Using permeable pavements to reduce the environmental impacts of urbanisation

Using permeable pavements to reduce the environmental impacts of urbanisation

Permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICPs) are being increasingly utilised in urban developments globally to promote stormwater infiltration, reduce catchment runoff volumes and to improve the quality of downstream receiving waters. Increased interest in permeable pavements from planners, designers and stormwater managers has led to an increase in permeable pavement research to try to address some of the common misconceptions and to investigate new research areas. This paper summarises the results of an international literature review that was undertaken to identify and examine the current state of permeable pavement research worldwide. The study found that the stormwater management and environmental benefits of permeable pavements are irrefutable and they clearly reflect the principals of low impact development. However, there are also misconceptions and barriers to their more widespread implementation which need to be addressed to ensure their future as an effective LID solution. More targeted research is required to address some of the outstanding issues with permeable pavements.

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