Titan America parlays permeable articulating concrete block pavement

Titan America LLC introduced the proprietary PaveDrain system to the South Florida market this fall through a 650-sq.-ft. demonstration at Ft. Lauderdale City Hall. A Permeable Articulating Concrete Block Pavement System (P-ACB), PaveDrain is placed either in mat sections, typically 8-feet wide and up to 40-feet long, or as individual units much like conventional paving stones.

Produced from Besser-sourced molds, the PaveDrain unit integrates a patented arched reservoir to maximize onsite storm water retention capacity during extreme weather events. PaveDrain mats can be pre-assembled in a variety of configurations customized for specific applications and installed quickly with conventional construction equipment—such as an excavator, crane or forklift—and three to four laborers.

The 1/4-in. joint between the individual PaveDrain blocks is a well-designed balancing act between form and functionality, notes the manufacturer.

Newly installed PaveDrain system works, the City of Ft. Lauderdale.
In order to test how well the newly installed PaveDrain system works, the City of Ft. Lauderdale performed a drainage test using one of their fire trucks loaded with 700 gallons of water. PaveDrain was able to drain all of the water in less than 60 seconds.

Not only is the gap well within ADA requirements, but it also allows a significant amount of water to drain down the sides without becoming clogged with sediment particles. Over time the sediment particles will continue to be washed down into the larger diameter stone bedding layer. Leaves and other small biodegradable materials will be broken down in the aggregate bedding layer from the water and air that is allowed into penetrate down into the system.

Titan Block is the Sunshine State’s exclusive distributor of PaveDrain, producing units on standard machines in plants nearest construction sites. The system is designed to mitigate storm water flooding and advance low impact development. Titan Block underscores the performance pavement’s suitability to South Florida projects, as it allows storm water to infiltrate naturally back into the aquifer while eliminating the need for retention ponds or underground containment vessels.

“PaveDrain is a 100-percent Florida-made concrete product, utilizing local materials, labor and other resources,” says Titan Advocate Ayis Mikrakis. “Unlike other paving materials, PaveDrain blocks are manufactured with local materials that are limerock based, so there’s no need to use oil and granite, which are not produced in Florida. Investments in PaveDrain remain right here in the Sunshine State.”

“We know that concrete is always an excellent building material choice. It lasts three to five times longer than asphalt, which reduces the use of virgin materials,” adds Chief Government Affairs Officer Tim Kuebler. “Also, its light color reduces the urban heat island effect and increases visibility at night.”

In addition to the earlier installation at city hall, a drainage test was performed last month utilizing one of the city’s fire trucks. Seven hundred gallons of water was unleashed and in less than 60 seconds, notes Mikrakis, PaveDrain managed to drain all of it.

The placement process was very simple: Existing concrete pavement was cut straight based on the PaveDrain dimensions. The site contractor then removed the top 12 inches, graded the subgrade, and placed a geotextile fabric to ensure that the subgrade and base were segregated. Finally, Burns and Sons Concrete (Stuart, Fla.) placed and compacted 6 inches of open graded aggregates and then placed the PaveDrain blocks.

 

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The PaveDrain system integrates a patented arched reservoir, as seen in the image above, to maximize onsite storm water retention capacity during extreme weather events. Due to the size of the individual PaveDrain blocks, the joints are designed to be left open; aggregate interlock and re-filling is not required, which greatly reduces maintenance. Each individual block interlocks and is surrounded by 6 additional units.