Topmix Permeable is a fast draining concrete pavement solution that rapidly directs stormwater off streets, parking surfaces, driveways and walkways. Its touted as “The ultimate concrete solution for surface and storm water management” and if the video above is anything to go by, it may be a well deserved badge.
According to the video, the pavement has an average permeability rate of 600 litres, per minute, per sqm which would greatly minimise the cost and long-term maintenance for local authorities and developers of stormwater management.
Another viable option in the fight against stormwater runoff is the Japanese-inspired water-permeable tiles designed by Rainaway to gently drain water through a combination of solid and porous concrete.
Designed intentionally to slow rainfall runoff, the Rainaway tiles replicate the natural water cycle. The tiles feature a whimsical pattern of solid concrete forming a grid of collection pools for runoff, ultimately draining through a porous base of rocks into a gravel reservoir below. Though, similar to the material featured in the video, Rainaway tiles are designed as a conduit for water drainage rather than a sponge. Topmix permeable on the other hand, produces large-scale infrastructure using the same highly-porous concrete recipe. Created by pouring and molding large pebbles to form solid surface, the porous material emulates the strength of concrete with the density of a sponge.
I wonder how well solutions like these would serve in a place like flood prone areas of Lagos and other urban centers. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
[via archdaily]
