Influence of stratigraphy and slope on the drainage capacity of permeable pavements: laboratory results

Abstract

A small size laboratory test-bed was realized at the University of Genoa in order to evaluate the drainage capacity of permeable pavements by monitoring inflow, runoff and sub-surface outflow. The laboratory test programme was designed to investigate the influence of rainfall intensity and pavement slope on the hydrologic response of permeable pavements. Four permeable pavement systems combining two paving types (concrete cell and pervious brick) with two filter layers made of recycled glass aggregate and a mix of gravel and coarse sand are tested. The hydrologic response of permeable pavements is analysed by using a dimensionless volume index (discharge coefficient) and a timing index. Laboratory results reveal that the hydrologic performance is fairly consistent for all the investigated permeable pavements. The recycled glass aggregate turns out to be a valid solution. No surface runoff occurs even at 98 mm/h rainfall intensity.

Keywords::

• permeable pavement
• hydrologic performance
• urban drainage
• laboratory test
• low impact development

Funding

The study was funded within the project “Integrated and sustainable management service for the water - energy cycle in urban drainage systems” of the National Operational Program - Research and Competitiveness 2007–2013 (PON-REC), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and National Resources Grant.