Oaks Permeable Pavements Lecture Notes

Introduction to Permeable Pavements

• Concept: Managing stormwater on-site to prevent puddles.
• Advantages: Reduces burden on stormwater systems.

What is Permeable Pavement?

• Definition: An ecologically engineered system designed to reduce runoff and sediment buildup.
• Components:
  • Concrete Pavers: Similar to traditional pavers but with small openings for drainage.
  • Joint Material: Small stone chips hold pavers in place.
  • Curb: Encircles the pavers for stability.
  • Bedding Layer: Layer of stone chips beneath pavers for flatness.
  • Base and Subbase Layers: Larger stones that store rainwater until it drains into soil.

Water Management Process

• Water flows through joints into underlying stone layers.
• Depending on soil type, water will either:
  • Drain into the ground.
  • Build up within the stones.
• Overflow Design: Raised elbow on the pipe for extreme weather events.
• Consultation with Oak staff recommended for site-specific designs.

Benefits of Permeable Pavements

• Stormwater Management: Reduces runoff from driveways and downspouts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet local regulations on water flow.
• Aesthetics: Various products and colors enhance design flexibility.
• Safety: Keeps surface areas free from puddles, reducing slip and fall risks.
• Environmental Impact: Allows water and air to reach root zones of nearby trees, lawns, and gardens.
• Durability: Proven performance in heavy traffic areas, including commercial projects.
• Cost-Effective: Marginally higher initial costs but potential long-term savings.

Contact Information

• Canada: 1-800-79-OAKS (1-800-79-6257)
• US: 1-800-876-OAKS (1-800-876-6257)