Masonry Magazine November 2010 Page. 32
GREEN BUILDING
As storm water runoff flows over the impervious surfaces of city streets, parking lots and paved areas, it collects debris, chemicals, sediments and other pollutants. These pollutants may pool on paved surfaces, be funneled into sewer systems or detention ponds, and eventually seep into groundwater resources or pollute larger bodies of water.
Permeable pavers are allowing governments, businesses and even homeowners to take responsibility for managing storm water runoff. As part of a bio-aquifer storm water system, permeable pavers can virtually eliminate runoff, potentially removing the need for retention ponds or underground sewer pipes.
In September, Belgard Subterra permeable pavers were used in a 9,000-square-foot parking lot at HealthNet People's Health and Dental Center in Indianapolis. As part of a demonstration project for the City of Indianapolis' Office of Sustainability, officials simulated a flash flood, dumping more than 4,000 gallons of water on the lot in a matter of 15 minutes. The demonstration was equivalent to the area receiving nine inches of rain. The parking lot produced no run-off.
Permeable pavers like Belgard Hardscapes Environmental collection can reduce runoff by as much as 100 percent, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-install alternative to impervious paved surfaces. Belgard Subterra emulates the look of naturally chiseled stone, and Aqua-Roc
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By Miles Chaffe
Product Spotlight
Porphyry for Stone Paving
Now is the time to take a cue from history's greatest architectural minds the Romans by embracing porphyry, a volcanic rock, in an increasing variety of paving and building projects throughout North America.
Builders, architects, developers and consumers are catching on to porphyry and its numerous advantages in paving and other projects. Porphyry and its enduring and endearing qualities of Old World beauty, hardness, impermeability, chemical resistance, freeze/thaw resistance, green attributes and long-term affordability are making this material a major player in the multi-billion dollar stone-paving industry.
New methods are constantly being developed to meet updated environmental standards in both commercial and civic markets. However, a successful and environmentally friendly paving application has been around for more than 2,000 years: roads created from a durable stone called porphyry. And, those roads are still here today.
Permeable pavers
Many different types of permeable pavers are available. When set correctly, natural stone pavers, such as porphyry, offer the best value over time, due to their durability. But each type of permeable paving has its pros and cons. In terms of cost, gravel is the least expensive. However, it requires frequent maintenance and renewal, at a cost. It also forms wheel ruts easily.
Permeable concrete and asphalt are next in terms of expense, but studies have shown them to be prone to clogging, negating their effectiveness. A study conducted by the Metropolitan Engineer's Council in Denver showed a complete failure of permeable concrete under freeze-thaw conditions. The City of Rosemary Beach, Fla, tore out permeable concrete city streets, due to clogging, and replaced them with concrete pavers with permeable joints.
Brick, concrete and stone pavers require that the material in the joints be permeable in order to be considered permeable overall. Brick must be the correct brick and manufactured to specific requirements in order to be used as a paving material, especially in freeze-thaw climates. Constant freezing and thawing is harder on materials than climates that freeze and remain frozen for long periods. Concrete pavers offer a low-cost option for paving and can last 10 to 15 years, just as brick can.
Porphyry is durable. European roads have been in place for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Again, the joint material must be permeable.
Considering cost
Porphyry can be expensive, but long outlasts other materials. Still, the issue concerning many civic leaders when considering permeable paving options is cost. While many cities, industries and businesses are scrambling to become environmentally friendly or market themselves as being green, a few affordable options are available and recommended for permeable paving systems.
When considering upkeep, maintenance and deterioration, porphyry will save thousands of dollars over the long haul, since it lasts a lifetime. Porphyry likely will never need to be replaced, and requires a minimum of maintenance over a long period.
In the end, the use of permeable paving systems can and will, ultimately, save urban areas millions of dollars in maintenance and storm water management costs. However, until cities find the funding for these projects, they will be forced to install the quick, more cost-efficient options and spend thousands, if not millions, in upkeep.
Miles Chaffee is the founder and president of Milestone Imports. For more information, email him at info@milestoneimports.com or call 505-989-1999.