Draining paving

The sharp increase in the number of paved surfaces means that rainwater can no longer penetrate the ground naturally. Large quantities of rainwater therefore must be drained off via drainage systems and watercourses. During heavy rainfall, these drainage systems are sometimes completely saturated. Storm overflows come into operation and streams, rivers and streets are flooded.

The infiltration of rainwater via permeable concrete paving blocks provides a solution to this problem.

Draining paving allows water to infiltrate in situ. The water is temporarily stored in the foundations and then drained into the ground. This not only relieves the strain on the sewers, but also restores the groundwater level, which is constantly decreasing.

Good design and execution, the right choice of materials and good control are essential for sustainable paving. Dossier 5 and the Code de bonne pratique pour la conception et l’exécution des revêtements en pavés de béton (Code of Good Practice for the design and execution of concrete block pavements – R 80/09) provide recommendations to this effect.