Permeable Paving, An Innovative Way

Permeable paving is a convenient way to pave vehicles and pathways for pedestrians to enable storm water’s runoff infiltration. Its surface usually combines gravel, sod and limestone with the aim to build a reliable surface for parking, allowing moisture to absorb into the ground naturally. Permeable paving serves as a better alternative to asphalt, concrete surface whose installation cost a fortune and requires high maintenance. Permeable paving, unlike previous paving, lets storm water to permeate and infiltrate through the pavement into the soil below. Besides reducing surface runoff, a permeable paving system separates dust and dirt from water, improving the quality of stormwater.  We commonly use permeable pavements as parking-lots, low-traffic roads, sidewalks and driveways. Owing to the convenience which the permeable paving offers, it has become popular in such municipalities which face wastage of water.

Benefits of Permeable Paving

Some potential advantages of permeable paving are as follows.

•   Unlike concrete surface and asphalt, the installation process of permeable paving is easy and less expensive. For permanent installation, first the ground is cleared of vegetation and is graded. Later, the layer of rock is installed. Afterwards, we lay grids out, and we trim them according to the size of the object. These grids are not very heavy, so it is possible to cover a large area in no time. Later on, we fill the grid with limestone. These filled grids are strong enough to bear the burden of heavy vehicles.
•   As far as the durability is concerned, permeable paving is as durable as asphalt and concrete surface. It is capable enough to support heavy vehicles such as wheel loaders, forklifts. and even 18 wheeler trucks with no issue. Permeable paving can easily move when the soil beneath it changes owing to its floating surface and joints.
•   Eco-friendly recycled materials are used to make grids for permeable paving, reducing the amount of waste and mitigating the energy consumption. If the paving is worn out, it can easily be recycled.
•   Compared to asphalt and concrete surface, whose installation process is expensive and requires an extensive amount of labour, permeable paving is cheaper and the labour is easy.  Material used for filling can be easily obtained from the local shops, which reduce the cost for transportation. As we make the paving grids from lightweight materials, the shipping cost is also not much more expensive.

Demerits

•   Permeable payment is not suitable for all soils, especially the one which is heavy in clay and does not drain easily.
•   Although permeable paving is strong enough to bear the burden of heavy vehicles, it is not ideal for areas with heavy traffic. Because of this reason, its use is limited to driveways and sidewalks.
•   Permeable paving requires high maintenance and regular washing lest the spaces should become clogged.