Permeable and Sustainable Pavement Systems

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Assess site conditions and determine the suitability of different permeable pavement systems

• Integrate structural and hydrologic requirements into permeable pavement design

• Evaluate pavement layers, materials, drainage conditions, and design limitations

• Apply appropriate construction quality controls and maintenance strategies

• Identify performance risks and use practical measures to improve long-term system reliability

Description

Managing stormwater within developed environments requires pavement solutions that support transportation needs without creating additional drainage, environmental, or infrastructure challenges. Permeable pavement systems can help manage runoff at its source, but their performance depends on careful site assessment and the successful integration of structural, hydrologic, material, and operational requirements.

This course provides a practical framework for selecting, designing, constructing, and maintaining permeable pavement systems. You will examine how site conditions, traffic loads, subgrade characteristics, groundwater, rainfall, storage capacity, and drainage objectives influence design decisions. You will also compare common pavement systems and structural design approaches to determine where different solutions can be applied and where their limitations may introduce risk.

Through design considerations, implementation guidance, and case examples, you will learn how to address common challenges related to construction quality, clogging, degradation, and long-term performance. You will leave better prepared to evaluate permeable pavement options, coordinate structural and stormwater requirements, and make informed decisions that support reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Civil, municipal, transportation, and pavement engineers

• Stormwater management and drainage professionals

• Engineering technologists and technical specialists

• Municipal infrastructure and public works professionals

• Road designers and land development consultants

• Landscape architects and urban infrastructure planners

• Contractors, construction managers, and quality-control personnel involved in pavement projects

• Asset management and maintenance professionals responsible for roadway and site infrastructure

Syllabus 

Module 1:  Role of Pavements in Sustainable Infrastructure

•   Environmental impacts of traditional pavement systems

• Urban drainage challenges and regulatory drivers

• Overview of low-impact development and green infrastructure road design

• Use of waste and by-products in road construction

Module 2:  Types of Permeable Pavement Systems

• Site suitability for permeable pavements

• Porous asphalt

• Pervious concrete

• Permeable interlocking concrete pavers

• Grid pavements

• Other permeable pavement products and related technologies

Module 3:  Structural Design Considerations

•  Load -bearing capacity and structural design

• Comparison of AASHTO and ASCE design methods

• Layer design:  subgrade, reservoir, base and bedding layers

•   Design limitations and risk factors

Module 4:  Hydrologic Design Considerations

•  Hydrologic modeling of permeable pavements

• Infiltration, storage, and drainage processes

•   Subgrade permeability and groundwater considerations

• Design for runoff capture, detention, and release

•   Integration with broader stormwater systems

Module 5:  Construction Practices and Challenges

•   Site preparation and subgrade protection

•   Pavement materials handling

•    Installation procedures

•   Construction quality assurance/quality control

Module 6:  Maintenance and Performance Monitoring

•  Common clogging and degradation mechanisms

• Inspection methods and maintenance strategies

• Long-term performance considerations

 Module 7:  Sustainability Evaluation and Case Studies

•  Off-road benefits of permeable pavements

• Common questions, lessons learned, and risk mitigation strategies

Case examples of successful permeable pavement implementations