Permeable Pavements Efficiency Under Clogging and Pollutants Load Removal

Permeable pavement is used to reduce stormwater volume, peak flow and promote pollutant load removal (Scholz and Grabowiecki, 2007, Brunetti et al., 2016, Marchioni and Becciu, 2014). The volume reduction depends on the base depth, while peak flow and loads removal are dependent on the surface layer, that must present a hydraulic conductivity capable of significantly limiting runoff; while the pore structure acts as a filter retaining particulate matter (PM), deriving from erosive phenomena and anthropogenic activities. The infiltration capacity tends to decrease over time due to the PM accumulation. An adequate maintenance program guarantees that hydraulic conductivity remains above a threshold. The infiltration capacity is a function of the characteristics of the material used in the surface layer, normally permeable concrete (PC), porous asphalt (PA) or interlocking concrete blocks. For this research a series of a rainfall simulation tests were used to analyze the hydrological and load removal response of permeable pavement surface under clogging. Results confirm the permeable efficiency under clogging on stormwater runoff reduction and pollutants removal.