ICPI Bulletin Sheds Light on Permeable Pavement

A new technical bulletin from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute explains the characteristics and benefits of permeable pavement, step-by-step construction processes, and design considerations for a variety of scenarios. Permeable installations are recognized by local, state and federal government officials for their stormwater treatment and low impact development attributes.

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) has released a permeable paver addition to its popular technical bulletin series.

Tech Spec 18: Construction of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems summarizes permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) and provides guidance on best construction practices. The publication is for contractors and project inspectors, and assists design professionals in understanding construction requirements for project specifications.

Tech Spec 18 covers PICP components, benefits, recommended sites and important characteristics, sites to avoid, functional descriptions for full, partial and no exfiltration systems and design considerations, with a step-by-step description of the construction process which is also summarized in a convenient check list.

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) is recognized by federal, provincial, state, and municipal stormwater and transportation agencies as a best management practice (BMP) and low impact development (LID) tool to reduce runoff and water pollution. In addition, PICP offers unique design opportunities for reducing combined sewer overflows with green alleys and streets, as well as with parking lots and pedestrian surfaces. Tech Spec 18 will help to educate contractors on installation best practices for this sustainable pavement system.

Tech Spec 18: Construction of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems can be accessed at icpi.org. ICPI members may purchase printed copies in packs of 10 through its online store.

A more detailed treatment of design, construction and maintenance is found in ICPI's comprehensive, 92-page manual entitled Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements, available on icpi.org with extensive information from research and practical field experience.