Permeable interlocking concrete pavements are widely recognized by federal and state storm water and transportation agencies as a Best Management Practice (BMP) and Low Impact Development (LID) tool to reduce runoff and water pollution. The vital role permeable paver systems play in storm water management means that proper installation and maintenance is critical. This is why County Materials Corporation, an industry leader in manufacturing concrete construction and landscape products, published a technical guide for their series of permeable concrete pavers. The technical guide serves as a valuable resource for engineers and storm water construction professionals to identify applications and proper installation and maintenance practices for permeable paver systems.
Benefits of Using a Technical Guide
County Materials’ Technical Resource Engineer, Jennifer Schaff, P.E. explains why a technical guide is a necessity for engineers. “Storm water treatment regulations and design has changed immensely since the late 2000’s when bio-filters were just starting to be used in the Central Wisconsin region as a post construction best management practice,” she said. At that time many local contractors were not familiar with the treatment practice, and particularly with the engineered soil mix intended to filter out pollutants. Schaff added, “Initially several projects had failures because the wrong material showed up on the job site and the contractor made the installation without realizing it. Now, with our technical guide, County Materials is committed to proper education and outreach to produce successful permeable paver system projects.”
Included in County Materials’ technical guide is a Frequently Asked Questions section that covers a broad range of information including, storm water infiltration capacities, solar reflective index ratings, suitable traffic applications, soil types, installation in cold climates, and proper maintenance procedures.
County Materials Supports Industry with Permeable Paver Test Plot
To enhance education efforts in the industry about the effectiveness of permeable paver systems in diverting and filtering storm water, County Materials has also partnered in a joint initiative with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The program built a test plot comprised of three cells of different pervious surface materials, including permeable concrete pavers. Each cell contains monitoring equipment that researchers use to measure influx, outflow, and overflow of storm water following rain events.
Schaff explains, “We will continue to share results from the cooperative WisDOT permeable pavement test plot site in Madison for many years to come. County Materials is committed to being an industry resource and to assist design professionals, project developers and contractors to better our industry and participate in successful projects.”
In addition to the Technical Guide, County Materials also offers educational and training presentations and case studies about permeable concrete paver systems available upon request. Visit the company’s website for more information.