Can concrete pavers be used to create sustainable pavements?
Green building programs and standards typically include provisions for reducing stormwater runoff from newly developed sites. Pervious pavement, a porous ready-mix concrete that will freely drain moisture back into adjacent soil has attracted a lot of attention. Another cement-based approach involves the use of concrete pavers as an environmentally friendly way to provide long lasting, beautiful walks and driveways that effectively filter and drain stormwater. Called “permeable interlocking concrete pavements, ” these systems provide the added benefit of rich patterns and textures, and are available in many lighter colors to help reduce heat. These systems feature a layer of solid concrete pavers separated by joints filled with small stones. Water enters the joints between the pavers and drains into an “open-graded” base of crushed stone, with no small or fine particles. The voids between the stones store water runoff and slowly release it back into adjacent soil. Ground water supplies
