Structural/Hydrologic Design and Maintenance of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) combine stormwater infiltration, detention and a riding surface for vehicles into one location. These pavements rely on an open-graded crushed stone base for storage, infiltration and vehicular support. Much research has been conducted on the hydrologic and water quality aspects. State and municipal BMP (best management practices) and LID (low impact development) manuals have incorporated design guidelines developed from university research, industry guidelines and experience by various agencies, project owners, civil engineers and contractors. This paper integrates hydrological and structural design for PICP for potential use in the emerging ASCE guidelines for permeable pavement. Hydrological analysis determines if the volume of water from user-selected rainfall events can be stored and released by the pavement base. Designer-selected parameters determine how much water infiltrates the soil subgrade and/or is carried away by subdrains. Structural capacity for vehicular loads is determined using PICP industry design charts or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 1993 structural design method. This paper includes design examples using these methodologies with an example using design software. The paper includes input design considerations as well as outputs for stormwater drainage and pavement design. In addition, recent experience is summarized on surface cleaning and surface repair.