Guidelines for Permeable Pavement Systems

Project summary:

Permeable pavements have the ability to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality. The permeable pavement system, however, includes many components such as: pavement, storage volume and depth, the ability of the surrounding soil to accept the increase in water volume, and maintenance requirements to keep the pavement permeable. The quality of the permeable pavement system depends highly on the design specifications and construction practices used as well as the maintenance practices. The objective of this research is to summarize best practices for the hydraulic and structural design and maintenance of permeable asphalt, concrete, and interlocking concrete pavement systems in Minnesota. The research aims to do this by reviewing the literature, contacting practitioners throughout the United States and other select countries that have experience with permeable asphalt and concrete, and identifying some of the unresolved issues dealing with full implementation of permeable pavements in Minnesota.