Pervious Pavements - Installation, Operations and Strength Part 4: Flexipave® (Recycled Rubber Tires) Systems

Pervious pavement systems are now being recognized as a best management practice by the Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Florida. The pervious concrete system is designed to have enhanced pore sizes in the surface layer compared to conventional pavement types, encouraging flow of water through the material. This research project investigated the infiltration rates, rejuvenation techniques, sustainable storage of the components and complete systems, water quality, and the strength properties of pervious concrete pavements. The work was conducted at the field labs of the Stormwater Management Academy at UCF. The Flexipave systems indicate that they perform as intended unless subjected to excessive sediment loads or high ground water table. Maintenance by the use of a vacuum sweeper truck was successful in removing surface sediments but is ineffective at removal of deep penetrating sediments. However, it is much harder to clog these in the first place due to a more open surface nature. The reduction in rates is only observed when significant amounts of sediments enter the system and migrate into deeper locations. The sustainable storage of the entire system was found to be about 10%. This pervious pavement system is recommended as an effective infiltration BMP that will perform well throughout its service life. The average compressive strength is about 115 psi and the average modulus of rupture is around 170 psi.