Field investigation of clogging with different sediment types in a permeable pavement system with low-cost maintenance

Abstract

Maintenance has a significant impact on permeable pavements’ service life. Proper cleaning procedures include pressure washing and heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum to remove accumulated sediment and maintain permeability. Aiming to analyze the influence of sediment type and size on the clogging process and the importance of preventive maintenance, six experimental permeable pavement modules were assessed. Pairs of in-situ Pervious Concrete (PC), Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) and Permeable Interlocking Pervious Concrete Pavement (PIPCP) were monitored over two consecutive periods: i) under natural clogging process; ii) accelerated clogging under sand and clay sediment types. At the end of both periods, all modules received maintenance through water pressure washing. The results showed a reduction of up to 80% in the surface infiltration capacity during the natural clogging period, but that most of it could be recovered using pressure washing. Result in all situations also reinforced that periodic cleaning every 4-6 months, even with just pressure washing, as a key factor to extend permeable pavements’ life cycle.