Permeable pavements for urban flood management: A review of applications, performance and future prospects

Abstract

This review synthesizes the current state of permeable pavement technologies within the context of rapidly urbanizing and warming cities. Urban expansion has led to extensive surface sealing, where a 10% increase in impervious cover can raise peak stormwater discharge by 20–30%. As a result, conventional drainage systems designed for historical rainfall patterns are increasingly overwhelmed, contributing to rising economic losses from urban flooding. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), particularly permeable pavements, are therefore promoted to restore infiltration and reduce flood risk. The review integrates findings from laboratory studies, pilot projects, and field applications across diverse climates and pavement types. Porous asphalt, pervious concrete, interlocking permeable pavers, and hybrid systems are evaluated in terms of hydraulic performance, pollutant removal, thermal regulation, and structural durability. Initial infiltration capacities of newly constructed permeable pavements can exceed 1000 mm h⁻¹ , although long-term field infiltration rates typically decline to approximately 100–800 mm h⁻¹ depending on pavement type, sediment loading, ageing, and maintenance conditions. Field evidence indicates that permeable pavements can reduce surface runoff by 60–95% and peak flows by 30–70%, while enhancing groundwater recharge. Pollutants such as heavy metals are attenuated through adsorption and biological processes, with reported removal efficiencies of 60–95%. Additionally, permeable pavements mitigate thermal pollution through infiltration and evaporative cooling processes, with runoff or surface temperature reductions typically ranging from 2 to 8 °C compared with conventional impervious pavements. Depending on pavement type, maintenance conditions, and climatic exposure, expected service life commonly ranges between 10 and 40 years. Life-cycle assessments suggest that despite higher initial costs, long-term hydrological, environmental, and economic benefits justify broader adoption.