While pervious concrete is key to storm water management, Portland Cement Association engineers note that the need for pervious systems to simultaneously
While pervious concrete is key to storm water management, Portland Cement Association engineers note that the need for pervious systems to simultaneously satisfy several criteria related to a site’s function and environmental impact makes detailed hydrologic analysis essential. PCA’s new Pervious Concrete: Hydrological Design and Resources CD provides a tool to build preliminary designs for the engineer of record or to assist permit-granting agencies in verifying that a site conforms to established constraints on storm water run-off. In addition to a spreadsheet-based modeling program, the CD has technical and promotional resources on pervious concrete.
Since pervious concrete contains coarse aggregate, little or no fine aggregate, and insufficient cement paste to fill the voids between coarse particles, its resulting high permeability allows water to flow through easily. Among Best Management Practices recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and others charged with regional or local management of storm water runoff, pervious concrete eliminates the need for retention ponds, swales, and other storm water devices. It can reduce overall project expense on a first-cost basis as it makes more efficient use of land. Using pervious concrete also can contribute to LEED certification.
More information can be obtained and orders placed by visiting the PCA Bookstore at www.cement.org/bookstore, or calling 800/868-6733.