Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements: A Sustainable Solution for Urban and Industrial Water Management

Anthropization has significantly altered the natural water cycle by increasing impermeable surfaces, reducing evapotranspiration, and limiting groundwater recharge. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICPs) have emerged as a permeable pavement, effectively reducing runoff and improving water quality. This study investigates the base depth for PICPs regarding the strength and permeability. This study examines the hydraulic and structural performance of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICPs) for urban and industrial applications by evaluating the effects of subgrade conditions, traffic loads, and material properties. Using DesignPave and PermPave software, the optimal base layer thickness is determined to prevent rutting while ensuring effective stormwater infiltration beneath 110 mm-thick concrete pavers placed on a 30 mm-thick bedding course. The required base thickness for urban pavements ranges from 100 mm to 395 mm, whereas for industrial pavements, it varies between 580 mm and 1760 mm, depending on subgrade permeability, traffic volume, and loading conditions. The findings demonstrate that PICPs serve as a viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional impermeable pavements, offering significant hydrological and ecological benefits.