International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Permeable Pavement: Innovating Water Management for a Sustainable Future Ayaan Chotani 1Suncity School, Gurgaon, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------and concluded that they not only manage stormwater but Abstract - Rapid urbanization replaces natural soils with
also improve water quality through natural filtration processes. Ferguson (2005) emphasized their role in reducing urban flooding, moderating the urban heat island effect, and enhancing ecological balance. Long-term studies, such as those by Pratt et al. (2019), further demonstrated that permeable pavements can support pollutant biodegradation while maintaining structural functionality. Case studies in cities like Chicago and Portland provide practical evidence, showing significant reductions in stormwater runoff and localized improvements in groundwater recharge.
impervious surfaces, increasing runoff and flood risk. This study designs and tests a bench-scale permeable pavement prototype tailored to Ludhiana, Punjab. We measure infiltration through layered stone reservoirs and a previous concrete surface, compare untreated vs. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–treated soils, and evaluate short-term weathering and pedestrian-level loads. The system infiltrated ~94% of a scaled storm while discharging ~6% via an underdrain. PVA treatment increased soil infiltration ~4× (2.4 to 9.6 cm/h). After 30 days of exposure and three dry-storm cycles, infiltration declined <4%. The pavement withstood ~110 kg without cracking. Results support permeable pavement as a viable low-cost, pedestrian-use solution to reduce monsoon waterlogging in Ludhiana, with recommendations for standardized testing, longer-term clogging trials, and cityscale pilots.
In the Indian context, permeable pavements have only recently been introduced through pilot studies in metropolitan areas such as Delhi and Bangalore. These studies suggest promising outcomes in mitigating waterlogging and improving infiltration rates. However, limited research exists on their application in northern Indian cities such as Ludhiana, where rainfall is both intense and highly seasonal. The combination of high precipitation and rapid urban growth creates unique stormwater management challenges that demand locally validated solutions.
Key Words: permeable pavement, SUDS, infiltration, Ludhiana, stormwater, PVA soil treatment
1.INTRODUCTION Urbanization has transformed cities by replacing natural, previous land surfaces with impermeable materials such as asphalt, concrete, and paving blocks. This shift has disrupted the natural hydrological cycle by limiting infiltration, increasing surface runoff, and exacerbating the risks of urban flooding and groundwater depletion. Ludhiana, Punjab, is one such rapidly developing city that faces recurring waterlogging and drainage issues, especially during the monsoon season. With rainfall concentrated between July and September, the city is highly vulnerable to stormwater challenges that strain existing drainage infrastructure.
This study aims to address this research gap by evaluating the feasibility of permeable pavements for Ludhiana’s climatic and soil conditions. By integrating rainfall data, soil infiltration measurements, and prototype testing, the study investigates whether optimized permeable pavement designs can mitigate flooding risks, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance groundwater recharge. In doing so, it contributes to developing sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure strategies for Indian cities vulnerable to monsoon flooding.
2. Materials & Method
Permeable pavements have emerged as a promising solution to these issues. Unlike conventional pavements, they allow rainfall to percolate through their surface layers into underlying soils and stone reservoirs, thereby reducing runoff, improving groundwater recharge, and filtering pollutants. Their use is increasingly recognized as part of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) aimed at creating climate-resilient cities.
2.1 Materials The permeable pavement prototype was constructed using transparent ceramic glass sheets to fabricate the experimental test box, assembled and waterproofed with Lcorner brackets, adhesive, and sealing tape. Natural soil was used to replicate subgrade conditions, while perforated double-wall corrugated PVC pipes simulated stormwater drainage connections. Crushed stones and gravel formed the water storage reservoir and filtration medium. Permeable
Research conducted globally highlights the multifaceted benefits of permeable pavements. Scholz and Grabowiecki (2007) reviewed a range of permeable pavement systems
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 497