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Properties of permeable pavement

Properties Pervious concrete Porous asphalt PICP
Typical pavement surface thicknessa 5 to 8 inches 3 to 4 inches (thicker for high wheel load applications) 3 inchesa
Bedding layera,f None 1 in. AASHTO No. 57 stone 2 inches of AASHTO No. 8 stone (MnDOT 3127 FA-3)
Reservoir layerb,f AASHTO No. 57 stone or per hydraulic design AASHTO No. 2, 3, or 5 stone 4 inches of AASHTO No. 57 stone over No. 2, 3 or 4 stone
Construction properties
  • Cast in place
  • Seven day cure
  • Must be continuously covered
  • Cast in place
  • 24 hour cure
  • No cure period
  • Manual or mechanical installation of pre-manufactured units
Installed surfacing costc 3 to $4/square foot $2/square foot 3 to $4/square foot
Minimum batch size None
Longevityd 20 to 30 years
Overflow Catch basin, overflow edge, elevated underdrain
Runoff temperature reduction Cooling at the reservoir layer
Surface colors/texture Range of light colors and textures Black or dark grey colors Wide range of colors, textures and patterns
Load bearing capacitye Handles all vehicle loads with appropriate surface and base/subbase layer material and thickness design
Surface cleaningg Periodic vacuuming; replace if completely clogged and uncleanable Periodic vacuuming; replace jointing stones if completely clogged and uncleanable
Other issues
  • Avoid concentrated deicers
  • Avoid winter sanding
  • Avoid seal coating
  • Avoid winter sanding
 Avoid winter sanding
Design references [1] [2] [3]
aThickness may vary depending on site and traffic conditions
bReservoir storage may be augmented by corrugated metal pipes, plastic arch pipe or plastic lattice crates
cSupply and install minimum surface thickness only; minimum 30,000 sf with Minnesota 2012 prevailing labor wages. Does not include base reservoir, drainage appurtenances, engineering, or inspection
dBased on pavement being properly maintained. Resurfacing or rehabilitation may be needed after the indicated period
eDepends primarily on on-site geotechnical considerations and structural design computations
f ASTM D448 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction or ASASHTO M-43
gPeriodic vacuuming frequency determined from inspection, intensity of use, and other potential sediment sources