Properties of permeable pavements.


  1. Thickness may vary depending on site and traffic conditions
  2. Reservoir storage may be augmented by corrugated metal pipes, plastic arch pipe or plastic lattice crates
  3. Supply 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
1 Thickness may vary depending on site and traffic conditions
2 Reservoir storage may be augmented by corrugated metal pipes, plastic arch pipe or plastic lattice crates
3 Supply 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
4 based on pavement being properly maintained. Resurfacing or rehabilitation may be needed after the indicated period
5 Depends primarily on on-site geotechnical considerations and structural design computations
6 ASTM D448 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction or ASASHTO M-43
7 Periodic vacuuming frequency determined from inspection, intensity of use, and other potential sediment sources
Properties Pervious concrete Porous asphalt PICP
Typical pavement surface thickness1 5 to 8 inches 3 to 4 inches (thicker for high wheel load applications) 3 inches
Bedding layer1,6 None 1 in. No. 57 stone 2 inches of No. 8 stone
Reservoir layer2,6 No. 57 stone or per hydraulic design> No. 2, 3, or 5 stone 4 inches of No. 57 stone over No. 2, 3 or 4 stone
Construction properties Cast in place, seven day cure, must be covered Cast in place, 24 hour cure No cure period; manual or mechanical installation of pre-manufactured units
Installed surfacing cost3 $3 to $4/sf $2/sf $3 to $4/sf
Minimum batch size None None None
Longevity4 20 to 30 years 20 to 30 years 20 to 30 years
Overflow Catch basin or overflow edge Catch basin or overflow edge Catch basin or overflow edge
Runoff temperature reduction Cooling at the reservoir layer Cooling at the reservoir layer 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 capacity5 Handles all vehicle loads with appropriate surface and base/subbase layer material and thickness design Handles all vehicle loads with appropriate surface and base/subbase layer material and thickness design Handles all vehicle loads with appropriate surface and base/subbase layer material and thickness design
Surface cleaning7 Periodic vacuuming; replace if completely clogged and uncleanable Periodic vacuuming; replace if completely clogged and uncleanable Periodic vacuuming; replace jointing stones if completely clogged and uncleanable
Other issues Avoid concentrated deicers and winter sanding Avoid seal coating and winter sanding Avoid winter sanding
Design reference ACI Report 522-2010 Hansen 2008 NAPA Smith 2011 ICPI