Feasibility Analysis of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement System in a Climate Change Context in Temuco, Chile

Abstract

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) aim to implement feasible alternatives and techniques in urban areas to improve soil infiltration/permeability, aquifer recharge, and stormwater drainage. This is in response to the development of modern cities characterized by impermeable surfaces that disrupt the natural hydrological cycle of water, leading to: (i) increased soil temperature, (ii) accumulation of stormwater runoff on various surfaces, and (iii) overflow in drainage systems, resulting in vulnerabilities affecting the quality of life for both users and ecosystems, all within the context of climate change. A feasibility analysis is presented for implementing permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) using software through a physical-mathematical modeling approach for designing a parking lot that currently lacks adequate pavement and urban drainage, causing occasional flooding due to heavy rainfall in the city of Temuco, Región de La Araucanía, Chile. The studied factors include structural and hydrological properties, along with the infiltration feasibility of the system based on historical precipitation records in the area. The results indicate that, at least under the specific conditions of the city of Temuco, the use of permeable interlocking concrete pavement proves to be a sustainable and feasible alternative for implementation, aiding in climate change adaptation and mitigation by reducing the flooding/inundation areas in the city and enabling the irrigation of urban green spaces, respectively.