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Benefits
Applications
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Pervious Concrete And Parking Area Ecosystems
Automobile pollutants are absorbed into the concrete along with rainwater, which allows the soil chemistry and biological processes to “treat” the toxins naturally and effectively. With impervious pavements, these chemicals collect on the surface and are then swept into the surrounding environment and water systems when it rains. This major cause of pollution can be prevented by simply using pervious concrete.
Also, with rain unable to percolate into the soil beneath impervious pavements, plant roots are deprived of water and oxygen. This leads to the stunted growth and shortened lifespan of parking lot trees, a significant problem since trees are necessary for shading and air quality maintenance, as well as aesthetics. Such problems can be avoided with the use of pervious concrete, since its void structure mimics that of grass, allowing equivalent amounts of water and oxygen to reach tree roots.
Furthermore, the infiltration and sub-pavement collection of rainwater leads to aquifer recharge and increased groundwater, providing healthy conditions for tree growth. This means that in pervious parking lots, paved space can be maximized without sacrificing the benefits provided by trees. Pervious concrete functions like a stormwater retention basin and allows the stormwater to infiltrate the soil over a large area, thus facilitating recharge of precious groundwater supplies locally.
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ConcreteAnswers for Architects, Engineers and Developers:
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About NRMCA
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Privacy Statement
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Like conventional concrete, pervious consists mostly of Portland
cement, water, and aggregates. Its unique porous quality is achieved by
eliminating fine aggregates, such as sand, from the mix. The exclusive use of
course aggregates such as gravel and crushed stone creates air voids throughout
the concrete. Water is therefore able to pass directly through the pavement and
into the soil rather than collecting on or running off the surface. In this way,
pervious concrete can greatly reduce stormwater runoff and its associated
problems.
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