LANDSCAPING SERVICES
RETROFITTING
PERMEABLE PAVING FOR SUDS
Permeable paving provides the
starting point for sustainable surface
water drainage or ‘SuDS’, in line with
current legal requirements. And this
applies equally to refurbishment
and upgrade projects as well as new
schemes – the trade association
Interpave explains.
Concrete block permeable paving
(CBPP) is a uniquely flexible SuDS
(sustainable drainage systems)
technique. It provides an inherent
drainage system that requires no
additional land take for water
storage, treatment or conveyance,
and offers the same visual richness
as conventional block paving.
There is a growing choice of concrete
blocks and paving slabs available
from Interpave manufacturers,
designed specifically for permeable
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paving. Essentially, they have the
same impressive performance as
conventional precast concrete
paving products, being slip resistant,
durable, strong and sustainable.
And today there are more shapes,
styles, finishes and colours than
ever to give real freedom of choice.
This technology also eliminates
pipework, gulleys and manholes,
and should therefore cost less than
conventional drainage and paving.
Safe Surfaces
The difference with permeable
paving is the enlarged joints, filled
with a permeable aggregate, and the
materials used below the blocks,
which are specifically selected to
accommodate water. Concrete block
permeable paving can be laid level
and still avoids puddles without the
need for drainage gulleys.
It also provides a safe, firm surface
for everyone – including wheelchair
users and people pushing prams
– unlike gravel and other loose
materials.
Permeable paving is specifically
designed for a dual role, acting
as the drainage system as well as
supporting people and vehicles. At
the same time, many pollutants are
substantially removed and treated
within the paving layers before
the water leaves it. As a result of
its unique capabilities, CBPP offers
designers the exciting potential of a
gradual supply of treated water that
can be integrated with landscape
design and promotes biodiversity.
It provides clean water at the head
of the ‘SuDS management train’
enabling safe, open SuDS features on
the surface downstream.
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