Pervious concrete is a unique concrete with high porosity that allows water to pass through it, making it an effective solution for managing stormwater runoff in urban areas. Here are some benefits of using pervious concrete for managing stormwater runoff:
1. Reduces Stormwater Runoff
Pervious concrete can significantly reduce stormwater runoff by allowing water to pass through the concrete, into the ground, and ultimately into the water table or aquifers. This helps to prevent flooding and reduces the volume of water that needs to be treated and discharged into rivers and streams. [1][2][9]
2. Prevents “First Flush” Pollution
Pervious concrete can capture the “first flush” of surface runoff, which is part of the runoff with a higher contaminant concentration, preventing it from entering rivers and streams and reducing the pollution of waterways. [1][9]
3. Replenishes Water Tables and Aquifers
Pervious concrete allows water to infiltrate the ground, replenishing water tables and aquifers, which helps to sustain the water supply for cities and towns. [8][9]
4. Protects Streams, Watersheds, and Ecosystems
Pervious concrete helps to protect streams, watersheds, and ecosystems by preventing polluted runoff from entering rivers and streams, reducing erosion, and maintaining the natural hydrologic balance. [3][9][10]
5. Saves Watershed
Pervious concrete helps to save the watershed by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that needs to be treated and discharged, preventing erosion, and reducing the pollution of waterways. [7][9]
6. Reduces the Need for Road Salt
Permeable pavements made of pervious concrete can reduce the need for road salt and other deicing chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment and cause corrosion to infrastructure. [2]
7. Reduces Construction Costs
Pervious concrete can reduce construction costs for residential and commercial development by reducing the need for some conventional drainage features. [2]
In conclusion, using pervious concrete for managing stormwater runoff has numerous benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, preventing “first flush” pollution, replenishing water tables and aquifers, protecting streams, watersheds, and ecosystems, saving the watershed, reducing the need for road salt, and reducing construction costs. These benefits make previous concrete a viable solution for managing stormwater runoff in urban areas. The drainage rate of pervious concrete pavement varies with the aggregate size and density of the mixture but generally falls within the range of 0.2 cm/s to 0.54 cm/s, depending on the mixture. [5]
Pervious concrete has been used in various applications, including driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and flatwork applications in urban neighbourhoods. The porosity of pervious concrete makes it one of the best green methods for reducing stormwater runoff. Additionally, pervious concrete can be used in place of traditional concrete in many applications, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option for managing stormwater runoff. [6][7][8]
Overall, pervious concrete offers a sustainable solution for managing stormwater runoff in urban areas. By using this eco-friendly concrete, we can reduce the negative impact of urbanization on our water resources and promote a more sustainable future.