Assessment of Surface Infiltration Performance and Maintenance of Two Permeable Pavement Systems in Louisville, Kentucky

Abstract

This study presents the infiltration performance of two permeable pavement systems installed in the parking lanes of an urban neighborhood. Both systems were subject to large (12.9 and 9.8) impermeable drainage ratios and high sediment loadings from the surrounding environment. The surface infiltration performance of each system was monitored by conducting surface infiltration measurements and analysis of data collected using an array of embedded time domain reflectometers. The results indicated progression of clogging from the upgradient edge toward the downgradient edge on the surface of the permeable pavements, which limited the infiltration performance of the systems. This study conducted three different maintenance methods to restore the surface infiltration performance of the clogged permeable pavements. The developed monitoring techniques were used to ascertain the short-term and long-term efficiency of each surface maintenance treatment. The most effective maintenance treatment was determined to be a combination of hydro pressure washing and vacuuming to clean the permeable pavement surfaces. The research results indicate that the infiltration performance of permeable pavement systems, even those subjected to high hydraulic loadings and unsuitable environments, can be maintained with frequent application of a proper surface-maintenance method.