration rates. A host of permeability data for PICP was gained and it was found that both the choice of materials and the incline on which PICP are constructed, can change their hydraulic properties drastically. In general, the selection of lower permeability materials in the surface portion of the layer works decreased the overall permeability of the pavement, while increases in inclines did the same. In addition, it was found that field investigation techniques require revision and further innovation before they can be effectively applied to PICP.