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APPLICATIONS
“Moreover, we were also impressed with the Uni-Ecolok paver’s L-shaped design, which not only creates a very attractive paved surface, but offers exceptional loadbearing capacity, durability and stability properties,” says Castanheira. The Alchemy Architects PICP system was installed by Lushaka Construction. After excavating to approximately 500mm below surface, an A4 bidim geofabric was placed on the sub-grade. This was followed by a 350mm layer of course-graded aggregate. Uni-Ecolok pavers, 80mm thick, were then laid on 50mm of bedding grit which had been placed on top of the aggregate. Charlene Soupen, Aveng Manufactruring Infraset’s marketing manager and paving specifier, says that the PICP installation at Alchemy Architects is a typical infiltration PICP system. “Infiltration is one of two common types L-shaped Uni-Ecolok permeable pavers, supplied by Aveng Manufacturing Infraset, make attractive visual and important eco statements at Alchemy Architects’ new HQ premises in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
of PICP systems, the other being attenuation. Infiltration allows water to flow through
ARCHITECTS PLUMB FOR PERMEABLE PAVING SYSTEM
the crushed stone gradually before ground
Permeable interlocking concrete paving
“Research has shown that only 30%
drainage systems. This reduces peak flows
(PICP) is a prominent landscaping feature
of rain water infiltrates surface areas in
during heavy rainfall and reduces water tem-
at Alchemy Architects’ new office premises
urban centres, and in towns and cities
peratures by 30ºc, both factors minimising
in Edenvale, Johannesburg. Completed
the figure is as low as five percent. This
downstream damage considerably.
in December 2013, the modern three-
is why these areas are often flood-prone.
“There are other PICP options. For in-
storey building is surrounded by 935m² of
PICP reverses this imbalance allowing up to
stance, some systems store water below
PICP which serves both as driveways and
95% of rain water to infiltrate the ground,
the surface to be used for watering plants,
parking areas.
a figure which largely mirrors what happens
washing cars and equipment, and for sanita-
in undeveloped landscapes.
tion purposes. And some systems combine
Alchemy Architects’ permeable paving
infiltration takes place. In attenuation the water is temporarily stored in the crushed stone before being slowly released through outflow pipes into conventional stormwater
system was based on an infiltration-based
“Minimising pollution, albeit in a small
infiltration with attenuation, especially in
PICP design provided by CMA member,
way, was another motivating factor in
instances where ground infiltration rates
Aveng Manufacturing Infraset, one of
our choice of permeable paving. During
are low. However, the final specification of
the country’s leading PICP suppliers. The
Gauteng’s dr y winter months, heav y
any permeable paving structure depends on
manufacturer also supplied Uni-Ecolok, its
metals, hydrocarbons, oil, rubber and other
the hydraulic properties of the sub-grade
interlocking paving block system, for the
pollutants are deposited on impermeable
and anticipated traffic loading.
installation of the paved surface.
surfaces. When it rains they are washed
“The Uni-Ecolok system covers all these
Amândio Castanheira, a senior partner
into stormwwater systems and are then
requirements and its L-shaped concrete
at Alchemy Architects, says that PICP
discharged into streams and rivers where
block is ideal for driveways, car parks,
using Uni-Ecolok made both environmental
they destroy fauna and flora.
suburban streets and township roads,
and aesthetic sense.
“PICP is very effective at removing
light and heav y duty industrial yards,
“We were very aware of how widespread
pollutants from run-off. The sub-base of
as well as bus terminals and suburban
urbanisation, and through it the creation of
any PICP system is largely comprised of
arteries. Moreover, the 80mm Uni-Ecolok
impermeable surfaces, is placing mounting
coarse-graded aggregate and geotextile
block conforms to the new SANS 1058
pressure on stormwater drainage. Imper-
sheeting and both materials harbour
standard for paving block performance,”
meable surfaces increase the risk of flood-
natural microbes which devour water-borne
concludes Soupen.
ing, spread pollution and disrupt aquatic
pollutants and prevent them from clogging
eco systems in rivers, streams and vleis.
PICP systems.
PRECAST VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 2 • 2014
Contact Charlene Soupen on 012 652 000 or via email on csoupen@infraset.com.