Assessing the efficacy of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) in managing stormwater runoff under climate change and land use scenarios

Abstract

The study examines Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) systems in urban and suburban areas facing intensified stormwater challenges due to climate change and evolving land use patterns. It investigates various factors affecting PICP performance, including soil, topography, vegetation, and rainfall intensity, using advanced modeling techniques. The study’s methodology integrates Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) model and Python scripting, utilizing historical and projected data to guide resilient PICP designs. Climate projections from 2030 to 2080 show a significant increase in stormwater runoff due to urbanization, emphasizing flood risk concerns. The findings indicated a substantial 43 % increase in runoff for the City of Renton-Cedar watershed in Washington from 2030 to 2069. Without PICP implementation, a notable 20.3 % surge in total runoff volume is anticipated. This highlights the crucial role of PICP and sustainable urban planning in mitigating urbanization’s impact on hydrology. With PICP implementation, the results show that the total runoff may reduce to a range within 24 %–75 % for the three land use scenarios (15 %, 25 % and 35 %). The results also exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) and strong (R² > 0.8) direct relationship between clogging and PICP systems. Overall, the research underscores PICP systems’ effectiveness in managing stormwater, emphasizing their importance in diverse urban settings, and advocating for green infrastructure adoption to enhance urban resilience amidst changing environmental dynamics.