Infiltration of Portuguese cobblestone pavements – An exploratory assessment using a double-ring infiltrometer

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate small-scale infiltration losses of Portuguese cobblestone pavements. This type of pavement consists of rectangular hand-cut natural stones, mainly limestone, with different sizes and it is the most usual type of pavement for sidewalks and squares in Portuguese villages and cities. Portuguese cobblestone pavement can also be seen in several urban environments worldwide. A double-ring infiltrometer under constant and falling head was used for the field research work. Portuguese cobblestone pavements with small and coarse blocks were studied. The latter yield lower infiltration rates when compared to the former. The results show that, despite the block size, Portuguese cobblestone pavement contribute to reduce runoff, when compared with other impervious urban pavements.

Keywords:

• Portuguese cobblestone pavement
• infiltration
• permeable pavements
• infiltrometer
• urban hydrology
• field work