Properties of permeable pavements. (Link to this table)

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 inches1
Bedding layer1,6 None 1 in. AASHTO No. 57 stone 2 inches of AASHTO No. 8 stone (MnDOT 3127 FA-3)
Reservoir layer2,6 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 cost3 $3 to $4/square foot $2/square foot $3 to $4/square foot
Minimum batch size
None
Longevity4
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 capacity5
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 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 reference ACI Report 522-2010 Hansen 2008NAPA Smith 2011 ICPI

  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