Feasibility of Low-Carbon Permeable Pavement Systems (PPS) for Stormwater Management

The sharp increase in the utilisation and demand of construction materials
across the world, especially in road, pavements and transportation sectors has
resulted in an unsustainable surge in the amount of carbon emissions. This study
investigated the use of low-carbon materials in permeable pavements systems
(PPS) and the effects of various low-carbon engineered materials on the
mechanical, absorption and infiltration performance of PPS according to
relevant standards. This was achieved by the critical analysis of four (4)
different materials (recycled grit, recycled glass, recycled rubber) and
comparing their performance with normal materials used in conventional
pavements. The four materials were implemented into concrete mixes of the
permeable pavers and embedded in various layers and sub-sections making up
the permeable pavement structure. As a result, the outcome required of this
research is to find which mix of concrete blocks (permeable pavers) perform the
best when tested for absorption and compression and which permeable
pavement works best when tested for infiltration. Compression test was utilised
to establish the maximum allowable compressive force, while the absorption
test identified the concrete mix that could hold the least amount of water when
soaked in water for 24 hours. This was expected to reduce the possibility of
breakage of the concrete blocks. Finally, the infiltration test was employed to
establish the best performing pavement material based on the rate and amount
of infiltration of a fixed volume of effluent. The results obtained from the
laboratory tests shows improved performances of the pavements embedded with
recycled materials. Therefore, it can be recommended that the use of recycled
materials in the development of low-carbon permeable pavements, possesses the
ability to perform efficiently in comparison with conventional PPS in the
construction and built environment sectors.