Responsible stormwater management in cities - water-permeable pavements and sustainable circulation

06 of August '21

PERVIA permeable paving

PERVIA - water-permeable pavement from CEMEX

Water is one of the most precious natural resources, so the retention of precipitation water and its reuse should be a paramount goal in the design of outdoor pavements. Just one minute of fifth-degree torrential rainfall can bring about 8 liters of water to an area of up to 1 m² - the choice of drainage system, but also of substrate and pavement, are therefore crucial to ensure sustainable water circulation in urban spaces.

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with frequent, violent and torrential rains causing the nature of floods to change. Over the past few years, we can very often observe the phenomenon of flash floods. Noticeable heavy rainfall is becoming characteristic of our climate, but only in recent years has it become devastating. However, climate is not the only cause of these changes. Of great importance was and is human activity over the past decade or so - the chosen ways of building cities, the lack of infrastructure for draining water. These factors associated with increasing urbanization mean that excess water is being channeled directly into storm drains. In many cases, the water does not find an outlet and thus local flooding occurs.

From publicly available data provided by insurance companies (source: piu.org.pl), one can read that:

(...) in one month alone, June 2020, victims reported to insurers more than 50,000 damages caused by flash floods. This year, flash floods have already affected the Silesian and Malopolska provinces. On one day alone, firefighters intervened more than 500 times in Silesia in connection with waterlogging and flooding.

The problem - concreted cities

A common feature of large and small cities is the increasing covering of urban surfaces with asphalt, paving/granite blocks, or concrete. The terrain on which the paving is done is also not insignificant. Water does not penetrate the ground, flowing rapidly to lower areas or into storm drains. In this way, rainwater in cities is, unfortunately, wasted. Therefore, slowing down runoff or managing rainwater completely is now becoming a necessary measure. Effective ways to manage rainwater in cities can ensure adequate drainage into the ground, as well as prevent flooding of buildings.

The solution - water-permeable pavements

There are several safe methods of draining rainwater from surfaces or collecting it. These include boxes and infiltration tunnels, water storage tanks, absorption wells, etc. Most of them will contribute to the collection of rainwater for later use.

CEMEX proposes an innovative solution, related to draining rainwater directly into the ground to recharge groundwater and enhance vegetation around paved surfaces. This is a solution for those who do not want to store rainwater, but prefer to distribute it safely into the ground....

PERVIA permeable pavement

...This solution is PERVIA - a pavement with an open structure, having the ability to freely and quickly drain rainwater from the surface to deeper layers. PERVIA absorbs water and transfers it to deeper levels of the soil, thus preventing rapid water inflow during heavy rains. This is made possible by a specially designed formulation consisting of a network of interconnected voids that allow water to flow freely.

PERVIA is an innovative solution that promotes responsible water management, influencing the increase of groundwater resources and maintaining the balance of our environment. PERVIA permeable pavement protects against rapid river water intake after heavy rainfall and after spring thaw. It contributes to reducing the effects of flooding, which occurs during the spring and summer periods in Poland. Additional benefits resulting from the use of PERVI include less surface runoff into rain channels and water bodies. The product can be used on the surfaces of paths and sidewalks and as a substructure, such as sports fields, to minimize water runoff.

PERVIA pavements developed by CEMEX are a solution that complies with environmental requirements and the main principles of a closed-loop economy. For the production of PERVIA, CEMEX uses the best raw materials that meet the high requirements of Polish and European standards. Their quality is constantly controlled by entities and research institutes and further verified at the company's ready-mixed concrete plants. In addition, CEMEX concrete plants have implemented a system of Factory Production Control, which has been voluntarily certified by an independent body.

The nawierzchnia permeable PERVIA

PERVIA permeable pavement

If you need water-permeable concrete for a terrace, want to design decorative garden paths suitable for all weather conditions, or build a bike path, feel free to contact our experienced consultants. We will select the right solution for paving that combines strength, durability and concern for the environment and water resources.

For more information about PREVIA, visit the company's website at www.cemex.pl