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Pervious Concrete

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: What about drainage issues in soils with high clay content?

 

A:  Typically, if a soil type has sufficient percolation to support a septic tank

     system, it will be suitable for pervious concrete. If a soil is truly impervious, the

     pervious concrete system can still be useful for detention pond requirements.

     Soil percolation rates are most important if you must meet stormwater quality

     requirements. A typical parking lot design may have 5”– 8” of pervious

     pavement on top of a 6”–12” subbase of #57 stone (40% voids) on a geotextile

     fabric. In sandy areas, pervious is placed directly above the sand.

 

Q:  What about clogging?

 

A:  Clogging problems are

     mainly an issue of design. If

     a natural area with grass or

     exposed soil is allowed to

     drain stormwater across a

     pervious concrete

     pavement, fine material can

     be introduced into the

     system, causing localized

     clogging. Vegetative matter

     can collect on the surface of

     the pervious concrete causing some clogging, but routine sweeping or

     vacuuming will restore porosity. Studies have been conducted that indicate

     pressure washing will restore the porosity of clogged pervious concrete to

     nearly new conditions.

    

Q:  What about freeze-thaw issues?

 

A:  Pervious concrete has been placed in freeze-thaw climates for over 15 years.

     Successful applications of pervious concrete in freeze-thaw environments have

     two common design features-- the cement paste is air-entrained, and the

     pervious concrete is placed on 6–12 inches of drainable aggregate base (¾” or

     larger clean gravel).

 

Q:  What are some other uses for pervious

      concrete?

 

A:  Pervious concrete has been successfully used

     for low-volume streets, driveways, sidewalks,

     golf cart paths, retaining walls, slope

     protection, and French drains. It can also be

     utilized for a variety of paving projects.

 

 

 

 

 

ConcreteAnswers for Architects, Engineers and Developers:

 

Concrete

Answers.org

Pervious
Pavement.org

GreenConcrete.info

Concrete
Buildings.org

SelfConsolidating

Concrete.org

FlowableFill.org

GreenRoofTops.org

 

 

 


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