This document discusses permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) as an innovative and sustainable pavement alternative that functions as both a traffic surface and a stormwater infiltration system. PICP differs from standard pavements in that its system of aggregates and drainage features in the pavers and underlying base allows stormwater runoff to infiltrate. This decreases environmental impacts and allows paved surfaces to act as a stormwater system, providing benefits like increased groundwater recharge and reduced contaminants. The document outlines the components of a PICP system, including permeable pavers, free-draining aggregates, and guidelines for design and construction according to industry standards.

1. Biomimicry and
Permeable Interlocking
Concrete Pavements (“PICP”)
…a ‘natural’ approach
Rick Crooks
Mutual Materials Company
www.mutualmaterials.com
Summer Teachers Institute: June 24, 2015
Thurston Conservation District

2. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement
An innovative, sustainable
pavement that functions both
as a durable traffic surface
and
a stormwater infiltration or
detention system

3. Permeable Interlocking Concrete
Pavement (“PICP”)

4. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Differ from standard interlocking concrete
pavements:
• They have the same material characteristics
(high strength, durable finish), but…
• The system of underlying base aggregates and
paver drainage features allow for infiltration of
stormwater runoff…
• This decreases negative impacts on our
environment and lets our paved surfaces act as
a stormwater infiltration or detention system

5. PICP System Benefits
• Increased groundwater recharge
• Contaminants are filtered and reduced
• Peak flows and volumes are lowered,
reducing downstream flow and erosion
• Runoff temperatures are lowered
• Visually attractive pavement
• Ability to reinstate after repairs
• Maintainable - clogged openings can be
cleaned
• Immediately serviceable

6. PICP Components
• “Permeable” Pavers
– Manufactured to the same specification as
“standard” pavers
– But, includes “drainage features”
• Wide joints
• Drainage holes

7. Eco-Stone ® paver

8. Ecoloc® Paver

9. Eco-Priora ®
4 x 8
8 x 8

10. Eco-Priora®

11. PICP Components
• Free-draining aggregates
– “Clean, crushed rock” aggregates:
• Jointing material and bedding course
– “ASTM No. 8” aggregate, (1/4” to 3/8”)
• Base material
– “ASTM No. 57 “ aggregate, (3/4” to 1-1/4”)
• Subbase material
– “ASTM No. 2 “ aggregate, (2” to 3”)

14. PICP Design
Design and construct
according to industry
guidelines

15. PICP Design and Industry Info:
Online resources available at:
www.icpi.org
www.uni-groupusa.org

21. Eco Stone ( Red and Gray)
Multnomah Arts Center
Portland, OR

31. Eco-Loc (Gray) / 8 cm Holland (Charcoal)
Lewis River Wetlands
LaCenter, WA

42. Sustainable Development
“….development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.”
(1987 UN World Commission on Environment and Development)

43. THANK YOU!
Rick Crooks
Mutual Materials Company
rcrooks@mutualmaterials.com
(425) 922-7370