Permeable Concrete

Asphalt, like any dark surface, absorbs solar radiation to a greater degree and radiates more heat to the environment, increases its temperature, modifies microclimates and affects global warming, with the consequent climatic changes throughout the planet, to the detriment of the environment, natural resources and quality of life. 

The so-called “Urban Heat Islands” effect can be reduced with alternative design, construction and material practices, which is easily achieved by building pavements with cutting-edge technology that helps improve the ecology, environment and quality of life, such as This is the case of permeable concrete pavements.

Light surfaces reflect and disperse solar radiation, concrete pavements reflect up to 2.8 times more light than asphalt pavements, resulting in significantly cooler surface temperatures, even on the sunniest days, in addition to the high reflectivity of concrete. translates into savings in energy consumption, since lighter pavements require less lighting at night and lower temperatures mean less use of air conditioning.

Pervious concrete, with its light weight and color characteristics, stores less heat than conventional concrete or asphalt, which helps reduce the Heat Island Effect. Additionally, the gaps allow water stored in the soil to evaporate in warm weather, preventing an increase in temperature.

Solar reflectance, also called albedo, is the percentage of solar energy reflected by a surface. Typically, for concrete it is between 35% and 40%, being higher than that of asphalt (between 5% and 10%).

The options to counteract the effect called “Urban Heat Islands” are:

• • The paving of the new roads with permeable ecological concrete.
  • The replacement of damaged asphalt or waterproof hydraulic concrete pavements with permeable ecological concrete pavement.
  • The coating of damaged pavements with asphalt or waterproof hydraulic concrete, placing an overlay of permeable ecological concrete.
  • Roofs and floors with highly reflective surfaces (“cool colors”, “cool roof”).
  • Architectural designs that generate shady spaces as a prevention of thermal stress due to heat in humans, for example, arcades and galleries.
  • Increase and optimization of green areas with permeable paths to help incorporate water into the ecosystem.
  • Installation of green roofs and facades.

The result, cooler communities, savings in the use of electricity, improvement of the environment and quality of life.

The authorities responsible for urban development and public works must be aware of the deterioration caused to the environment by continuing with the same practices of waterproofing urban areas when using materials such as asphalt and hydraulic concrete for paving vehicular or pedestrian roads. , materials that prevent the filtration of rainwater, losing the opportunity to recharge the aquifers, in addition to generating the effect of “Urban Heat Islands” in the populations.

So, the quality of life in our cities is in the hands of urban planners, investors, architects and builders, and particularly in the hands of politicians.