The trade association Interpave has published a new case study which demonstrates that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – including concrete block permeable paving – should cost less than conventional piped drainage, both initially and in terms of maintenance.
Interpave’s new case study revisits the SuDS scheme at Lamb Drove in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. This scheme demonstrates the use of as many SuDS techniques as possible, including concrete block permeable paving, used in combination to form an effective management train. The Monitoring Project measured the performance of the SuDS over time, compared with that of a conventional piped drainage system on another nearby development, similar in size and density.
Overall, both capital and maintenance costs – and therefore whole-of-life costs – associated with the Study Site were much lower than those for the conventional piped drainage system Control Site. The Monitoring Report noted capital cost savings of £314 per home and also suggested 20-25% lower maintenance costs than traditional drainage on the Control Site. Having said that, further potential cost savings were also noted.
In addition, monitoring of pollutants, biodiversity and resident satisfaction is testament to the SuDS, notably concrete block permeable paving delivering a gradual flow of treated water to open SuDS features further down the management train. The Monitoring Report also confirms that:
“The permeable pavement infiltration study specifically illustrates the robustness of the performance of this feature to limited maintenance. The infiltration capacity of the permeable pavement is able to adequately cope with the highest recorded rainfall intensity at the Study Site.”
Interpave’s new case study on this Monitoring project, including photos showing how the scheme has developed over time, is now available to download from Interpave’s website www.paving.org.uk – an essential resource covering all aspects of design with precast concrete paving, including an inspirational project gallery and case studies, supported by background information for all design stages, as well as for CPD.