Recycle – Porous and Permeable Pavement Block

Recycle solves the problems connected to soil sealing, allowing the exchange of water and heat through its surface. Its permeability enhances water infiltration in the soil and it allows water storage between its layers, contributing to counteract both Flash Flooding and Droughts. Its structure also reduces the amount of heat stored during the day and promotes evaporation, counteracting Urban Heat Island effects.

Developed by

Favaro1

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Recycle is a porous and permeable pavement block. It is mainly made of a recycled natural stone, porphyry, binded with small amounts of concrete. Its structure is porous, 15-20% empty spaces of the total volume, which allows high rates of permeability to water and creates no surface runoff. It is normally led down on a gravel layer that can store water and reduce the amount of water that flows downstream.

TRL 7

ProSystem prototype demonstration in operational environment.
Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6 by requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment.

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Testing plan completed

The testing plan and the BRIGAID’s Testing Innovation Framework (TIF) has been rightly applied and finished. The TRL of the innovation has been effectively reached.

Physical and mechanical features of the innovation have already been tested, and it is already in production and sold in the normal building market. However, the most relevant features able to reduce the urban heat island effect and counteract intense rainfall events are expected to come from the interaction between the block pavement and its underlying (soil and gravel) layers. This interaction has still to be tested in order to have accurate values to meet the standards and reach a green and climate-ready market.

How does it work?

Recycle is led down as a normal pavement block. As explained before, what is innovative is its structure that has continuous pores that cross the whole material and connect the underlying layers to the surface. This connection allows the built surface to mainly work as a natural un-sealed surface does, breathing air, water and heat through its structure. It is vehicle accessible and doesn’t need special maintenance. It is also effective in reducing freezing.

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